Synthesis and characterization of bromine source supported on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: A new,versatile and efficient magnetically separable catalyst for organic synthesis

Tribenzylammonium tribromide supported onto magnetic nanoparticles (Br₃‐TBA‐Fe₃O₄) as a bromine source was successfully synthesized and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and vibrating sample magnetometry. The synthesized catalyst is shown to be a versatile and highly efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the Knoevenagel condensation and synthesis of 2,3‐dihydroquinazolin‐4(1H )‐one and polyhydroquinoline derivatives. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of the use of a bromine source immobilized on Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as a magnetically separable catalyst for these reactions. The nanosolid catalyst can be magnetically recovered and reused readily several times without significant loss in catalytic efficiency.     

Palladium supported on modified magnetic nanoparticles: a phosphine‐free and heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki and Stille reactions

An efficient magnetic nanoparticle‐supported palladium (Fe₃O₄/SiO₂‐PAP‐Pd) catalyst is reported for the Suzuki cross‐coupling and Stille reactions. This method provides a novel and much improved modification of the Suzuki and Stille coupling reactions in terms of phosphine‐free catalyst, short reaction time, clean reaction and small quantity of catalyst. Another important feature of this method is that the catalyst can be easily recovered from the reaction mixture and reused with no loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A capable cobalt nano‐catalyst for the N‐formylation of various amines and its biological activity studies

The Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ MNPs) were modified with 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐diol and the relevant Co complex (Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co) synthesized as a nano‐magnetic heterogeneous catalyst to be used for the N ‐formylation of various amines at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. Also, in order to find the better concept of the catalyst role, the N ‐formylation reaction was carried out by the use of ultrasound irradiation in the absence of the Co nano‐catalyst and the results were compared. The catalyst characterized by different methods such as the elemental analysis (CHN), ICP, FT‐IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, TG‐DTA, VSM and XPS. In addition, the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of the Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co nano‐catalyst and its Phendiol ligand were in vitro screened by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and disc diffusion methods. Results showed that they possess strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀; 0.182 ± 0.006 mg/ml) and good antibacterial potential in comparison to standards.     

Direct Catalytic Conversion of Ethanol to C5+ Ketones: Role of Pd–Zn Alloy on Catalytic Activity and Stability

Ethanol can be used as a platform molecule for synthesizing valuable chemicals and fuel precursors. Direct synthesis of C₅₊ ketones, building blocks for lubricants and hydrocarbon fuels, from ethanol was achieved over a stable Pd‐promoted ZnO‐ZrO₂ catalyst. The sequence of reaction steps involved in the C₅₊ ketone formation from ethanol was determined. The key reaction steps were found to be the in situ generation of the acetone intermediate and the cross‐aldol condensation between the reaction intermediates acetaldehyde and acetone. The formation of a Pd–Zn alloy in situ was identified to be the critical factor in maintaining high yield to the C₅₊ ketones and the stability of the catalyst. A yield of >70 % to C₅₊ ketones was achieved over a 0.1 % Pd‐ZnO‐ZrO₂ mixed oxide catalyst, and the catalyst was demonstrated to be stable beyond 2000 hours on stream without any catalyst deactivation.     

A highly reactive and magnetic recyclable catalyst based on silver nanoparticles supported on ferrite for N‐monoalkylation of amines with alcohols

Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐Ag catalyst was found to be highly active and selective in the N ‐alkylation of amines with a variety of aromatic and linear alcohols. The heterogeneous nature of the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐Ag catalyst allows easy recovery and regeneration by applying an external magnet for six subsequent reaction cycles. The prepared catalyst was characterized using electron microscopy techniques, X‐ray diffraction, vibrating sample magnetometry and atomic absorption spectroscopy.     

Phenylene‐Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles that Boost Aqueous Asymmetric Transfer Hydrogenation Reactions

Phenylene‐coated organorhodium‐functionalized magnetic nanoparticles are developed through co‐condensation of chiral 4‐(trimethoxysilyl)ethyl)phenylsulfonyl‐1,2‐diphenylethylene‐diamine and 1,4‐bis(triethyoxysilyl)benzene onto Fe₃O₄ followed complexation with [{Cp*RhCl₂}₂]. This magnetic catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity and high enantioselectivity in asymmetric transfer hydrogenation in aqueous medium. Such activity is attributed to the high hydrophobicity and the confined nature of the chiral organorhodium catalyst. The magnetic catalyst can be easily recovered by using a small external magnet and it can be reused for at least 10 times without loss of its catalytic activity. This characteristic makes it an attractive catalyst for environmentally friendly organic syntheses.     

