Chitosan-Silica Sulfate Nano Hybrid as a Novel and Highly Proficient Heterogeneous Nano Catalyst for Regioselective Ring Opening of Epoxides via Carboxylic Acids

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/hlca.201700144

The synthesis and characterization of chitosan-silica sulfate nano hybrid (CSSNH) as a novel and efficient heterogeneous nano catalyst involving acid-base bifunctional activity is described. The catalytic potency and activity of this eco-friendly catalyst was investigated in regioselective ring opening of epoxides with carboxylic acids to access structurally diverse 1,2-diol mono-esters in good to excellent yields. CSSNH catalyst was characterized using different microscopic and spectroscopic techniques encompassing scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, N₂ adsorption isotherm, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The green nature, cheapness, efficiency, ease of preparation, handling and reusability of this new catalyst makes this catalyst to be useful for green industrial processes.