Synthesis of quinazolinones and benzazoles utilizing recyclable sulfated metal-organic framework-808 catalyst in glycerol as green solvent

Abstract Zirconium-based metal-organic framework MOF-808 was synthesized, and sulfated with aqueous sulfuric acid. Sulfated MOF-808 was utilized as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of quinazolinones from β-ketoesters and benzamides, and for the synthesis of benzimidazoles from β-ketoesters and o -phenylenediamines in glycerol as a green solvent. The sulfated MOF-808 catalyst was more active than many heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. The combination of the sulfated MOF-808 and glycerol was also effective for the reaction of o -aminothiophenols with β-diketones or cyclic β-diketones to produce benzothiazoles. To our best knowledge, MOF-based catalysts were not previously utilized as heterogeneous catalyst in glycerol as green solvent.