Graphene–ZnO@SiO2 hybrid: An efficient and solid acid catalyst for synthesis of azlactones under ultrasound irradiation

The central theme of this article is how to explore a novel route to fabricate graphene– ZnO@SiO2 hybrid by a covalent process. The synthesis procedure consists of three-steps: (1) synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, (2) ZnO nanoparticles modification by tetraethyl orthosilicate and (3-aminopropyl) triethoxysilane after introduction of amino groups on its surface, (3) the covalent attachment of ZnO@SiO2 onto the graphene surface by the amidation reaction between amino group of ZnO@SiO2 and carboxylic group of graphene. This hybrid was then used as a catalyst for the synthesis of azlactones obtained by Erlenmeyer synthesis from aromatic aldehydes and hippuric acid under the ultrasonic irradiation. The pro