Nanosized sulfated zirconia as solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of 2-substituted benzimidazoles

Abstract

AbstractThe condensation reaction of o-phenylenediamine and arylaldehydes was investigated in the presence of nanosized sulfated zirconia (SO42−-ZrO2) as the solid acid catalyst. Nanosized SO42−-ZrO2 was prepared and characterized by the XRD, FT-IR, and SEM techniques. The results confirm good stabilization of the tetragonal phase of zirconia in the presence of sulfate. Reusability experiments showed partial deactivation of the catalyst after each run; good reusability can be achieved after calcinations of the recovered catalyst before its reuse.