Hydrogen transfer reaction between ethanol and acetone over magnesium oxide

Hydrogen transfer reaction between ethanol and acetone CH3OH + CH3COCH3 → CH3CHO + (CH3)2CHOH was carried out over magnesium oxide. With the help of a variety of information concerning the steady-state kinetics, the amount of adsorbed species present under the steady state of the reaction, the reactivity of adsorbed species, isotope distribution among the reactants and the products, and the isotope effect upon the reaction, it was concluded that the hydride transfer between ethoxide anion and weakly adsorbed acetone was one of the rate-determining steps. Acetone and acetaldehyde held on magnesium oxide in keto forms were very likely equilibrated with those in enolic forms at rapid rate. Acetate existed on the surface was found not to be involved in the reaction. 8 figures, 1 table