The synthesis of metal–organic framework Al‐MIL‐53‐derived Brønsted acid catalyst and its application in the Mannich reaction

A metal–organic framework Al‐MIL‐53‐NH₂‐derived Brønsted acid catalyst (Al‐MIL‐53‐RSO₃H) has been synthesized employing a post‐synthetic modification strategy under mild conditions. The Al‐MIL‐53‐RSO₃H catalyst was successfully utilized in the nitro‐Mannich reaction taking advantage of its strong Brønsted acidity. Good to excellent yields of Mannich adducts were achieved for a variety of acylimine substrates in the presence of 0.1 mol% Al‐MIL‐53‐RSO₃H. Furthermore, the Al‐MIL‐53‐RSO₃H catalyst can be recycled five times without decreasing the yield and selectivity of Mannich adducts.     

Encapsulation of Pd(II) into superparamagnetic nanoparticles grafted with EDTA and their catalytic activity towards reduction of nitroarenes and Suzuki–Miyaura coupling

A robust, safe and magnetically recoverable palladium catalyst was synthesized by anchoring Pd(II) onto ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid‐coated Fe₃O₄ (Fe₃O₄@EDTA) magnetic nanoparticles. The Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticle‐supported Pd(II)–EDTA complex catalyst thus obtained was characterized using scanning and transmission electron microscopies, thermogravimetric analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, X‐ray diffraction, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies. Fe₃O₄@EDTA–Pd(II) was screened for the Suzuki reaction and reduction of nitro compounds in water. The Pd content of the catalyst was measured to be 0.28 mmol Pd g^?1. In addition, the Fe₃O₄@EDTA–Pd catalyst can be easily separated and recovered with an external permanent magnet. The anchored solid catalyst can be recycled efficiently and reused five times with only a very slight loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Green,cost‐effective and efficient procedure for Heck and Sonogashira coupling reactions using palladium nanoparticles supported on functionalized Fe3O4@SiO2 by polyvinyl alcohol as a highly active,durable and reusable catalyst

A novel heterogenized organometallic catalyst was synthesized by coordinating palladium with polyvinyl alcohol‐functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanospheres. This novel catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscope, field emission scanning electron microscope, dynamic light scattering, UV–vis spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and inductively coupled plasma analysis. The prepared palladium nanoparticles supported on polyvinyl alcohol functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles were successfully applied as a magnetically recyclable catalyst in Heck and Sonogashira coupling reactions in water. They showed remarkable activity toward aryl halides (I, Br, Cl) using very low palladium loading in excellent yields and demonstrated high TONs (mmol of product per mmol of catalyst). Also, the catalyst could be magnetically separated and reused seven times without any appreciable loss of catalytic activity.     

A Copper‐Based Metal–Organic Framework Acts as a Bifunctional Catalyst for the Homocoupling of Arylboronic Acids and Epoxidation of Olefins

A copper(I)‐based metal–organic framework ({[Cu₂Br₂(pypz)]_n?nH₂O} (Cu—Br–MOF) [pypz=bis[3,5‐dimethyl‐4‐(4’‐pyridyl)pyrazol‐1‐yl] methane] has been synthesized by using an elongated and flexible bridging ligand. The structure analysis reveals that each pypz ligand acts as a tritopic ligand connected to two Cu₂Br₂ dimeric units, forming a one‐dimensional zig–zag chain, and these chains further connected by a Cu₂Br₂ unit, give a two‐dimensional framework on the bc‐plane. In the Cu₂Br₂ dimeric unit, the copper ions are four coordinated, thereby possessing a tetrahedral geometry; this proves to be an excellent heterogeneous catalyst for the aerobic homocoupling of arylboronic acids under mild reaction conditions. This method requires only 3 mol % of catalyst and it does not require any base or oxidant—compared to other conventional (Cu, Pd, Fe, and Au) catalysts—for the transformation of arylboronic acids in very good yields (98 %). The shape and size selectivity of the catalyst in the homocoupling was investigated. The use of the catalyst was further extended to the epoxidation of olefins. Moreover, the catalyst can be easily separated by simple filtration and reused efficiently up to 5 cycles without major loss of reactivity.     

Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on EDTA‐modified Fe3O4@SiO2 nanospheres as an efficient and magnetically separable catalyst for Suzuki and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions

In this study, a novel heterogeneous palladium catalyst was synthesized by anchoring palladium onto ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)‐coated Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ magnetic nanocomposite and used for the Suzuki and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions. The properties of the magnetic catalyst were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, TEM, FE‐SEM, DLS EDX, XPS, N₂ adsorption‐desorption isotherm analysis, TGA, VSM, elemental analysis and the loading level of Pd in catalyst was measured to be 0.51 mmol/g by ICP. The catalyst was used in Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions of various aryl halides, including less reactive chlorobenzenes with phenylboronic acid without any additive or ligand under green conditions. Furthermore, we have reported this recyclable catalytic system for Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions of various aryl halides (I, Br, Cl) under copper and ligand‐free conditions in the presence of DMF/H₂O (1:2/v:v) as a solvent. The magnetic catalyst could also be separated by an external magnet and reused six times without any significant loss of activity.     

