Catalytic conversion of Acetone to Mesitylene: synthesis and performance evaluation of heterogeneous catalysts in a continuous reaction system

Mesitylene is nowaday an aromatic compound which potential as an alternative fuel has garnered increasing attention. The main objective of this study is to optimize its production from acetone, aiming to replace its current fossil-based production with a more sustainable route. Thus, different types of heterogeneous catalysts have been synthesized and tested in a continuous reactor to increase the yield and the selectivity toward mesitylene, while trying to minimize by-products formation and side reactions.