A Novel Preparation of Zirconium Phosphate Nanoparticle and Its Application in Multi-Component Reactions

Abstract

<em>A novel method for the preparation of </em><em>α</em><em>-zirconium phosphate (ZrP) nanoparticles as an eco-friendly and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst was studied</em><em>. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) </em><em>was</em><em> used as the organic matrix which produced a </em><em>better dispersion of ZrP nanoparticles. The catalyst</em><em> was characterized by </em><em>several physicochemical techniques such as ICP-OES, XRD, TPD-NH₃, pyridine-FTIR, BET, FTIR, TGA, SEM, and TEM. The acidic property of ZrP was studied in the synthesis of 2-amino-3-cyanopyridines. When the hexagonal ZrP nanoparticles were used </em><em>as the catalyst, excellent yields were obtained. The catalyst was recovered and reused at least eight times</em><em> without significant loss in its catalytic activity</em>.