Influence of Al-clustering in the catalytic activity of layered double hydroxides for the Baeyer-Villiger oxidation

The utilization of efficient and environmentally friendly heterogeneous catalysts in the Baeyer-Villiger (BV) reaction gained significant importance in the field of green chemistry. In this study, the catalytic properties of magnesium-aluminium hydrotalcite in the BV oxidation of cyclic ketones using H₂O₂ were investigated. The research focused on the influence of two different synthetic routes on the clustering of aluminium centers and its impact on catalytic activity in the Baeyer-Villiger reaction. Surprisingly, the catalyst with a high degree of aluminium clustering exhibited superior performance compared to the ordered aluminium solid. Moreover, the most active catalyst displayed sustained activity even after three successive reaction cycles. This study presented the first report on the influence of trivalent metals in the BV reaction, thus opening up a new avenue for further exploration of such catalysts in the context of Baeyer-Villiger oxidation.