Heterogeneous reusable catalyst, ultrasound energy, and no solvent: a quick and green recipe for one-pot synthesis of β-phosphonomalononitriles at room temperature

Abstract Clay-supported heteropolyacid catalyst has been prepared and investigated as a novel heterogeneous, reusable and efficient catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of β-phosphonomalononitriles under ultrasound irradiation at room temperature. Compared with traditional methods, the present method is solvent-free, works under milder and cleaner conditions, furnishes products with higher purity and yields, needs shorter reaction time, easier work-up procedure, and generates less waste. No column purification is required and the products can be purified by simple crystallization. The catalyst can be easily recovered and reused several times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. The catalyst was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and thermal gravimetric, surface area, and elemental analyses.