Nano Fe/NaY zeolite: an efficient and reusable solid-supported catalyst for synthesis of 1-oxo-hexahydroxanthene and tetraketone derivatives

Nano Fe/NaY zeolite with high loading of Fe ions was successfully synthesized by the ion-exchange technique at ambient temperature. The prepared Fe/NaY was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area measurements, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The data analyses confirm the presence of iron oxide (up to 32.8 %) with average diameter of 30-40 nm on the surface of NaY zeolite. The catalytic activity of nano Fe/NaY zeolite was examined in the preparation of 1-oxo-hexahydroxanthene and tetraketone derivatives. The results showed its applicability as a green, reusable, and promising catalyst for organic synthesis. This protocol demonstrates several notable advantages including short reaction times, environmentally friendly conditions, no necessity for extraction or chromatographic purification steps, more convenient workup, high yields of products, and lack of use of any injurious solvents. The catalyst was recovered and reused up to four consecutive times without significant loss in catalytic activity.