BF3/MCM-41 as nano structured solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of 3-iminoaryl-imidazo[1,2-a] pyridines

Multi-component reaction of various types of aldehydes, 2-aminopyridines and trimethylsilyl cyanide was carried out in the presence of MCM-41 supported boron trifluoride (BF3/MCM-41) as a nanostructured solid acid catalyst for the synthesis of 3-iminoaryl-imidazo[1,2-a] pyridine derivatives. MCM-41 nanoparticles were synthesized by a sol-gel method and BF3/MCM-41 samples with various loading amounts of BF3 and different calcination temperatures were prepared and characterized by XRD, SEM and FT-IR techniques. The catalytic performance experiments show that BF3/MCM-41 calcined at 400 degrees C has the best catalytic activity. The recyclability and reusability experiments show that the catalyst is reusable many times with a moderate decrease in activity.