Conversion of zeolite—A in to various ion-exchanged catalytic forms and their catalytic efficiency for the synthesis of benzimidazole

•Synthesis of zeolite-A•Conversion of Zeolite- A into various catalytic forms•Characterization of materials by XRD, FTIR, BET, NH3-TPD, SEM and EDS•Catalytic test of these materials for synthesis of benzimidazole

Zeolite-A was synthesized and converted into various ion-exchanged catalytic forms successfully. These catalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Brunauer Emmett Teller (BET) surface area measurement and thermal programmed desorption (TPD). Their catalytic activity was tested on the synthesis of benzimidazole using o-phenylenediamine (OPDA) and aldehyde at room temperature. The reaction proceeds efficiently under ambient conditions. The catalysts gave a high isolated yield of benzimidazole in a shorter reaction time at room temperature and were recycled several times.

Graphical abstractBET surface area analysis of various forms of zeolite-A.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide