Diacetone alcohol decomposition and benzaldehyde Cannizzaro reaction as test reactions for the basic strength measurements of alumina, magnesia, Amberlyst type resins (A-15, XN 1010, A-26, A-21), Nafion NR 50 and solid sulfuric acid

The decomposition of diacetone alcohol to acetone proceeding at 303 K as well as the Cannizzaro transformation of benzaldehyde at 323 K leading to benzyl alcohol, can be regarded as useful test reactions in investigating the basic properties of solid catalysts. The minimum basic strength H_min needed to initiate the conversion of diacetone alcohol is within the range of 11.8–13.3, and for benzaldehyde transformation the value is 15.4. The above mentioned test reactions were used to study the basic strength of different solid acid–base catalysts. The conclusions can be presented as follows: (a) solid NaOH and Amberlyst type resin A-26 exhibit basic strength of H_ ≥ 15.4 respectively, the basic centers of A-21 resin possess lower strength 11.8–13.3 ≤ H_ < 15.4; (b) Amberlyst-15, Amberlyst XN 1010, Nafion NR 50 resins and solid sulfuric acid (SSA) possess basic strength of H_ < 11.8–13.3; (c) the basic strength of alumina and magnesia is 11.8–13.3 ≤ H_ < 15.4 whether they have been calcined at 753 K or not.