Application of RuO2 Nanoparticles as Catalyst in Preparation of Indolo[3,2-a]Carbazoles

RuO₂ nanoparticles were readily prepared from RuCl₃·3H₂O via the formation of Ru-hydroxide precursor, followed by calcination at 550 °C. Under similar conditions, uniform dispersion of spherical RuO₂ nanoparticles over the surface of MCM-41 was also obtained. The synthesized materials were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), BET surface area measurements, and magnetic measurements (VSM). The obtained RuO₂ nanoparticles found application as catalyst in preparation of indolo[3,2-a]carbazoles from the reaction of indoles and benzils. Under mild reaction conditions, satisfactory yields of the desired products were obtained. Stabilization of RuO₂ nanoparticles over the surface of MCM-41 (RuO₂–MCM41), however, had the advantage of easy recycling, although a slight decrease in efficiency after five successive runs was observed.