Perylene diimide‐modified magnetic γ‐Fe2O3/CeO2 nanoparticles as peroxidase mimics for highly sensitive colorimetric detection of Vitamin C

Perylene diimide‐modified magnetic γ‐Fe₂O₃/CeO₂ nanoparticles (γ‐Fe₂O₃/CeO₂‐PDI) were prepared and exhibited excellent peroxidase‐like activity. The samples were characterized by HR‐TEM, XRD, Raman, N₂ adsorption, magnetic strength and XPS. The obtained γ‐Fe₂O₃/CeO₂‐PDI had size of 10~20 nm with high specific surface area of 77 m²/g, and could be easily separated from the aqueous solution by using a magnet, which are in favor of its practical application. Due to the decoration of PDI, the γ‐Fe₂O₃/CeO₂‐PDI possessed more surface defects (Ce³⁺) and active oxygen species than that of γ‐Fe₂O₃/CeO₂, resulting in the outstanding catalytic performance. And the composite catalyst also showed highly sensitive and selectivity toward VC with a limit of detection of 0.45 μM. Based on the fluorescent results, a possible hydroxyl radical (?OH) catalytic mechanism was proposed. It is believed that the as‐prepared γ‐Fe₂O₃/CeO₂‐PDI nanoparticles are promising biosensors applied for biomedical and food analysis.     

HAp‐encapsulated γ‐Fe2O3‐supported dual acidic heterogeneous catalyst for highly efficient one‐pot synthesis of benzoxanthenones and 3‐pyranylindoles

A novel method is reported for the synthesis of benzoxanthenone and 3‐pyranylindole derivatives via one‐pot three‐component reactions using a newly synthesized HAp‐encapsulated γ‐Fe₂O₃‐supported dual acidic heterogeneous catalyst, as a reusable and highly efficient nanocatalyst. In this protocol the use of the nanocatalyst provided a green, useful and rapid method to generate products in short reaction times (4–20 min) and in excellent yields (87–96%). The paramagnetic nature of the catalyst provided a simple, trouble‐free and facile approach for the separation of the catalyst by applying an external magnet, and it could be used in eight cycles without significant loss in catalytic efficiency.     

Physiochemical properties and novel biological applications of Callistemon viminalis‐mediated α‐Cr2O3 nanoparticles

We report an eco‐friendly synthesis of α‐Cr₂O₃ nanoparticles (NPs) using Callistemon viminalis (Bottle Brush) flower extracts as an efficient reducing and capping agent. NPs of sizes 15 nm and 17 nm were synthesized by annealing them at 400°C and 500°C, respectively, which were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, UV–Vis, Fourier transform‐infrared, high‐resolution‐transmission electron microscopy/scanning electron microscopy, SAED, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and SQUID. Microplate‐based assay was used for examining antibacterial potential against 12 pathogenic bacterial strains, and their minimum inhibitory concentrations were calculated. MTT cytotoxic assay was accomplished on Leishmania tropica amastigotes and promastigotes, which revealed IC₅₀ values of 44 μg/ml and 10.56 μg/ml, respectively. An IC₅₀ value of 46.32 μg/ml was obtained for HepG2 cancer cells. Enzyme inhibition studies indicated good acetylcholinesterase, moderate butyrylcholinesterase and low alpha‐glucosidase inhibition. Hemolytic assay indicated hemocompatibility at low concentration. In addition, good DPPH radical scavenging and moderate reducing power and total antioxidant potential was revealed by α‐Cr₂O₃ NPs.     

Cu(II) immobilized on guanidinated epibromohydrin‐functionalized γ‐Fe2O3@TiO2 (γ‐Fe2O3@TiO2‐EG‐Cu(II)): A highly efficient magnetically separable heterogeneous nanocatalyst for one‐pot synthesis of highly substituted imidazoles

A simple, efficient and eco‐friendly procedure has been developed using Cu(II) immobilized on guanidinated epibromohydrin‐functionalized γ‐Fe₂O₃@TiO₂ (γ‐Fe₂O₃@TiO₂‐EG‐Cu(II)) for the synthesis of 2,4,5‐trisubstituted and 1,2,4,5‐tetrasubstituted imidazoles, via the condensation reactions of various aldehydes with benzil and ammonium acetate or ammonium acetate and amines, under solvent‐free conditions. High‐resolution transmission electron microscopy analysis of this catalyst clearly affirmed the formation of a γ‐Fe₂O₃ core and a TiO₂ shell, with mean sizes of about 10–20 and 5–10 nm, respectively. These data were in very good agreement with X‐ray crystallographic measurements (13 and 7 nm). Moreover, magnetization measurements revealed that both γ‐Fe₂O₃@TiO₂ and γ‐Fe₂O₃@TiO₂‐EG‐Cu(II) had superparamagnetic behaviour with saturation magnetization of 23.79 and 22.12 emu g^?1, respectively. γ‐Fe₂O₃@TiO₂‐EG‐Cu(II) was found to be a green and highly efficient nanocatalyst, which could be easily handled, recovered and reused several times without significant loss of its activity. The scope of the presented methodology is quite broad; a variety of aldehydes as well as amines have been shown to be viable substrates. A mechanism for the cyclocondensation reaction has also been proposed.     

