Abstract:
Zeolite-metal organic framework nanocomposite catalyst is developed for the synthesis of 2-((5-(hydro
xymethyl)furan-2-yl)methylene)malononitrile from sucrose/fructose/glucose via one-pot cascade protocol.
To accomplish this objective, zeolite Beta and Zr based metal- organic frameworks such as UiO-66
and UiO-66-NH2 are investigated for the independent steps, i.e. the conversion of sucrose to HMF and
the Knoevenagel condensation of HMF and malononitrile. Beta zeolite exhibits the best activity in the
sucrose to HMF conversion, whereas UiO-66-NH2 exhibits the best activity in the Knoevenagel condensation.
Therefore, zeolite Beta and UiO-66-NH2 are integrated to develop a highly sustainable and efficient
multi-functional catalyst for the conversion of sucrose to 2-((5-(hydroxymethyl)furan-2-yl)
methylene)malononitrile via one-pot cascade reaction. The composite catalyst contains the optimum
acidity and basicity for the cascade reaction. The presence of both the frameworks in the composite material
is confirmed by using various physico-chemical characterization techniques. Further, the integration
of both the active frameworks enhances the chemical stability and recyclability of the composite catalyst
in the cascade reaction. This study demonstrates a unique approach to develop a synthesis strategy for
the integration of inorganic zeolite and MOFs to achieve the desired activity, selectivity, and stability
of the developed catalyst.
