ABSTRACT
As concerns for society, the environment, and the economy continue to shape the way chemists think about the construction of small molecules, the development of synthetic methodologies that promote sustainability is essential (for a recent review, see Ref. 1).2 Environmentally benign, naturally abundant clays are ideally suited not only for the “greening” of modern synthesis but also for incorporating into the repertoires of a new generation of synthetic chemists for whom sustainability is a growing priority.3 The advantages of using Montmorillonite clays are many:
• Clays are an abundant and benign natural resource • Clays are inexpensive and commercially available • Clays are easy to use and safe to handle • Clays are exceedingly versatile in that their activity may be attenuated
through heating, pillaring, or cation exchanging
Although Mother Nature’s synthetic prowess has yet to be matched by man, the challenges of unraveling the mysteries of nature have led to the development of a most impressive body of knowledge. Some have speculated that the molecules of life originated through clay-mediated reactions.4 Whether or not this is the case, the elegance of harnessing nature’s resources to manipulate matter at the molecular level is undeniable. Additionally, in emulating nature, we are ever more diligent in our efforts to preserve the environment that sustains us. Toward that end, we have endeavored to develop a research program that readily engages undergraduate students in the scientic method while also expanding the scope of reactions that may be successfully affected under milder conditions-namely, by replacing traditional, caustic Bronsted and Lewis acid catalysts with Montmorillonite clays.
