ZnO Nanoparticles: A Highly Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for Tandem Knoevenagel-Michael-Cyclocondensation Reaction

In this study, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles have been synthesized as a new recyclable solid acid catalyst. Techniques such as FE-SEM, TEM, and XRD were used to characterize as prepared nanocatalyst. Then, the catalyst was used for one-pot three components synthesis of Tandem Knoevenagel-Michael-Cyclocondensation Reaction from various aldehydes, dimedone, and malononitrile in ethanol under reflux conditions. The attractive features of this process are easy work-up, reusability of the catalyst, excellent yields, short reaction times, and mild reaction conditions.