Novel and green approach for the nanocrystalline magnesium oxide synthesis and its catalytic performance in Claisen–Schmidt condensation

•Application of concentrated solar energy for the synthesis of MgO nanoparticles.•Magnesium acetate and 1,4-butanediol used for the synthesis of MgONPs.•Obtained nanoparticles are ranging from 5–15 nm.•MgONPs as a reusable and excellent catalyst for Claisen –Schmidt condensation.•The efficiency of protocol checked by synthesis of various chalcon derivatives.

Magnesium oxide is one of the most promising solid base material having catalytic applications. A novel, simple, efficient, inexpensive, additives free and green synthesis protocol for magnesium oxide nano-particles using concentrated solar energy has been reported. Using magnesium acetate and 1, 4-butanediol magnesium oxide nanoparticles in the range of 5–20 nm was prepared. The driving force for the nanoparticles synthesis was obtained by using concentrated solar energy as a dual energy source in the form of radiational and thermal effect. The resulting magnesium oxide nanoparticles are found to be excellent and reusable catalyst for the Claisen–Schmidt condensation under solvent free condition.