SBA-15/TFE (SBA-15/2,2,2-trifluoroethanol) as a suitable and effective metal-free catalyst for the preparation of the tri- and tetra-substituted imidazoles via one-pot multicomponent method

Adduct of unfunctionalized SBA-15 mesoporous and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (SBA-15/TFE) acts as a catalyst for the reaction between of an aldehyde, amine and ammonium acetate with benzil to provide an entry in the synthesis of high substituted imidazole derivatives as a synthetic potential and a pharmaceutical interest compound via one-pot multicomponent method. The present method carries the advantages of being performed under the neutral conditions and requires no activation or modification of the substrates. The catalyst can be reused without an obvious loss of the catalytic activity.

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► Un-functionalized SBA-15 mesoporous and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (SBA-15/TFE).
► Imidazole production via 3-CR is reported.
► A reusable porous catalyst system using commercially available fluorinated alcohol was employed.
► Represents advantages, operational simplicity, higher yield and with easy workup.