The one-pot reaction has recently received a lot of attention due to its
significant advantages over traditional multi-step reactions. One of the main advantages
of one-pot reactions is that it can save time and resources by eliminating the need for
multiple reaction steps and purification processes. It can lead to the more efficient and
cost-effective synthesis of target molecules. In addition, one-pot reactions can also
frequently be conducted under milder reaction conditions, such as lower temperatures
and pressures, resulting in higher yields and fewer side reactions. They can also reduce
the formation of hazardous waste and environmental impact. One-pot reactions also
offer more opportunities for synthetic creativity, as they allow for the simultaneous
manipulation of multiple functional groups in a single reaction vessel. As a result, new
synthetic pathways and novel compounds might be discovered.
In recent years, the combination of one-pot reactions and hydrotalcite has gained
significant importance recently due to their complementary advantages. Hydrotalcite is
a mineral with the chemical formula Mg6Al2
(OH)16CO3
.4H2O and is commonly found
in primary and ultrabasic igneous rocks, serpentinites, and carbonate-rich sediments. It
is made up of interlayer anions like carbonate or nitrate and positively charged layers
of magnesium and aluminum hydroxides. The layers of magnesium and aluminum
hydroxides, which are positively charged, have a large surface area and a net negative
charge in hydrotalcite as a result of the interlayer anions. Its large surface area and net
negative charge allow it to stabilize reactant molecules, enhancing the yield as well as
the selectivity of the expected product. Additionally, altering the interlayer anions, the
Mg/Al ratio, and doping with additional metal ions can further improve the catalytic
activity of hydrotalcite.
Compared to traditional catalysts, such as metal salts or complexes, hydrotalcite offers
several advantages, including high stability, low toxicity, and easy separation from the
reaction mixture. As a result, combining one-pot reactions with hydrotalcite as a
catalyst can lead to more efficient and sustainable synthetic processes with greater
synthetic creativity. Therefore, the aim of the book chapter is to summarize recent
examples of one-pot reactions in which hydrotalcites have been used as catalysts. By exploring these examples, readers can gain insights into the potential applications of
hydrotalcite as a flexible and efficient catalyst for organic reactions.
Keywords: Green synthesis, Green catalyst, Hydrotalcite, One-pot reactions, Organic synthesis.