RGO/ZnO Nanocomposite: An Efficient, Sustainable, Heterogeneous, Amphiphilic Catalyst for Synthesis of 3-Substituted Indoles in Water

A nanocomposite consisting of reduced graphene oxide and zinc oxide nanopartides (RGO/ZnO) with unique structural features was developed as an efficient, sustainable, amphiphilic, heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of various 3-substituted indoles in water. The catalyst was recycled six times without significant loss in catalytic activity. The higher environmental compatibility and sustainability factors such as smaller E-factor and higher atom economy make the present methodology a true green and sustainable process for the synthesis of various biologically important 3-substituted indoles.