Heterogeneous catalytic condensation of propanal

The aldol homocondensation of propanal was studied in the presence of a heterogeneous titanium oxide catalyst modified with amino acid (AA) l -norleucine. The effects of the temperature and l -norleucine content on the conversion of propanal and selectivity of the process were studied. The reaction products were identified, and possible mechanisms are considered. A new catalyst (5% AA on titanium dioxide) was developed for the synthesis of 2-methyl-2-pentenal with the selectivity >90%.