Base–modified Tunisian Smectite: Efficient Catalysts for Ultrasound- Assisted Knoevenagel Condensation under Mild Reaction Conditions

This research work presents the use of base-modified Tunisian Smectite as catalysts for the condensation of Knoevenagel. The prepared clay-catalysts were characterized via FTIR and XRD studies. A series of condensation reactions based on ultrasonic irradiation of various types of active methylene compounds and a variety of aryl aldehydes have shown the high efficacy of prepared catalysts. The stability and catalytic performance of the clay-catalysts were excellent since they could be reused four times without considerable loss in catalytic activity.