Clay-Supported 2-Phenyl-1H-Imidazole Derivatives for Heterogeneous Catalysis of Henry Reaction

Six derivatives (1-6) of 2-phenyl-1H-imidazole were tested as catalysts of Henry reaction. Three new (4-6) 2-phenyl-1H-imidazole derivatives, differently substituted (thio)ureas, were synthesized and determined by H-1 NMR and IR spectroscopy and elemental analysis. Two types of catalysis, homogeneous and heterogeneous, were examined and compared. Clay minerals Ca-MMT and Cu-MMT were used as solid supports for heterogeneous catalysis. The best results were obtained using compound 2 under conditions of heterogeneous method D from the point of view of yield and reaction time.