One dimensional CdS nanostructures: heterogeneous catalyst for synthesis of aryl-3,3′-bis(indol-3-yl)methanes

Abstract

Herein, we have developed a novel heterogeneous catalytic system for synthesis of bis(indol-3-yl)methanes using one dimensional (1D) CdS nanorods. CdS nanorods were synthesized by a solvothermal reaction technique at 200 °C over 12 h in the presence of ethylenediamine as a solvent. The prepared 1D CdS was characterized using various spectroscopic methods. X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealed the formation of highly crystalline CdS having a wurtzite structure. FESEM analysis confirms the formation of a rod like morphology with length around 150 to 200 nm and diameter ∼15 nm. TEM also validates the formation of uniform size one dimensional (1D) CdS nanostructures. The catalytic activity of 1D CdS as a Lewis acid was investigated for the synthesis of bis(indol-3-yl)methanes (BIMs) with various substituted aldehydes and indoles within shorter reaction time affording the corresponding product in excellent yield.