Friedel-Crafts benzoylation reaction of aromatic compounds using zinc oxide nanoparticles in deep eutectic solvent (choline chloride/urea) under microwave irradiation

Abstract

Synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO) which was found to be effective catalyst for Friedel-Crafts benzoylation reaction in the presence of deep eutectic solvent (DES). The method is one of the most important intermediates for preparing fine chemicals in the field of pharmaceuticals, which is a tool for organic syntheses of aromatic ketones. ZnO precursor was prepared from Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O and H2C2O4.2H2O, ZnO nanoparticles were characterized by using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The benzoylation of aromatic compounds and benzoyl chloride using nanoparticles ZnO/ [CholineCl][Urea]2, under microwave irradiation afforded the desired products in high yields and short reaction times. The catalyst/solvent could be recycled several times without loss of efficient catalytic activity.