Syntheses, characterization, and catalytic potential of novel vanadium and molybdenum Schiff base complexes for the preparation of benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles under thermal and ultrasonic conditions

A new ONO-tridentate Schiff base ligand (H 2 L) derived from 3-methoxysalicylaldehyde and nicotinic hydrazide was synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR, 1 H NMR, 13 C NMR, UV–Vis, and powder XRD studies. Then, oxovanadium(V) and dioxomolybdenum(VI) Schiff base complexes, VOL and MoO 2 L, were also prepared and characterized by different techniques. Moreover, the catalytic activities of both complexes were investigated for the synthesis of benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles under reflux conditions as well as through ultrasonic irradiation. The results revealed several advantages of this procedure, including high product yields, short reaction times, facile work-up procedure, simplicity in operation, eco-friendly reaction conditions, and green aspects by avoiding toxic catalysts and solvents. Graphic abstract