Stabilization of Ni ions on SBA-15 nano-mesoporous and its catalytic efficiency in the preparation of benzimidazoles under solvent-free conditions

In this study, the SBA-15 nanoparticles were functionalized with (3-Chloropropyl) triethoxysilane and then with the thiocarbohydrazide organic ligand (TCH@SBA-15). Nickel acetate ions were then stabilized on silicate nanosupport (Ni/TCH@SBA-15). The prepared nanocomposite as an organic-metal hybrid was identified using FT-IR, SEM, TEM, XRD, EDAX and BET analysis. The Ni/TCH@SBA-15 nanoparticles were used as efficient and heterogeneous nanocatalysts for the easy and effective synthesis of 2-aryl benzimidazoles. In this catalytic process, benzimidazole heterocycles were obtained from the condensation reaction of different 1,2-phenylenediamine derivatives and various aromatic aldehydes in solvent-free conditions in excellent yields. This green approach can provide a new route for the preparation of all kinds of organic heterocycles.