Magnet-responsive choline carbomer ionogels as a versatile and recyclable catalyst for one-pot synthesis of benzopyran in water

Abstract

Ionogels are gaining popularity as a potential replacement for volatile organic solvents in various processes, such as catalysts, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, and medicinal chemistry, due to their low toxicity, high thermal stability, and good solubility. Magnet-responsive ion gels with high magnetic susceptibility are promising and can be used as catalysts, sensors, and MRI contrast agents. Herein, we fabricated simple and novel magnet choline carbomer ionogels using a precipitation-deposition method with carbomers and choline hydroxide. The morphology and structure of the resulting ionogels were analyzed using various characterization techniques, including FTIR, EDX, TGA, and SEM spectroscopy. These magnet ionogels were effective catalysts for a one-pot, three-component synthesis of benzopyran derivatives, providing mild reaction conditions, environmental friendliness, and good to excellent (78–96%) yields within a short reaction time (1–2 h). Additionally, the magnet ionogels were easily recyclable, and they could be reused up to five times without catalytic deactivation.