Introduction of Fe into mesoporous MCM-41 for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1H-Tetrazoles from aryl nitriles in water

Abstract

In this exploration, new recyclable mesoporous-supported iron particles with the ligand and without ligand (MCM-41@ 3,4,5-tri hydroxyphenyl acetic acid @Fe and MCM-41@Fe) have been developed through post-functionalization modification of silica MCM-41. These catalysts were demonstrated to be novel, effective, and green for the synthesis of 5-substituted 1 H -tetrazoles from aryl nitriles in water. In these systems, 5-substituted 1 H -tetrazoles are produced as the only product. Fe 3+ species were identified as active sites. The ordered mesoporous iron-silica catalyst with the ligand displayed better catalytic activity compared to iron-silica catalyst without the ligand, which was ascribed to the improvement of the inter-action of iron with the support. The catalysts can be easily separated using simple recovery and reused several times with consistent activity. • The novel, and eco-friendly MCM-41@ 3,4,5-tri hydroxyphenyl acetic acid @Fe and MCM-41@Fe catalysts were prepared. • These catalysts can be used as efficient catalysts for thesynthesis of 5-substituted 1 H -tetrazoles from Nitrile in Water. • The products were obtained in good yields in a short reaction time. • These catalysts could be recovered easily and reused several times without important decrease in efficiency.