RGO/ZnO nanocomposite: an efficient, sustainable, heterogeneous, amphiphilic catalyst for synthesis of 3-substituted indoles in water

A nanocomposite consisting of reduced graphene oxide and zinc oxide nanoparticles (RGO/ZnO) with unique structural features was developed as an efficient, sustainable, amphiphilic, heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of various 3-substituted indoles in water. The catalyst was recycled six times without significant loss in catalytic activity. The higher environmental compatibility and sustainability factors such as smaller E-factor and higher atom economy make the present methodology a true green and sustainable process for the synthesis of various biologically important 3-substituted indoles.