Abstract The catalytic properties of various solid bases for self-condensation of n- butyraldehyde in liquid phase were studied to elucidate the factors governing the activity and selectivity. For alkaline earth oxide catalysts and γ-alumina catalyst, aldol condensation occurred, followed by Tishchenko-type cross-esterification of n-butyraldehyde with the dimer produced by the aldol condensation to form trimeric glycol ester. Alkali ion-modified ...
