Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Application of MoO3/CeO2-ZrO2 Solid Heterogeneous Catalyst for the Synthesis of Benzimidazole Derivatives

A series of $MoO_3/CeO_2-ZrO_2$ catalysts with different Mo content (8 - 20 wt %) were prepared by simple co-precipitation followed by impregnation method and were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopic (EDS) techniques. The prepared materials were tested for catalytic activity by the synthesis of benzimidazole derivatives using condensation of aromatic aldehydes and o-phenylenediamine by conventional and microwave method. Obtained results reveal that the catalytic activity increases with increase in Mo wt % loading. The best catalytic activity was obtained with 20 wt % $MoO_3/CeO_2-ZrO_2$. The particle size or crystallite size was estimated using Debye-Scherrer equation. After completion of reaction, the catalyst can be recovered efficiently and reused with consistent activity.