H5PW10V2O40/pyridino-SBA-15 as a highly recyclable, robust and efficient inorganic–organic hybrid material for the catalytic preparation of bis(indolyl)methanes

A highly well-organized heterogeneous protocol is developed for the simple synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes by the effective mediation of an inorganic–organic hybrid material prepared by the chemically anchoring of H5PW10V2O40 onto mesoporous silica (SBA-15). Standard characterization data such as XRD, SEM, and FT-IR for the obtained catalyst verified that the ordered hexagonal mesoporous structure of SBA-15 and the Keggin structure of tungstovanadophosphoricacid on pyridine modified SBA-15 surface are preserved. Reusability experiments demonstrated that the active sites on the pyridine modified SBA-15 mesoporous silica retained their structure after several cycles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (181 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Synthesis of a new inorganic–organic hybrid material. ► Modification of SBA-15 with TPI. ► Heterogenization of H5PW10V2O40 via chemical bonding. ► Synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes by SBA/TPI/HPA catalyst. ► A highly reusable heterogeneous catalyst.