Modified Dowex-50 W-promoted synthesis of chalcones containing hydroxyl and nitro groups

Dowex-50 W-sodium ion exchange was used after acidification and modification via nitration and sulfonation as it is a reusable catalyst for the synthesis of chalcones containing hydroxyl and nitro groups through condensation of substituted aldehydes and substituted acetophenone. This synthesis provides several advantages such as excellent yields of the required products. The prepared compounds (1–11) were identified by m.p., IR, CHN analysis, 1H, and 13C NMR.Claisen-Schmidt condensation methodology is widely used in organic synthesis ranging from the preparation of biologically active small molecules to the total synthesis of more complex natural products and there is plethora of examples of its use in the literature. Herein we are reporting another example of the usefulness of this important reaction.