A new application of nano-graphene oxide as a heterogeneous catalyst in crossed-aldol condensation reaction under solvent-free conditions

Nano-graphene oxide was synthesized by the oxidation of graphite powders. The structural nature of the nano-graphene oxide was characterized by a variety of techniques including XRD, TEM, FT-IR and UV/Vis. The functional groups on its basal planes and edges of nano-grahene oxide play important role in catalytic activity. The catalytic activity of nano-graphene oxide was investigated on Crossed-Aldol condensation reaction. This nanocatalyst was found to be highly efficient in this reaction and products were obtained in good to excellent yields. The recovered nanocatalyst was successfully reused for several runs without significant loss in its catalytic activity.