Halloysite Nanotube Modified (CuO@HNTs-SO3H) Novel Heterogeneous Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[ɑ]Xanthen-11-One

In this study, CuO@HNTs-SO3H was investigated as a novel eco-friendly heterogeneous solid acid catalyst prepared by straightforward co-precipitation method. Thus, the cost-effective CuO NPs was used to modify halloysite nanotubes initially, which were subsequently further functionalized with sulfonic acid. The prepared catalyst was analyzed by means of FT-IR, XRD, EDX, SEM and TGA methods. Its catalytic activity is investigated in the solvent-free one-pot condensation of various aromatic aldehydes, dimedone, and β-naphthol to produce tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen-11-one derivatives. A few benefits of the discovered method are its simple process, quick reaction time, high yields (96%), affordable cost, and the catalyst ability to be reused without losing its activity.