A new solid acid catalyst FeCl3/bentonite for aldol condensation under solvent-free condition

For the first time, a new solid acid catalyst has been used for the synthesis of aryl chalcones under solvent free conditions. A simple method (solid dispersion method) has been adopted for the synthesis of FeCl3/bentonite. The prepared catalyst has been characterized by different characterization techniques. A series of E-1-(substituted phenyl)-3-(1-pyrenyl)-2-propen-1-ones have been synthesized using FeCl3/bentonite under microwave-assisted solvent-free conditions. The yields are in the range from 80 to 88%. All the synthesized chalcones have been characterized by their physical constants, analytical, IR, H-1 and C-13 NMR spectral data. This catalyst can be reused for further runs (after fifth cycle) without decrease in activity. This catalyst gives excellent yields and is inexpensive and easily recyclable for this reaction.