Silica supported lanthanum trifluoroacetate and trichloroacetate as an efficient and reusable water compatible Lewis acid catalyst for synthesis of 2,4,5-triarylimidazoles via a solvent-free green approach

In the present research article, we have developed solid heterogenous silica supported lanthanum trifluoroacetate and trichloroacetate as green Lewis acid catalysts. These catalysts were synthesized by a novel, simple, cheap, clean, and environment friendly method. The physicochemical properties of the prepared catalysts were well studied and characterized by sophisticated spectroscopic techniques such as FTIR, TGA, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM and BET analysis. The catalyst was utilized in the synthesis of arylimidazole derivatives via green protocols under solvent-free conditions at 70 degrees C with a higher yield, mild reaction conditions and a short reaction time. The catalyst works superiorly in water as well as in various organic solvents as a reusable and easily recoverable catalyst.

Automated summary

In this study, solid heterogeneous silica supported lanthanum trifluoroacetate and trichloroacetate were developed as green Lewis acid catalysts. These catalysts were synthesized using a novel, simple, cheap, clean, and environmentally friendly method. The physicochemical properties of the catalysts were well studied and characterized using sophisticated spectroscopic techniques. The catalyst demonstrated high efficiency in the synthesis of arylimidazole derivatives under solvent-free conditions, with higher yields, mild reaction conditions, and short reaction times. It can be easily recovered and reused in both water and various organic solvents.