Novel iron and gallium salts of Aquivion® PFSA: Synthesis, characterization and some catalytic applications

•Synthesis and characterization of novel heterogeneous perfluorosulfonated salts.•Application of these Fe and Ga salts as catalysts for Friedel–Crafts acylations.•Use of these recyclable catalysts in substoichiometric amount.•Preparation of some potentially industrially useful thiophene and indole products.•“Greener and more sustainable” Catalysts synthesis and Friedel–Crafts applications.

The objective of this study was to prepare, characterize and test the catalytic properties of iron and gallium salts of Aquivion® PFSA (hereinafter Aquivion-H). The samples were characterized by the determination of metal loading in fresh and used materials, ATR-FTIR, and thermogravimetric analysis (TG-DSC). The salts were screened in Friedel–Crafts acylation of some heterocyclic compounds and compared with some homogeneous and heterogeneous Lewis acids as well as with pure Aquivion-H. These new salts revealed efficient catalytic activity and recyclability.

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