An alternate approach to the preparation of versatile sulfonic acid functionalized periodic mesoporous silicas with superior catalytic applications

A novel approach for the synthesis of sulfonic acid functionalized periodic mesoporous silicas via covalent attachment of 2-(3,4 epoxycyclohexyl)ethyltrimethoxysilane or 3-glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane followed by reaction with sulfite ions and mild hydrochloric acid is presented. The materials demonstrated superior catalytic performance in esterification, acylation, and condensation reactions. The hydrophobic nature along with the crystalline pore wall structure of these materials are advantageous in increasing reaction rates by altering local water concentration and helpful in adjusting the modest active sites and surface properties. The materials also showed the higher stability and easily recyclable.