Efficient synthesis of trisphenols using reduced sulfonated graphene nanocatalyst under solvent free conditions

Authors

• Negar Zekri ¹
• Reza Fareghi-Alamdari ¹
• Rashid Badri ²

1. College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, 16765-3454, I. R. Iran.
2. Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Ahvaz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Ahvaz, Iran

Abstract

This study reports a new methodology for the efficient synthesis of trisphenol compounds using the reaction of 2,6-bis(hydroxymethyl) phenols with phenols under heterogeneous conditions. A sulfonated reduced graphene oxide (RGO-SO₃H) nanocatalyst was used to promote the reaction under solvent-free conditions. A range of trisphenol compounds were produced in the presence of this catalyst system in good to excellent yields. In the presence of this catalyst system, a less amount of phenol is required, which improves the environment through its capability in synthesis of trisphenols. The RGO-SO₃H catalyst was reusable at least for 8 times in this process without a significant decrease in its catalytic activity.

Keywords

• Trisphenol
• 6-bis(hydroxymethyl) phenols
• Sulfonated reduced graphene oxide
• Solvent-free conditions