synthesis and characterization of modified MCM-41 and MCM-48 mesoporous and their application in Knoevenagel condensation reactions in water

Synthesis, characterization and application of mesoporous silica materials MCM-41 and MCM-48 modified by Zirconium (IV) were investigated. The synthesized materials were characterized by means of Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), N2 adsorption /desorption measurements analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Synthesized materials were used as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the Knoevenagle condensation reaction in water with good to excellent yields. In fact, modification of MCM-41 and MCM-48 mesoporous materials with bonded aminosilane species, Schiff base preparation by isatin and finally complexation with zirconium, has attracted much attention in order to design catalyst with advanced applications in the kneovenagel condensation reaction. Obtained results by these heterogeneous catalysts revealed several advantages including short reaction times, simple workup, easy isolation and reusability.