STRUCTURE CHARACTERIZATION AND APPLICATION OF NI HYDROTALCITE AS ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY CATALYSTS FOR REDUCTIVE AMINATION OF BENZALDEHYDE

Ni/hydrotalcite catalysts with ratios 2:1, 2.5 and 3:1 exhibit catalytic activity for reductive amination of benzaldehyde to amine. Ni HTLC is prepared by co-precipitation method, which is characterized by XRD, IR and TPR instruments. Carbonate present in the brucite layer of hydrotalcite and calcined hydrotalcite produce mixed oxides, exhibits catalytic activity for variety of organic transformations ex: selective aldol, nitro aldol, wittig, knoevenegal oxidation, reduction reactions. Hydrotalcites have wide applications as catalysts, for biodegradable poly(L-lactide)/layered double hydroxide nano-composites, and nano-sized silver–anionic clay matrix as nano-structured assemblies with antimicrobial activity. The author investigated application of Ni HTLC catalyst for reductive amination of benzaldehyde as representative compound with NaBH4 as reducing agent to form Ni-boride insitu is generated resulting in the formation of aromatic amines with 100% conversion in methanol at room temperature. Highlighting special reference to Raney nickel catalyst, the handling of present catalyst does not require any special precautions and it can be used directly by charging into the reactor.