Aldol condensation of acetaldehyde using calcined layered double hydroxides

A variety of layered double hydroxides (LDHs) after calcination at 450°C have been used in the aldol condensation reaction of acetaldehyde. The major products are crotonaldehyde and 3-hydroxybutanal. Activity is found to correlate well with available surface area and the selectivity is determined by the number and strength of the basic centres.