12-Tungstophosphoric acid supported on nano silica from rice husk ash as an efficient catalyst for direct benzylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds in solvent-free condition

Nano silica has been prepared from rice husk, which is an agricultural waste, with high surface area and in amorphous form. 12-Tungstophosphoric acid, H3PW12O40 (PW) has been supported on this silica to produce nano silica supported PW (NPW/SiO2) as a nano catalyst. Characterization of this catalyst has been investigated by TEM, FTIR, and ICP, also, acidic properties have been studied by potentiometric titration method. 40% NPW/SiO2 has been used as a high effective catalyst for benzylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds with benzylic alcohols. The present methodology offers a clean, practical, simple, mild, environmentally friendly, green and time-saving method under solvent free condition. Also, the catalyst is a good candidate for large-scale in direct benzylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds.

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► Nano silica with high surface area has been produced from rice husk.
► Prepared nano silica was used as a support for 12-tungstophosphoric acid.
► Acidic properties of the supported catalyst have been investigated.
► Catalytic activity of produced nano catalyst was excellent.
► Direct benzylation of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds has been studied.