1*Department of Chemistry, Dr. Ambedkar College, Deeksha Bhoomi, Nagpur, M.S., India. Affiliated to RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur M.S., India. ORCID: 0000-0001-7152-2234. Email: twinklew96@gmail.com
2*Department of Chemistry, Shri Sant Gadge Maharaj Mahavidyalaya, Hingna, M.S., India. Affiliated to RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur M.S., India. ORCID: 0000-0003-3463-4768. Email: raj.chemworld@gmail.com
3Tai Golwalkar Mahavidyalaya, Ramtek, M.S., India. Affiliated to RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur M.S., India.
4Kavikulguru Institute of Technology and Science (KITS), Ramtek M.S., India. Affiliated to RTM Nagpur University, Nagpur M.S., India.
Received: 12th Dec, 2025; Revised: 12th Feb 2026; Accepted: 13th Feb, 2026; Available Online: 10th March, 2026
Nanozeolites have emerged as highly efficient and environmentally benign catalysts in modern organic synthesis. In the present study, a green and sustainable method has been developed for the synthesis of β-benzoyl propionic acid (β-BPA), an important intermediate in the preparation of 1-phenyl naphthalene and its derivatives. Traditionally, β-BPA is synthesized via Friedel–Crafts acylation of benzene with succinic anhydride in the presence of strong Lewis acids such as anhydrous aluminum chloride, which leads to issues such as corrosion, environmental hazards, and difficulty in catalyst recovery. To address these limitations, nanozeolite has been employed as a heterogeneous solid acid catalyst, offering advantages such as high surface area, shape selectivity, and recyclability. The reaction has been further enhanced using ultrasonication, a sonochemical technique that accelerates reaction rates through acoustic cavitation, resulting in improved mass transfer and localized high energy conditions. The synthesis was effectively carried out in two steps, namely ultrasonication-assisted acylation followed by hydrolysis and catalyst recovery. The developed method demonstrated higher yield, shorter reaction time, reduced energy consumption, and improved selectivity compared to conventional methods. Additionally, the nanozeolite catalyst exhibited excellent reusability, making the process economically viable and environmentally sustainable. This study highlights the synergistic effect of nanozeolite catalysis and ultrasonication as a promising green alternative for Friedel–Crafts acylation reactions.
Keywords: Nanozeolite; β-Benzoyl Propionic Acid (β-BPA); Friedel–Crafts Acylation; Ultrasonication; Sonochemistry; Green Chemistry; and Sustainable Catalysis.
How to cite this article: Wankhede TS, Utane RD, Lonkar SS, Saoji PN. Ultrasonication-Assisted Green Synthesis of β-Benzoyl Propionic Acid Using Nanozeolite Catalyst: A Sustainable Approach to Friedel–Crafts Acylation. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(16s): 38-55. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.16s.6
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None