Multifunctional Heterogeneous Catalysts: SBA‐15‐Containing Primary Amines and Sulfonic Acids

Dual functions: The simultaneous immobilization of primary amines and sulfonic acids on mesoporous silica SBA-15 (SBA-15-A/B; see scheme) creates a heterogeneous catalyst that exhibits cooperative catalytic behavior in the aldol condensation reaction. The respective chemical reactivities of the acid and base groups are maintained, whereas homogeneous analogues are neutralized in solution. TEOS=tetraethoxysilane.