A master’s thesis from the College of Science at the University of Karbala focused on the preparation and characterization of heterogeneous solid acid catalysts derived from rice husks.

The study, presented by student Noor Abbas Mohammed from the Department of Chemistry, aimed to prepare new catalysts from inexpensive and easily accessible sources and subsequently use them in the synthesis of heterocyclic compounds such as imidazoles.

The study involved the preparation of two new catalysts from rice husks, which are abundant and low-cost. After confirming the structure of the catalysts using various techniques, they were applied in the synthesis of certain heterocyclic compounds, with all compounds characterized using spectral and physical methods.

The study recommended the preparation of silica from sources other than rice husks and the synthesis of other heterocyclic compounds.

The study concluded that the catalysts were prepared using simple methods and their activity was demonstrated through the synthesis of imidazole derivatives. The catalysts exhibited the ability to be reused multiple times, a significant economic and environmentally friendly advantage. Additionally, the catalysts showed good efficiency compared to other catalysts, with shorter reaction times and high product yields.