Cu‐Based Catalyst Resulting from a Cu,Zn,Al Hydrotalcite‐Like Compound: A Microstructural,Thermoanalytical, and In Situ XAS Study

A Cu‐based methanol synthesis catalyst was obtained from a phase pure Cu,Zn,Al hydrotalcite‐like precursor, which was prepared by co‐precipitation. This sample was intrinsically more active than a conventionally prepared Cu/ZnO/Al₂O₃ catalyst. Upon thermal decomposition in air, the [(Cu_0.5Zn_0.17Al_0.33)(OH)₂(CO₃)_0.17] ? mH₂O precursor is transferred into a carbonate‐modified, amorphous mixed oxide. The calcined catalyst can be described as well‐dispersed “CuO” within ZnAl₂O₄ still containing stabilizing carbonate with a strong interaction of Cu²⁺ ions with the Zn–Al matrix. The reduction of this material was carefully analyzed by complementary temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR) and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) measurements. The results fully describe the reduction mechanism with a kinetic model that can be used to predict the oxidation state of Cu at given reduction conditions. The reaction proceeds in two steps through a kinetically stabilized Cu^I intermediate. With reduction, a nanostructured catalyst evolves with metallic Cu particles dispersed in a ZnAl₂O₄ spinel‐like matrix. Due to the strong interaction of Cu and the oxide matrix, the small Cu particles (7 nm) of this catalyst are partially embedded leading to lower absolute activity in comparison with a catalyst comprised of less‐embedded particles. Interestingly, the exposed Cu surface area exhibits a superior intrinsic activity, which is related to a positive effect of the interface contact of Cu and its surroundings.     

Caesium carbonate supported on hydroxyapatite‐encapsulated Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystallites as a novel magnetically basic catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of pyrazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐5,10‐diones

A novel nanomagnetic basic catalyst of caesium carbonate supported on hydroxyapatite‐coated Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄@HAP‐Cs₂CO₃) was prepared. This new catalyst was fully characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry techniques, and then the catalytic activity of this catalyst was investigated in the synthesis of 1H‐pyrazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐5,10‐dione derivatives. Also, Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄@HAP‐Cs₂CO₃ could be reused at least five times without significant loss of activity and could be recovered easily by applying an external magnet. Thus, the developed nanomagnetic catalyst is potentially useful for the green and economic production of organic compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Catalytic synthesis of cyclic carbonates from epoxides and carbon dioxide by magnetic UiO‐66 under mild conditions

The catalytic activity of UiO‐66@Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ catalyst was investigated in the fixation of carbon dioxide with epoxides under mild conditions. In this manner, a facile magnetization of UiO‐66 was achieved simultaneously by simply mixing this metal–organic framework and silica‐coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in solution under sonication. The prepared catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared and UV–visible spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, transmission and field emission scanning electron microscopies, N₂ adsorption and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. This new heterogeneous catalyst was applied as a highly efficient catalyst in the coupling of carbon dioxide with epoxides at mild temperatures and pressures. Furthermore, it could be easily recovered with the assistance of an external magnetic field and reused three consecutive times without significant loss of activity and mass.     

Fe3O4/ZnS Hollow Nanospheres:A Highly Efficient Magnetic Heterogeneous Catalyst for Synthesis of 5-Substituted 1H-Tetrazoles from Nitriles and Sodium Azide

An efficient route for the synthesis of 5‐substituted 1H‐tetrazole via [2+3] cycloaddition of nitriles and sodium azide is reported using Fe₃O₄/ZnS hollow nanospheres as a magnetic separable heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst is very efficient, affording excellent yields and can be reused for several circles. In addition, the Fe₃O₄ inner shell exhibits magnetism, making the catalyst easily separated by a magnet.     

Ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of cis‐cyanocyclooct‐4‐ene: Search for active catalysts,variation of monomer to catalyst ratios and monomer concentrations

The ring‐opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of cis‐cyanocyclooct‐4‐ene initiated by ruthenium‐based catalysts of the first, second, and third generation was studied. For the polymerization with the second generation Grubbs catalyst [RuCl₂(?CHPh)(H₂IMes)(PCy₃)] (H₂IMes = N,N′‐bis(mesityl)‐4,5‐dihydroimidazol‐2‐ylidene), the critical monomer concentration at which polymerization occurs was determined, and variation of monomer to catalyst ratios was performed. For this catalyst, ROMP of cis‐cyanocyclooct‐4‐ene did not show the features of a living polymerization as M_n did not linearly increase with increasing monomer conversion. As a consequence of slow initiation rates and intramolecular polymer degradation, molar masses passed through a maximum during the course of the polymerization. With third generation ruthenium catalysts (which contain 3‐bromo or 2‐methylpyridine ligands), polymerization proceeded rapidly, and degradation reactions could not be observed. Contrary to ruthenium‐based catalysts of the second and third generation, a catalyst of the first generation was not able to polymerize cis‐cyanocyclooct‐4‐ene. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

