Fe3O4–cysteamine hydrochloride magnetic nanoparticles: New,efficient and recoverable nanocatalyst for Knoevenagel condensation reaction

Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) were obtained using a reduction–precipitation method. These MNPs were modified with cysteamine hydrochloride. This catalyst was characterized using a number of physicochemical measurements. The Fe₃O₄–cysteamine MNPs, as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst, were successfully used for Knoevenagel condensation under mild conditions. The activity of this nanomagnetic catalyst in the Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes and malononitrile is described. Easy preparation of the catalyst, easy work‐up procedure, excellent yields and short reaction times are some of the advantages.