Star-shaped Keggin-type heteropolytungstate nanostructure as a new catalyst for the preparation of quinoxaline derivatives

In this work, we report the novel successful preparation of the Keggin-type Cs(CTA)₂PW₁₂O₄₀ (CTA = cetyltrimethylammonium cation) nanostructure by a microemulsion method. The microemulsion system included the cationic surfactant CTAB, 1-butanol as co-surfactant, isooctane as oil phase, and an aqueous solution containing CsNO₃. The Cs(CTA)₂PW₁₂O₄₀ nanostructure was formed by the addition of an aqueous solution of phosphotungstic acid to the microemulsion solution. Characterization of the resultant nanostructure was done using FT–IR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, and CHN elemental analysis. The product was found to be a star-shaped nanostructure composed of some nanorods whose diameter and length are about 100 nm and 500 nm, respectively. The prepared nanostructure was used as a recoverable catalyst for the synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives by the condensation of 1,2-diamines with 1,2-dicarbonyl compounds, which afforded the products in good to high yields in short reaction times.