Colloid and nanosized catalysts in organic synthesis: XIII. Synthesis of 2-R-2-imidazolines catalyzed by copper and iron oxide nanoparticles

The reaction of carboxylic acids with ethylenediamine catalyzed by copper or iron oxide nanoparticles proceeds at 80°C with azeotropic water distilling off during 2–8 h to form 2-R-2-imidazolines. Acyl and diacyl derivatives of ethylenediamine are formed in the reaction as side products.