Simple and efficient protocol for the synthesis of benzoxazole, benzoimidazole and benzothiazole heterocycles using Fe(III)-Schiff base/SBA-15 as a nanocatalyst

Benzimidazoles, benzoxazoles, and benzothiazoles derivatives were synthesized from condensation of aldehydes and 1,2-phenylenediamine or ortho-aminophenol or ortho-aminothiophenol in the presence of catalytic amount of Fe(III) Schiff base/SBA-15 in water medium. Short reaction times, good to excellent yields, easy availability, reusability, and use of an eco-friendly catalyst are some of the significant attributes of the present method. (C)2015 Chinese Chemical Society and Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.