Activated carbons for chalcone production: Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction

•Activated carbons were tested as catalysts for Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction.•The source of raw material influences the catalytic performance of activated carbons.•High surface area and alkalinity are essential for carbons success as catalyst on chalcone production.

Activated carbons catalysts from different raw materials as Orbignya phalerata, Cocus nucifera, ox bone and Elaies guineensis were tested on Claisen-Schmidt condensation reaction to obtain chalcone. The activated carbons were used in both forms, raw and treated with NaOH and were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis, determination of specific surface area by adsorption/desorption of N2 at 77 K method, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and basic sites by Boehm Method. Finally, the performance of catalysts was evaluated on the Claisen-Schmidt reaction between acetophenone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde at atmospheric pressure and room temperature during 24 h.

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