Catalytic C-C bond formation promoted by Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite

Mg-Al-O-t-Bu-hydrotalcite catalyst was found to be an efficient, environmentally attractive and selective solid base catalyst for 1.4 Michael addition. Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite is also effective for simple synthesis of oc,P-unsaturated esters and nitriles by condensation of the corresponding activated carboxylic esters or nitriles with various aldehydes by Knoevenagel condensation. These reactions proceeded at room temperature at a greater rate in the presence of Mg-Al-O-t-Bu hydrotalcite than in the presence of any of the other catalysts examined. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.