Sri Handayani, Sabirin Matsjeh, Chairil Anwar, Sri Atun, Is Fatimah
A homogeneous catalyst is commonly utilized in benzalacetone synthesis via crossed-aldol condensation reaction from benzaldehyde and acetone. The reaction generally occurrs in low efficiency caused by the presence of Hα which tends to direct double crossed-aldol condensation and produced dibenzalacetone as a side product. The aim of this research is to find an eco-friendly synthesis process by using a heterogeneous catalyst. In the present research, heterogeneous catalysts of ZrO 2 and ZrO 2 supported montmorillonite (ZrO 2-montmorillonite) were evaluated in the improvement of reaction activity. In this case, the reaction yield (% yield) was used as the parameter for comparing the efficiency. As suggested by the general mechanism of the heterogeneous catalysis, the obtained result showed increased reaction yields in both ZrO 2-montmorillonite and ZrO 2 catalyzed reactions, however, ZrO 2-montmorillonite results were superior. Quantitatively increased efficiency was obtained in that ZrO 2-montmorillonite catalyzed reaction was 29.16-436.77 % compared to the uncatalyzed reaction.
Chemistry Education Department, Yogyakarta State University, Karangmalang, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Chemistry Department, Gadjah Mada University, Sekip Utara, Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Chemistry Department, Islamic University of Indonesia, Kampus Terpadu UII, Yogyakarta 55581, Jl. Kaliurang Km. 14, Indonesia
