Diels-Alder Reaction with Transition Metal/Zeolites

Transition metal/Y zeolites were prepared by microwave solid state and aqueous solution ion-exchange methods. The activity of these zeolites was investigated in a Diels–Alder reaction of cyclopentadiene and maleic anhydride, anthracene and maleic anhydride. The yield of these reactions increased in order of (NaY < Fe2+Y < Fe3+Y < MnY < CuY ≈ NiY < CoY ≈ CrY < ZnY) for both methods. The aqueous solution ion-exchanged zeolites showed higher activity in comparison to solid state exchange. About 65–70% yield was observed for the Diels–Alder reaction with ZnY Zeolite. Endo-selectivity was observed for these reactions.