Efficient synthesis of trisphenols using reduced sulfonated graphene nanocatalyst under solvent free conditions

Abstract

This study reports a new methodology for the efficient synthesis of trisphenol compounds using the reaction of 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl) phenols with phenols under heterogeneous conditions. A sulfonated reduced graphene oxide (RGO-SO₃H) nanocatalyst was used to promote the reaction under solvent-free conditions. A range of trisphenol compounds were produced in the presence of this catalyst system in good to excellent yields. In the presence of this catalyst system, a less amount of phenol is required, which improves the environment through its capability in synthesis of trisphenols. The RGO-SO₃H catalyst was reusable at least for 8 times in this process without a significant decrease in its catalytic activity.