SO3H-functionalized Zeolite-Y as an Efficient Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis of Nbenzimidazole- 2-aryl-4-thiazolidinones and tri-substituted Imidazoles

Background: SO3H-functionalized zeolite-Y was prepared and used as a catalyst for the synthesis of 2-aryl-N-benzimidazole-4-thiazolidinones and tri-substituted imidazoles at ambient conditions. Objective: The goals of this catalytic method include excellent yields and high purity, inexpensive procedure and ease of product isolation, the use of nontoxic and heterogeneous acid catalyst, shorter reaction times and milder conditions. Materials and Methods: NMR spectra were recorded on Brucker spectrophotometer using Me4Si as internal standard. Mass spectra were recorded on an Agilent Technology 5975C VL MSD with tripe-axis detector. FTIR spectra were obtained with KBr disc on a galaxy series FT-IR 5000 spectrometer. The surface morphology of nanostructures was analyzed by FE-SEM (EVO LS 10, Zeiss, Carl Zeiss, Germany). BET analysis were measured at 196 °C by a Japan Belsorb II system after the samples were vacuum dried at 150°C overnight. Results: The NSZ was characterized by FT-IR, FESEM, EDX, XRF, and BET. The catalytic activity of NSZ was investigated for synthesis of 1,3-tiazolidin-4-ones in H2O/Acetone at room temperature. Moreover, NSZ was used for synthesis of tri-substituted imidazoles at 60 °C via solvent-free condensation. Different kinds of aromatic aldehydes were converted to the corresponding of products with good to excellent yields. Conclusion: Sulfonated zeolite-Y was as an efficient catalyst for the preparation of N-benzimidazole-2-aryl-1,3- thiazolidin-4-ones and 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazoles. High reaction rates, elimination toxic solvent, simple experimental procedure and reusability of the catalyst are the important features of this protocol.