Hydrotalcites (HT) and hydrotalcite-based materials are viewed as attractive
and feasible choices among heterogeneous catalysts, particularly in organic catalytic
transformations. These catalysts have been widely researched as promising candidates
in one-pot organic synthesis. They are synthesised via the standard co-precipitation
method and can be used as support for transition metals and nanomaterials. Compared
to the corrosive, hard to reutilise and, detrimental to the environment homogenous
catalysts, HTs are high-functioning alternatives that deliver several benefits like
profitable yields, recyclability and excellent selectivity. They are being studied today as
precursors for a variety of scientific purposes such as in the production of renewable
fuels, polymers, olefins and pharmaceuticals. Such processes involve essential organic
reactions like isomerisation, oxidation, hydrogenation, methanation, nucleophilic
additions, transesterification, and many more. In this chapter, examples of such organic
reactions where hydrotalcite-based materials posed as an optimal catalyst are discussed.
Keywords: Hydrogenation, Methanation, Magnesium-aluminium hydrotalcite, Nucleophilic addition, Nanomaterials, Oxidation, Transition metals.