A new active catalyst for single step synthesis of methyl isobutyl ketone from acetone

2 wt% Ni-CaO catalyst prepared by sol-gel process showed 70-80% acetone conversion and 60% MIBK selectivity at 200 degrees C of reaction temperature. The incorporated Ni influenced CaCO3, catalyst intermediate, to readily decompose into CaO, active basic component, and CO2 at even 500 degrees C. Meanwhile, Co or Pd did not influence CaCO3 decomposition at the same temperature of 500 degrees C and showed no catalytic activity. That is, Ni played a role as promoter for catalyst activation as well as active site of hydrogenation.