The catalytic activity of hydrotalcite ([M(II)(1-x),M(III)(x)(OH2)](x+)(CO32-)(x/n)center dot mH(2)O; where M(II) = Mg, Ni, Zn and M(III) = Al) was evaluated for the synthesis of jasminaldehyde by solvent free condensation of 1-heptanal with benzaldehyde. The effect of activation of as-synthesized Mg-Al hydrotalcite samples of varied Mg/Al molar ratio on its catalytic activity was studied and correlated with their basicity as determined from the model test reaction. The effect of reaction parameters such as, amount of catalyst, benzaldehyde to 1-heptanal molar ratio and reaction temperature on conversion of 1-heptanal and selectivity of jasminaldehyde was studied in detail. Maximum selectivity of jasminaldehyde (86%) with 98% conversion of 1-heptanal was observed using as-synthesized Mg-Al hydrotalcite of Mg/Al molar ratio of 3.5 as a catalyst. The kinetics of the reaction was measured and reaction rate and order of reaction were determined under optimum reaction conditions. The catalyst was re-used upto three cycles without significant loss in its activity. The base catalyzed reaction mechanism for condensation of 1-heptanal with benzaldehyde is proposed. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.