Nano 5% Fe–ZnO: A highly efficient and recyclable heterogeneous solid nano catalyst for the Biginelli reaction

• Published in: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society 2022-06, Vol.99 (6), p.100468, Article 100468
• Main Authors: Waghchaure, Ravindra Haribhau, Jagdale, Bapu Sonu, Koli, Prashant Bhimrao, Adole, Vishnu Ashok
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 5% Fe–ZnO nanocatalyst; BET; Biginelli reaction; Green chemistry
• ISSN: 0019-4522
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jics.2022.100468

In this paper, we report the synthesis and catalytic application of 5% Fe–ZnO nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-one derivatives as a highly efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The structural and morphological features of the synthesized nanocatalysts were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Using Debye-Scherer's formula, the average particle size for undoped ZnO was calculated to be 24.55 nm, while the average particle size for 5% Fe–ZnO was calculated to be 22.37 nm. The high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) revealed a hexagonal crystal lattice type. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area of ZnO and 5% Fe–ZnO was found to be 56.50 m2/g and 72.65 m2/g, respectively. Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) confirmed the elemental composition of undoped ZnO and doped 5% Fe–ZnO nanocatalysts. Biginelli products were produced using a one-pot three-component reaction of urea, β-dicarbonyl compound, and various aromatic aldehydes using 5% Fe–ZnO under clean conditions. It was found that a 5% Fe–ZnO nanocatalyst is a highly efficient heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropirimidinones. 1H NMR and 13C NMR analysis was used to confirm the structure of the synthesized Biginelli adducts. This synthetic protocol offers several advantages, including a short reaction time and purity of the synthesized, reusability and ease of catalyst separation, and a clean and quick workup. [Display omitted] •Fabrication of undoped ZnO and 5% Fe–ZnO by co-precipitation method.•Characterization by several analytical techniques.•Comparative study of prepared catalysts for the synthesis of 3,4-dihydropyrimidin-2-one derivatives.•Short reaction time, reusability and easy separation of the catalyst, clean and fast workup.•Non-chromatographic purification of products.