New article in press
Great news! Our research group under supervision of Oleg Kikhtyanin published a paper in Catalysis Today where they discuss in detail the effect of the furfural feedstock acidity on its aldol condensation with acetone when using the MgAl mixed oxides.
The interesting part of the research was not only the testing of the catalyst activity of the as-received furfural. The furfural conversion can be improved by distilling the as-received furfural prior to the aldol condensation experiments. Moreover, the storage of the freshly distilled furfural during a few days, even in a closed flask and at a dark place, resulted in a substantial decrease in furfural conversion in aldol condensation. The main message is that furfural properties have to be closely monitored to obtain reproducible catalytic results.
Enjoy reading and let us know your opinion!