Preparation and characterization of a RHA/TiO2 nanocomposite: introduction of an efficient and reusable catalyst for chemoselective trimethylsilyl protection and deprotection of alcohols and phenols

Abstract

In this work, rice husk ash (RHA), as a natural source of amorphous silica, was used as a support for the synthesis of anatase-phase titania nanoparticles leading to the RHA/TiO₂ nanocomposite. This nanocomposite was used as an efficient catalyst for the chemoselective trimethylsilylation of various alcohols and phenols and deprotection of the obtained trimethylsilyl ethers. The procedure gave the products in excellent yields in very short reaction times. Also this catalyst can be reused at least six times without loss of its catalytic activity.