Synthesis, characterization of mesoporous silica materials from waste coal fly ash for the classical Mannich reaction

The present study describes the synthesis of mesoporous silica material (MCM-41) from fly ash of thermal power plants so as to meet requirements of green chemistry approach. The synthesized material was characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDS techniques. The prepared material, MCM-41, was utilized as catalyst for classical Mannich reaction for the synthesis of β-amino carbonyl compounds. The present methodology offers several advantages, like excellent yields, short reaction times, reusability of catalyst and simple work up procedure.