(C5H6N4O)(C5H5N4O)3(C5H4N4O)[Bi2Cl11]Cl2 as a simple and efficient catalyst in Biginelli reaction

A highly efficient and facile procedure for the one‐pot three‐component synthesis of 3,4‐dihydropyrimidin‐2‐(1H )ones/thiones from the one‐pot condensation of aldehyde, β‐dicarbonyl compound and urea/thiourea was developed. The methodology is applicable to a wide range of substrates with high yield in the presence of (C₅H₆N₄O)(C₅H₅N₄O)₃(C₅H₄N₄O)[Bi₂Cl₁₁]Cl₂. The complex is an air‐stable, environmentally friendly and recoverable catalyst and can efficiently catalyze the Biginelli reaction. The catalyst has high catalytic efficiency with low catalyst loading, and can be recycled ten times with only a small loss of activity.     

Axial base‐controlled catalytic activity,oxidative stability and product selectivity of water‐insoluble manganese and iron porphyrins for oxidation of styrenes in water under green conditions

A series of water‐insoluble iron(III) and manganese(III) porphyrins, FeT(2‐CH₃)PPCl, FeT(4‐OCH₃)PPCl, FeT(2‐Cl)PPCl, FeTPPCl, MnT(2‐CH₃)PPOAc, MnT(4‐OCH₃)PPOAc, MnT(2‐Cl)PPOAc and MnTPPOAc, in the presence of imidazole (ImH), F^?, Cl^?, Br^? and acetate were used as catalysts for the aqueous‐phase heterogeneous oxidation of styrenes to the corresponding epoxides and aldehydes with sodium periodate. Also, the effect of various reaction parameters such as reaction time, molar ratio of catalyst to axial base, type of axial base, molar ratio of olefin to oxidant and nature of metal centre on the activity and oxidative stability of the catalysts and the product selectivity was investigated. Higher catalytic activities were found for the iron complexes. Interestingly, the selectivity towards the formation of epoxide and aldehyde (or acetophenone) was significantly influenced by the type of axial base. Furthermore, Br^? and ImH were found to be the most efficient co‐catalysts for the oxidation of olefins performed in the presence of the manganese and iron porphyrins, respectively. The optimized molar ratio of catalyst to axial base was different for various axial bases. Also, the order of co‐catalyst activity of the axial bases obtained in aqueous medium was different from that reported for organic solvents. The use of a convenient axial base under optimum reaction catalyst to co‐catalyst molar ratio in the presence of the manganese porphyrin gave the oxidative products with a conversion of ca 100% in a reaction time of less than 3 h. However, the catalytic activity of the iron porphyrins could not be effectively improved by increasing the catalyst to co‐catalyst molar ratio.     

Tetraphosphine/palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of heteroaryl halides with 3‐pyridine‐ and 3‐thiopheneboronic acid: an efficient catalyst for the formation of biheteroaryls

An easily prepared tetraphosphine N,N,N′,N′‐tetra(diphenylphosphinomethyl)‐1,2‐ethylenediamine (L1) associated with [Pd(η³‐C₃H₅)Cl]₂ affords an efficient catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of 3‐pyridineboronic acid with heteroaryl bromides. Reaction could be performed with as little as 0.02 mol% catalyst and a high turnover number of 2500 is obtained. A wide range of substrates is investigated with satisfactory yields, and good compatibility with aminogroup‐substituted pyridines and unprotected indole is exhibited. This protocol can also be applied successfully to the reaction of heteroaryl bromides with 3‐thiopheneboronic acid. This Pd‐tetraphosphine catalyst efficiently restrains the poisoning effect from heteroaryls, and shows good stability and longevity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation of Nanostructural ZrO2/SiO2 and Study on Catalytic Activity of its Superacid Catalyst

A novel material ZrO₂/SiO₂ was synthesized on SiO₂ support by means of electrostatic self‐assembly technique and sol‐gel method. After treating this material with 0.7 mol·L^?1 H₂SO₄, a nanostructural solid superacid catalyst SO₄^2?‐ZrO₂/SiO₂ was prepared. The material was characterized by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS), Brunauer Emmett Teller method (BET) and Hammett indicator method. The catalytic activity of the catalyst was carried out for the esterification between acetic acid and butanol. Results show that the catalytic activity of this catalyst was much higher than that of powdered superacid catalyst SO₄^2?/ZrO₂. Due to the SiO₂ spherical support, the solid superacid catalyst could be separated and recovered easily. The nanostructural ZrO₂/SiO₂ will be a promising material for the chemical industry in the future.