ZnO and ZnO-nanoparticles: Efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalysts for one-pot synthesis of N-acylsulfonamides and sulfonate esters

Commercially available and preparative ZnO nanoparticles are reported as efficient and reusable catalysts for the chemoselective synthesis of N-acylsulfonamides and sulfonate esters. A one-pot sequential sulfonylation and acylation of amines took place to afford the N-acylsulfonamides in excellent yields under solvent-free conditions. The ZnO catalyst can be reused for without significant loss of catalytic activity.

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► ZnO nanoparticles promote sulfonylation of alcohols and amines superior than commercial ZnO.
► ZnO catalyzes efficiently both alkylation and acylation of sulfonamides.
► Scope of one-pot synthesis of N-acylsulfonamides is obvious.
► The ZnO and ZnO nanoparticles were recyclable.