An efficient Knoevenagel condensation of aldehydes with active methylene compounds over novel, robust CeZrO4−δ catalyst

Abstract

In the present work, we explored novel CeZrO4−δ as a catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation of aldehydes with reactive methylene compounds like malononitrile and ethylcyanoacetate. For the present study, ceria, zirconia and CeZrO4−δ were prepared by gel combustion method and well characterized using XRD, SEM, EDX, BET and TPD analyses, etc. A wide range of aldehydes were effectively condensed over novel CeZrO4−δ with reactive methylene compounds with high yields. In addition, the CeZrO4−δ was effectively reused for five consecutive cycles without significant loss in its activity. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first liquid-phase application of pure CeZrO4−δ.