The Role of Carbon-based Solid Acid Catalysts in Organic Synthesis

In synthetic organic chemistry, heterogeneous catalysis has opened a new era for progressive green and eco-benign synthesis. Fundamentally, it is interminably interesting and perennially novel. Carbon materials are widely used for renewable energy and environmental studies. Significant advancements have been achieved in modern organic chemistry by replacing conventional acid catalysts with pollution-free, recyclable, and eco-benign solid acid catalysts to reduce toxicity and increase efficiency. Solid acid catalysts play a profound role in organic synthesis as they are heterogeneous, recyclable, ease of workup, corrosion-free, immiscible in routine organic solvents, easy recovery from the products, selective synthesis, etc. Furthermore, carbon-based solid acid catalysts have attracted scientists because of its simple preparation method, increased acidity, selectivity, high stability, easy separation of products, no corrosion of equipment, easy recovery and recyclability, etc. They exhibit remarkable catalytic activity for various acid-catalyzed reactions, such as biofuel production, hydration, hydrolysis, and esterification of higher fatty acids. This article profoundly discusses the synthesis, properties, and applications of carbon-based solid acid catalysts in organic synthesis.

Keywords: Biginelli reactions, Bio-diesel, Carbon-based solid catalyst, Catalysis, Condensation reactions, Esterification, Green synthesis, Heterocycles, Organic reactions, Synthetic organic chemistry.