Palladium–S‐propyl‐2‐aminobenzothioate immobilized on Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles as catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions in water or poly(ethylene glycol)

A moisture‐ and air‐stable heterogenized palladium catalyst was synthesized by coordination of palladium with S‐propyl‐2‐aminothiobenzamide supported on Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, dynamic laser scattering and thermogravimetric analysis. This catalyst could be dispersed homogeneously in water or poly(ethylene glycol) and further applied as an excellent nano‐organometal catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions. The catalyst was easily separated with the assistance of an external magnet from the reaction mixture and reused for several consecutive runs without significant loss of its catalytic efficiency or palladium leaching. The leaching of catalyst was examined using hot filtration and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. Also, the effects of various reaction parameters on the Suzuki and Heck reactions are discussed. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Green one‐pot preparation of α‐Fe2O3@carboxyl‐functionalized yeast composite with high adsorption and catalysis properties for removal of methylene blue

Herein, the α‐Fe₂O₃@carboxyl‐functionalized yeast composite (α‐F@CFYC) was synthesized by direct oxidation of yeast with K₂FeO₄ and used as a novel adsorbent/heterogeneous Fenton catalyst for removal of methylene blue (MB). The obtained α‐F@CFYC was fully characterized by scanning electron microscopy, EDX, X‐ray diffraction analysis, Fourier‐transform infrared, thermogravimetry, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively, and the corresponding results showed that α‐Fe₂O₃ nanoparticles were successfully obtained and deposited on yeast surface, as well as more functional groups were introduced/exposed on yeast surface. Furthermore, various influence parameters (eg, contact time, initial pH, and MB concentration) on the adsorption/catalysis ability of α‐F@CFYC for MB have been investigated in detail under ambient conditions. As a result, owing to the synergetic effect of the loaded α‐Fe₂O₃ and the introduced/exposed functional groups on yeast surface, the as‐obtained α‐F@CFYC exhibited high adsorption capacities and good catalysis degradation properties for MB.     

Palladium‐Catalyzed Carbonylative α‐Arylation to β‐Ketonitriles

A carbonylative α‐arylation process employing unactivated nitriles for the first time is described. The reaction tolerates a range of (hetero)aryl iodides and several nitrile coupling partners. No prefunctionalization of the nitriles is necessary and the resulting β‐ketonitriles are obtained in good to excellent yields. The methodology also allows for a convenient ¹³C‐labelling of the generated carbonyl moiety.     

Synthesis of β‐Haloketones by β‐Addition Reactions of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketones with BX3 (X = Br,Cl) as Halide Source

A series of β‐bromoketones and β‐chloroketones were synthesized by the addition reactions of α,β‐unsaturated ketones under BX₃ (X = Br, Cl) and ethylene glycol reaction system. The α,β‐unsaturated ester also was successfully converted to its corresponding β‐bromoester under the reaction condition.     

Thiourea dioxide‐grafted γ‐Fe2O3/HAp magnetic nanoparticles: Efficient,green and reusable nanocatalyst for synthesis of pyranopyridine derivatives

A novel t hiourea dioxide‐functionalized hydroxyapatite‐encapsulated hybrid core‐shell γ‐Fe₂O₃@HAp‐TUD nanoparticles (MNPs) were prepared and characterized by FT‐IR, EDX, SEM, XRD, TGA and VSM analytical methods. The catalytic activity of these MNPs was evaluated through one‐pot three‐component reactions between various substituted aldehydes, malononitrile and 3‐cyano‐6‐hydroxy‐4‐methyl‐pyridin‐2(1H )‐one to afford the corresponding pyrano[2,3‐b]pyridines in high yields under mild and solvent‐free conditions. The catalyst can be easily recycled in a magnetic field and reused in five consecutive runs without significant decrease of its catalytic activity.     

Palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative cyclization of β‐bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with primary amines leading to N‐alkylmaleimides

Cyclic β‐bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids are carbonylatively cyclized with primary amines under carbon monoxide pressure in MeCN in the presence of a catalytic amount of PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ to give N‐alkylmaleimides. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Ligand‐free CuI‐catalyzed coupling and cyclization of β‐bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated amides with formamide leading to pyrimidinones

β‐Bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated amides were coupled and cyclized with formamide in DMF at 100°C in the presence of a catalytic amount of a copper(I) salt along with a base to give the corresponding pyrimidinones in good yields. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Metal Ions Induce Growth and Magnetism Alternation of α‐Fe2O3 Crystals Bound by High‐Index Facets

In this study, quasi‐cubic and hexagonal bipyramid α‐Fe₂O₃ polyhedrons with high‐index facets exposed were controllably synthesized by applying metal ions Zn²⁺ or Cu²⁺ as structure‐directing agents. The growth of the α‐Fe₂O₃ nanostructures with high‐index facets were induced by metal ions without the addition of any other surfactants. The quasi‐cubic form controlled by Zn²⁺ looks like a cube but has an angle of approximately 86° bound by (012), (10‐2), and (1‐12) facets, whereas the hexagonal bipyramid form controlled by Cu²⁺ has a sixfold axis bound by {012} facets. Magnetic measurements confirm that these two kinds of nanocrystals display shape‐ and surface‐dependent magnetic behaviors. The hexagonal bipyramid iron oxide nanocrystals show a lower Morin transition temperature of 240 K and might be spin‐canted ferromagnetically controlled at room temperature, and the ferromagnetism disappears at low temperature. The quasi‐cubic nanocrystals have a splitting between FC curve and ZFC curve from the highest experimental temperature and no Morin transformation occurs; this indicates that they would be defect ferromagnetically controlled at low temperature. The reported metal‐ion‐directing technique could provide a universal method for shape‐ and surface‐controlled synthesis of nanocrystals with high‐index facets exposed.     

Palladium‐catalyzed decarboxylative coupling of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with aryl tosylates

We report a general method for selective cross‐coupling of α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids with aryl tosylates enabled by versatile Pd(II) complexes. This method features the general cross‐coupling of ubiquitous α,β‐unsaturated carboxylic acids by decarboxylation. The transformation is characterized by its operational simplicity, the use of inexpensive, air‐stable Pd(II) catalysts, scalability and wide substrate scope. The reaction proceeds with high trans selectivity to furnish valuable (E)‐1,2‐diarylethenes.     

A Mild Isomerization Reaction for β,γ‐Unsaturated Ketone to α,β‐Unsaturated Ketone

A series of β,γ‐unsaturated ketones were isomerized to their corresponding α,β‐unsaturated ketones by the introduction of DABCO in iPrOH at room temperature. The endo‐cyclic double bond (β,γ‐position) on ketone was rearranged to exo‐cyclic double bond (α,β‐position) under the reaction conditions.     

Silver nanoparticles supported on ionic‐tagged magnetic hydroxyapatite as a highly efficient and reusable nanocatalyst for hydrogenation of nitroarenes in water

A novel chemically modified magnetic hydroxyapatite (MHAp) was prepared and used as support and stabilizer for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. First, 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) was successfully grafted onto the surface of MHAp, and then silver nanoparticles were homogeneously loaded on mesoporous MHAp‐DABCO (ionic‐tagged MHAp) nanocomposite by in situ chemical reduction of silver nitrate using sodium borohydride. The structure and properties of the resulting MHAp‐DABCO‐Ag nanocomposite were confirmed using various techniques. The catalytic activity of ionic‐tagged MHAp‐Ag nanocatalyst was investigated for the hydrogenation reaction of nitroarenes in aqueous media. The results reveal that the Ag‐containing inorganic–organic nanocomposite is highly efficient for the reduction of a wide range of aromatic nitro compounds under green conditions. The superparamagnetic nature of the nanocatalyst leads to its being readily removed from solution via application of a magnetic field, and it can be easily stored and reused.     

Palladium‐catalyzed cyclization of β‐bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated ketones with arylhydrazines leading to 3‐substituted 1‐aryl‐1 H‐pyrazoles

β‐Bromo‐α,β‐unsaturated ketones are condensed with arylhydrazines to form hydrazones, which are in situ intramolecularly cyclized into 3‐substituted 1‐aryl‐1 H‐pyrazoles under a catalytic system of Pd(OAc)₂/1,3‐bis(diphenylhosphino)propane (dppp)/NaO^tBu. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.