CATALYTIC HYDROGEN-TRANSFER OVER MAGNESIA, IX - REDUCTION OF LONG-CHAIN ALIPHATIC-KETONES BY 2-PROPANOL

A series of symmetrical long chain aliphatic ketones of general formul a CH3(CH2)(n)-Co-(CH2)-CH3 where n = 4,5,6,7 and 8, has been used as h ydrogen accepters from 2-propanol at 573-723 K in the presence of MgO catalyst under now conditions. The yields of the appropriate alcohols exceeded 50%. Above 623 K the consecutive dehydration of the alcohols formed took place with moderate yields leading to internal alkenes. Th e direct onestep synthesis of C-13 alkene from 7-tridecanone has been realized under catalytic transfer reduction (CTR) conditions with high yield (>90%) over a MgO catalyst of enhanced acidity.