Mesoporous ordered silica structures modified by metal organic reagents and their application in catalytic Michael additions

Periodic mesoporous silica was modified with metal organic reagents via direct surface substitution reactions, thus introducing functional groups into the channels of the structure. Using materials functionalised with basic aromatic molecules as catalysts, the efficient Michael addition of diethyl malonate to trans-β-nitrostyrene was achieved. The catalysts anchored to the silica surface show high activity in the catalytic process even at low concentrations and low temperatures. The catalysts also prove to be stable during many recycling procedures. In combination with the remarkably reduced cost for the synthesis of these solid bases, the new hybrid systems are promising candidates for a new generation of catalysts.