Fabrication of a Gold-Supported NiAlTi-Layered Double Hydroxide Nanocatalyst for Organic Transformations

Abstract This work is mainly focused on the synthesis of an efficient and reusable heterogeneous Au/NiAlTi layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocatalyst and its applications in the preparation of biologically important xanthene, 1,4-dihydropyridine, polyhydroquinoline, and 4H-pyran derivatives. NiAlTi LDH was designed hydrothermally and then gold was supported over the surface of LDH by using ion-exchange and NaBH4 reduction methods. The synthesized nanocatalyst was physicochemically characterized by X-ray diffractrometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TEM images confirmed the support of gold nanoparticles over the surface of LDH with a size distribution of 7–9 nm. The well-characterized nanocatalyst was tested for the synthesis of biologically important xanthene, 1,4-dihydropyridine, polyhydroquinoline, and 4H-pyran derivatives. The advantages obtained were excellent yields in a lesser reaction time. Stability and reusability were also accessed; the catalyst was stable even after five cycles. High catalytic efficiency, easy fabrication, and recycling ability of Au/NiAlTi LDH make it a potential catalyst for the synthesis of xanthene, 1,4-dihydropyridine, polyhydroquinoline, and 4H-pyran derivatives.