The one-pot three component synthesis of imidazole derivatives by using of 1,3,5-Tris(2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate-functionalized graphene oxide as a novel and efficient nanocatalyst

The preparation, characterization and catalytic application of a novel 1,3,5-Tris(2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate-functionalized graphene oxide is described. The catalyst was characterized by nitrogen adsorption-desorption analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The thermal stability of the material was also determined by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The catalytic application of 1,3,5-Tris(2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate-functionalized graphene oxide nanocatalyst was then investigated in the synthesis imidazole derivatives from benzil, different aldehydes and ammonium acetate under solvent-free conditions in short reaction times and good to excellent yields.

The significant advantages of this procedure are low loading of the catalyst, avoiding the use of toxic transition metals, short reaction times, high to excellent yields, easy separation and purification of the products and reusability of this nanocatalyst.