Synthesis of Methyl Acrylate by Aldol Condensation of Methyl Acetate with Formaldehyde Over Al 2 O 3 -Supported Barium Catalyst

Vapor phase aldol condensation of methyl acetate with formaldehyde was first studied over Al 2 O 3 with different calcination temperatures and Al 2 O 3 -supported barium with different amounts of barium catalysts. The catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, N 2 adsorption–desorption, the pyridine absorption performed via Fourier transform infrared spectroscope, NH 3 and CO 2 temperature-programmed desorption. The results indicated that the calcination temperature affected the strength and the number of surface acid and base sites over the alumina catalysts. In addition, the moderate Lewis acid and weak base sites were critical to promote this aldol condensation reaction. Adding barium species, which could effectively modified the acid–base properties of Al 2 O 3 , clearly improved the catalytic activity and selectivity. The stability and regeneration of the optimum catalyst were also investigated and did not exhibit an obvious decrease in efficiency. Graphical Abstract Al 2 O 3 -supported barium catalyst was found to be an effective catalyst for vapor phase aldol condensation of methyl acetate with formaldehyde as a result of the appropriate intensity of acid and base.