Zirconium oxide complex anchored on boehmite nanoparticles as highly reusable organometallic catalyst for C–S and C–O coupling reactions

Abstract

Boehmite nanoparticles were prepared by a simple and inexpensive procedure in water using commercially available materials without inert atmosphere. Then, the surface of the boehmite nanoparticles was modified using 3‐mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane and subsequently zirconium oxide was supported on the modified surface. Zirconium oxide supported on boehmite nanoparticles (Pr.S‐ZrO@boehmite) was characterized using scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and inductively coupled plasma technique. The catalytic application of Pr.S‐ZrO@boehmite was studied in C–O and C–S coupling reactions for synthesis of valuable compounds such as ether and sulfide derivatives. All products were obtained in good to excellent yields and the catalyst could be recovered and reused several times without significant loss of catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, zirconium oxide is rarely used as catalyst for cross‐coupling reactions.