A facile method for synthesis of amine-functionalized mesoporous zirconia and its catalytic evaluation in Knoevenagel condensation Original Research Article

Amine-functionalized mesoporous zirconia was prepared by a co-condensation method using silane (aminopropyltrimethoxysilane, APTES) and zirconium butoxide. The materials were characterized by X-ray diffraction, BET surface area analysis, 13C magic angle spinning-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), Fourier-transfer infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmittance electron micrography (TEM), and CHN analysis. FTIR and NMR results revealed the successful grafting of organic amines onto the surface of zirconia. The catalytic activities were investigated for liquid phase Knoevenagel condensation of various aromatic aldehydes with diethyl malonate. The catalysts showed excellent yield of products at room temperature in solvent-free condition.