Microwave-assisted expeditious hydrolysis of isobenzofuranone derivatives using silica supported acid under organic solvent-free conditions

Silica sulfuric acid was found to be an efficient, reusable and environment-friendly catalyst for fast hydrolysis of various isobenzofuranone to corresponding 2-ketomethylquinoline derivatives in a high yield under solvent-free using microwave irradiation. As the activator of silica sulfuric acid the wet SiO2 was chosen. The reactions in conventional conditions were compared with the microwave assisted reactions. This approach can prove beneficial since the recovery of solvents from conventional reaction systems always results in some losses.