Converting kaolin waste into a high-performance catalyst for acetals synthesis

In this study, kaolin waste was functionalized with sulfonic groups to enhance its textural and chemical properties, resulting in a high-performance heterogeneous catalyst. The functionalized material was thoroughly characterized using various techniques, including FTIR, XRD, TGA, BET (N2-physisorption), and TEM-EDX. The incorporation of sulfonic groups introduced active sites that significantly increased the ion exchange capacity, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance. When employed as a catalyst in the acetalization of benzaldehyde, the functionalized kaolin waste achieved a remarkable conversion rate of 98 % under optimized conditions. The successful transformation of kaolin waste into a highly effective catalyst demonstrates its potential for broader applications in green chemistry, particularly in sustainable synthesis. Acetals, the target products, are crucial intermediates in organic synthesis and the pharmaceutical industry. The catalytic process proposed in this study offers an efficient and environmentally friendly approach to acetal formation, advancing the field of heterogeneous catalysis. Additionally, extending the application of this functionalized material to other challenging reactions could further highlight its versatility and potential as a sustainable catalyst in various industrial processes. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.