Ce-ZSM-11 Zeolite: An Efficient Heterogeneous Catalyst for One-Pot Synthesis of 4H-Pyran Derivatives

ZSM-11 zeolite was synthesized by hydrothermal treatment and cerium ion was incorporated by the ion exchange method.  The catalytic activity of cerium modified ZSM-11 zeolite was tested for the one-pot synthesis of 4H-pyran derivatives by cyclocondensation of aromatic aldehyde, malononitrile, and ethyl acetoacetate. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by Powder-X Ray Diffraction, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Brunauer-Emmer-Teller surface area analysis and Temperature programmed desorption (ammonia) analysis. The present method offers significant advantages over the reported methods like easy separation of catalyst, simple work-up procedure, an excellent yield of desired products, and reusability of catalyst without significant loose in the activity.