Catalytic hydrogen transfer over magnesia, IXa. reduction of long chain aliphatic ketones by 2-propanol

A series of symmetrical long chain aliphatic ketones of general formula CH₃−(CH₂)_n-CO-(CH₂)₂−CH₃, where n=4,5,6,7 and 8, has been used as hydrogen acceptors from 2-propanol at 573–723 K in the presence of MgO catalyst under flow conditions. The yeilds 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. The direct one-step synthesis of C₁₃ alkene from 7-tridecanone has been realized under catalytic transfer reduction (CTR) conditions with high yield (>90%) over a MgO catalyst of enhanced acidity. Part VIII: Appl. Catal. A.:General,150, 77 (1997)