Clay-supported 2-phenyl-1H-imidazole derivatives for heterogeneous catalysis of Henry reaction

Six derivatives (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6) of 2-phenyl-1H-imidazole were tested as catalysts of Henry reaction. Three new (4, 5, 6) 2-phenyl-1H-imidazole derivatives, differently substituted (thio)ureas, were synthesized and determined by 1H 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. J. Heterocyclic Chem., (2011)