Silica-supported methanesulfonic acid - An efficient solid Bronsted acid catalyst for the Pechmann reaction in the presence of higher n-alkanes

A cost-effective and efficient solid Bronsted acid catalyst was synthesized by loading methanesulfonic acid (MSA) on silica and was used for the acid-catalyzed Pechmann reaction to test the catalytic activity and its reusability. Derivatives of 4-methylcoumarin were synthesized in good yields within short reaction times in the presence of environmentally friendly higher n-alkanes as solvents. The regeneration study of the spent catalyst showed satisfactory results.