The basicity and catalytic activity of ordered mesoporous silicon nitride oxide

The basicity and base catalytic properties of ordered mesoporous silicon nitride oxide (MSON) were investigated in our present contribution. It was found that the basic strength of MSON was stronger and comparable to the strength of MgO. In addition, MSON had a much higher base catalytic activity than not only amorphous silicon nitride oxide but also crystallized nitrogen-containing microporous molecular sieves used in the Knoevenagel condensation reaction of benzaldehyde and malononitrile. Furthermore, the catalysts were stable both in structure and in composition below 1123 K in an inert atmosphere. These stable, solid base catalysts may find their use in some important base catalyzed reactions.