Exploring the synthetic potential of a g-C3N4·SO3H ionic liquid catalyst for one-pot synthesis of 1,1-dihomoarylmethane scaffolds via Knoevenagel-Michael reaction

Abstract

A highly promising approach for the synthesis of functionalized 1,1-dihomoarylmethane scaffolds (bis-dimedones, bis-cyclohexanediones, bis-pyrazoles, and bis-coumarins) using g-C3N4·SO3H ionic liquid via Knoevenagel-Michael reaction has been developed and the synthesized derivatives were well characterized using spectral studies. The method involved the reaction of C-H activated acids with a range of aromatic aldehydes, in a 2 : 1 ratio catalyzed by a g-C3N4·SO3H ionic liquid catalyst. The use of g-C3N4·SO3H as a catalyst has several benefits, such as low cost, easy preparation, and high stability. It was synthesized from urea powder and chloro-sulfonic acid and was thoroughly characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, and HRTEM. The present work unveils a promising and environmentally friendly method for synthesizing 1,1-dihomoarylmethane scaffolds with high yield, selectivity, and efficiency, using mild reaction conditions, no need for chromatographic separation, and short reaction times. The approach adheres to green chemistry principles and offers a viable alternative to the previously reported methods.