Supported cobalt oxide nanoparticles as efficient catalyst in esterification and amidation reactions

Co/SBA-15 nanoparticle catalysts (CoNP) were prepared using a commonly adapted synthetic route and then utilised for esterification and amidation reactions using aromatic and linear chain compounds for the production of long chain esters and amides. The study shows that the use of CoNP catalysts favours the use of aromatic reactants with electron donating substituents specifically in the para position. For the amidation reaction, good to excellent yields were obtained demonstrating tolerance towards differently substituted aromatic compounds. Overall, the synthesized catalysts proved to be efficient and highly versatile, and recyclable under the investigated conditions. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.