[Cu(bpdo)2·2H2O]2+-supported SBA-15 nanocatalyst for efficient one-pot synthesis of benzoxanthenone and benzochromene derivatives

A novel [Cu(bpdo)2·2H2O]2+-supported SBA-15 catalyst (bpdo = 2,2′-bipyridine,1,1′-dioxide) was prepared by the impregnation method. The catalyst was characterized by XRD, TEM, and BET nitrogen adsorption–desorption method, FT-IR, UV–vis, and chemical analysis. XRD patterns and TEM analysis of [Cu(bpdo)2·2H2O]2+/SBA-15 showed highly ordered hexagonal mesoporous silica, even after immobilization. Also, nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherms exhibited type-IV isotherms and H1 hysteresis loops according to the IUPAC classification of mesoporous materials. This green support was tested for the synthesis of benzoxanthenone and benzochromene derivatives under solvent-free conditions, with high yield of products via a simple experimental and work-up procedure.