Synlett 2016; 27(08): 1251-1254
DOI: 10.1055/s-0035-1561354
letter
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Catalytic Performance of Hydrophobic Sulfonated Nanocatalysts CMK-5-SO3H and SBA-15-Ph-PrSO3H for Ecofriendly Synthesis of 2-Substituted Benzimidazoles in Water

Daryoush Zareyee*
Department of Chemistry, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran   Email: zareyeee@gmail.com
,
Sakineh Rostamian Tuyehdarvary
Department of Chemistry, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran   Email: zareyeee@gmail.com
,
Leila Allahgholipour
Department of Chemistry, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran   Email: zareyeee@gmail.com
,
Zinatossadat Hossaini
Department of Chemistry, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran   Email: zareyeee@gmail.com
,
Mohammad A. Khalilzadeh
Department of Chemistry, Qaemshahr Branch, Islamic Azad University, Qaemshahr, Iran   Email: zareyeee@gmail.com
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 20 November 2015

Accepted after revision: 11 January 2016

Publication Date:
05 February 2016 (online)


Abstract

The hydrophobicity of environmentally benign organosulfonic acid-functionalized silica (SBA-15-Ph-PrSO3H) and sulfonic acid-based nanoporous carbon (CMK-5-SO3H) was assessed in relation to the green synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles from aldehydes and benzene-1,2-diamine in open air in an aqueous medium. The results are rationalized in terms of the inclusion of the substrates inside hydrophobic cavities of the catalysts. Furthermore, the more hydrophobic and more water-resistant catalyst CMK-5-SO3H showed superior catalytic activity. Their excellent yields, their use of water as a green solvent, and their recyclability and environmentally friendly nature makes these catalysts important alternatives to classical acid catalysts.