Synthesis of a new heterogeneous acidic catalyst from Luffa as a lignocellulosic material

In this study, acidified Luffa (AHS@L), by sulfonic acid, as an effective and biodegradable solid acid catalyst was produced. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by TGA, SEM, XRD and FTIR, and the results indicated that modified Luffa flour had an intense acidic property. The FT-IR analyze show a broad peak at 3400cm-1 that improve the acidification of the Luffa surface. Also the XRD analyze clearly show the change in the morphology of Luffa after acidification. The TGA analyze show us the heat resistance of the catalyst up to 245 ° C and the SEM images clearly showed that the catalyst surface was hydrated as a result of acidification. The synthesized catalyst was used to protect the amines in the N-tert butyl carbamate reaction under solvent-free conditions at room temperature. Different types of aliphatic and aromatic amines have been produced as related monocarbamates with excellent yields and short reaction times. This method was mild and selective and has advantages such as heterogeneous catalysis, low cost and catalyst recovery capability.