Mg/Al mixed oxides: Heterogeneous basic catalysts for the synthesis of salicylamide from urea and phenol

Several Mg/Al mixed oxides were prepared by thermal decomposition of hydrotalcites and used for the synthesis of salycilamide from urea and phenol. Their physicochemical properties were characterized by ICP, XRD, CO2-TPD and N-2 adsorption/desorption techniques. Based on the results of catalytic testing and catalyst characterization, relationships between their catalytic performances and base properties were investigated. In addition, XRD characterization and re-usability testing indicated that these catalytic systems for salycilamide synthesis are heterogeneous in nature. (C) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.