Prolinate-based heterogeneous catalyst for Knoevenagel condensation reaction: insights into mechanism reaction using solid-state electrochemical studies

Abstract

The carbon-carbon bond formation is essential to producing relevant organic compounds that exhibit pharmacological and biological properties. In this regard, Knoevenagel and multicondensation reactions have been employed to test the acid-base cooperativity of functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles with L-prolinate based groups (Prol-MSN) in comparison with choline hydroxide fragments (Chol-MSN). Thus, Prol-MSN material has shown to be a promising heterogeneous organocatalyst for condensation reactions. The use of electrochemical sensor techniques allowed through cyclic and differential pulse voltammetry studies a better understanding of the catalytic mechanism of Knoevenagel reaction for the Prol-MSN material, including the role of silanol surface groups and protic solvents.