Synthesis of Calix[4]Arene‐Based Functionalized TiO ₂ Nanocatalyst: An Efficient Agent for the Eco‐Friendly Conversion of Isopropyl Alcohol to Acetone

Abstract Acetone is a common solvent which is highly used in laboratory based experiments and industrial products. This valuable organic molecule is synthesized by catalytic conversion reactions. A catalyst is said to be very useful if it is efficient, economical and eco‐friendly In this regard; for the first time, a less toxic and easily synthesized supramolecular compound, that is, p ‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene ( p SC)‐based catalyst was fabricated and functionalized with TiO 2 nanoparticles (TiO 2 ‐ p SC). The characterization of TiO 2 ‐ p SC was carried out by different analytical techniques such as Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TiO 2 ‐ p SC nanocomposites were used as heterogeneous catalyst for the conversion of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) into acetone. For the catalytic study, IPA, NaBH 4 , and TiO 2 ‐ p SC were mixed together in a flask, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature and the catalytic activity of TiO 2 ‐ p SC was monitored via UV–vis spectroscopy. On UV–vis spectrum, the characteristic absorption band for acetone was observed at 265 nm. The complete conversion of IPA into acetone was carried out within 35 to 40 s. Quantitative analysis of the catalyst (TiO 2 ‐ p SC) was also performed by using various amounts of catalyst in the range of 0.1 to 0.5 mg, and the catalyst showed approximately 100% conversion of IPA into acetone. Moreover, a reusability test of catalyst was also performed, and TiO 2 ‐ p SC proved to be an efficient catalyst because catalytic poisoning was negligible, which makes the catalyst more efficient and economical than other reported catalysts and this catalytic conversion is also ecofriendly as no hazardous solvent is used.