Transformation of furfural into dimorpholinocyclopentenone using Al-SBA-15 materials

Dimorpholinocyclopentenone, being a relevant chemical compound widespread employed in the pharmaceutical industry, can be synthesized by a facile chemically catalyzed conversion reaction between furfural and morpholine. This reaction was investigated in this work by employing a simple, affordable non-noble metal mesoporous Al-SBA-15 with improved catalytic activity and superior product selectivity. The prepared materials shown a mesoporous structure with high pore volume and enlarged surface area, which are impacted by the quantity of aluminium atom incorporated. These differences leading to superior catalytic properties of Al-SBA-15 with a Si/Al ratio of 10. [Display omitted] •Dimorpholinocyclopentenone synthesized via catalyzed conversion.•Furfural and morpholine condensation was promoted by mesoporous Al-SBA-15.•Prepared materials with mesoporous structure, high pore volume and surface area.•Al-SBA-15 (Si/Al ratio 10) exhibiting optimum performance (97% yield).•Catalysts stable and recyclable several times with partial activity recovery after regeneration.