SYNERGISM OF MUICAT-1 AND MICROWAVE IRRADIATION IN CLAISEN-SCHMIDT CONDENSATION OF BENZALDEHYDE WITH ACETOPHENONE TO CHALCONE

In this work, we investigated the synthesis of trans-chalcone, which is used in diverse applications due to its bactericidal and other properties. The reaction was studied using a mesoporous catalyst, MUICaT-1, which has excellent reusability and is very active and selective in the condensation of benzaldehyde with acetophenone due its super-acidity and large surface area. There was a synergy between the catalysis with microwave irradiation without the occurrence of any self-condensation products and the process was environmentally benign. The effect of different parameters was studied, including the agitation speed, catalyst loading, mole ratio, temperature, and reusability of the catalyst. The catalyst was the most active and selective compared to other catalysts. A suitable kinetic model was proposed and validated.