The catalytic behaviour of the superbases Na/NaOH/gamma-Al2O3 and CsxO/gamm
a-Al2O3 as well as of the basic zeolites Na/NaX and CsxO/CsX were investiga
ted in the Michael addition of ethyl acrylate and acetone. The reactions we
re carried out in the liquid phase at catalyst loadings varying from 0.05 t
o 0.1 mol ester/g catalyst.