Synthesis and characterization of MCM-41@XA@Ni(II) as versatile and heterogeneous catalyst for efficient oxidation of sulfides and acetylation of alcohols under solvent-free conditions

Herein, Ni(II) immobilized on modified mesoporous silica MCM-41 was designed and synthesized via a facile sequential strategy. The structure of the catalyst was characterized by X-ray diffraction. The thermal property of the as-synthesized materials was studied using thermogravimetric-differential thermal analysis. The average particles size and morphology of MCM-41@XA@Ni(II) were investigated using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. This nanostructure catalyst was effective for the selective oxidation of sulfides and acetylation of alcohols in solvent-free conditions. The easy recyclability of the catalyst and their complete chemoselectivity toward the sulfur group of substrates in the oxidation of sulfides are important “green” attributes of this catalyst.