Hal-Py-SO3H as a novel and recyclable catalyst for highly efficient synthesis of xanthene and spiropyran derivatives

Abstract

The aim of this research is to synthesize a new sulfonic acid catalyst based on halloysite nanotubes (Hal-Py-SO3H) and characterize it as a solid acid nanocatalyst by various analytical techniques such as Fourier-Transformed Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Thermal gravimetric Analysis (TGA), X-ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Vibrating Energy-Dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray atomic mapping. Furthermore, this new catalyst was evaluated in synthesizing spiropyran derivatives via multicomponent reactions (MCRs) and Xanthen derivatives under environmentally sustainable conditions. The main advantages of this approach include green conditions, excellent yields, quick reaction rates, and ease of preparation. Additionally it was observed that the catalyst exhibited robust stability even after multiple recycling processes, indicating its potential for practical applications in sustainable chemical transformations.