ZnO-Al2O3-La2O3 layered double hydroxides were synthesized by the coprecipitation method and calcined at 400 degrees C in order to obtain the corresponding mixed oxides. XRD patterns showed lamellar type materials in fresh solids (dried) while for calcined samples the characteristic mixed oxides and zincite peaks were observed. After calcination, high specific surface areas (180-130 m(2)/g) were obtained in the mixed oxides. TPD-CO2 denotes a shift in the CO2 desorption peak to highest temperature in the samples containing La3+. In the oleic acid esterification with methanol, under soft reaction conditions (100 degrees C and 6 atm), ZnAlLa mixed oxides reached conversions of 75% to the ester after 15 min and higher than 88% after 1 h of reaction. (C) 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.