Ruthenium containing hydrotalcite as a solid base catalyst for >CC< double bond isomerization in perfumery chemicals

Abstract Ruthenium containing hydrotalcite (Ru–Mg–Al) is used as a solid base catalyst for >C C 2 and Ru–alumina for isomerization of methyl chavicol to trans -anethole. Ru–Mg–Al catalyst was reused four times without loss in its activity, however, significant loss in the conversion of methyl chavicol and selectivity of trans -anethole was observed on reusability of other ruthenium impregnated catalysts. The conversion of methyl chavicol and selectivity of trans -anethole was found to increase on increasing the reaction temperature as well as amount of catalyst. At 0.005 g catalyst amount, 55% conversion of methyl chavicol with 68% selectivity of trans -anethole was observed that increased to 93% with 82% selectivity of trans -anethole at 0.05 g catalyst amount. On further increase in the amount of catalyst to 1 g, conversion increased to 98% with 88% selectivity of trans -anethole.