Magnetically Separable Nanocatalysts: Bridges between Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis

Multicatalysis Combining 3D-Printed Devices and Magnetic Nanoparticles in One-Pot Reactions: Steps Forward in Compartmentation and Recyclability of Catalysts

A tricatalytic compartmentalized system that immobilizes metallic species to perform one-pot sequential functionalization is described: a three-dimensional (3D)-printed palladium monolith, ferritic copper(I) magnetic nanoparticles, and a 3D-printed polypropylene capsule-containing copper(II) loaded onto polystyrene-supported 1,5,7-triazabicyclo[4.4.0]dec-5-ene (PS-TBD) allowed the rapid synthesis of diverse substituted 1-([1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazoles. The procedure is based on the Chan-Lam azidation/copper alkyne-azide cycloaddition/Suzuki reaction strategy in the solution phase. This catalytic system enabled the efficient assembly of the final compounds in high yields without the need for special additives or intermediate isolation. The monolithic catalyst-containing immobilized palladium species was synthesized by surface chemical modification of a 3D-printed silica monolith using a soluble polyimide resin as a key reagent, thus creating an extremely robust composite. All three immobilized catalysts described here were easily recovered and reused in numerous cycles. This work exemplifies the role of 3D printing in the design and manufacture of devices for compartmented multicatalytic systems to carry out complex one-pot transformations.

Versatile Sulfathiazole-Functionalized Magnetic Nanoparticles as Catalyst in Oxidation and Alkylation Reactions

Catalyst design and surface modifications of magnetic nanoparticles have become attractive strategies in order to optimize catalyzed organic reactions for industrial applications. In this work, silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles with a core-shell type structure were prepared. The obtained material was successfully functionalized with sulfathiazole groups, which can enhance its catalytic features. The material was fully characterized, using a multi-technique approach. The catalytic performance of the as-synthesized material was evaluated in 1) the oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde and 2) the microwave-assisted alkylation of toluene with benzyl chloride. Remarkable conversion and selectivity were obtained for both reactions and a clear improvement of the catalytic properties was observed in comparison with unmodified γ-Fe2O3/SiO2 and γ-Fe2O3. Noticeably, the catalyst displayed outstanding magnetic characteristics which facilitated its recovery and reusability.

Synthesis of MCM-41 Immobilized (Phenoxy)Imine Palladium(II) Complexes as Recyclable Catalysts in the Methoxycarbonylation of 1-Hexene

The immobilization of 2-phenyl-2-((3(tryethoxysicyl)propyl)imino)ethanol (HL1) and 4-methyl-2-(((3(triethoxysilyl)propyl)imino)methyl)phenol (HL2) on MCM-41 afforded the respective ligands HL1-MCM-41 (HL3) and HL2-MCM-41 (HL4). The treatment of complexes Pd(L1)2 and Pd(L2)2 with MCM-41 afforded the immobilized complexes (Pd(L1)2)-MCM-41 (1) and (Pd(L2)2)-MCM-41 (2) respectively. Separately, the reactions of HL3 and HL4 with Pd(NCMe)2Cl2 produced the immobilized complexes Pd(HL3)Cl2 (3) and Pd(HL4)Cl2 (4) respectively. The immobilized compounds were characterized by FT-IR, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD). All the complexes (1–4) formed active catalysts in the methoxycarbonylation of 1-hexene to give linear and branched esters. The catalysts were recycled four times without the loss of catalytic activity. Hot filtration experiments established the absence of leaching, and the heterogeneous nature of the active species was derived from mercury drop experiments.

Enter the Tubes: Carbon Nanotube Endohedral Catalysis

The unique morphological characteristics of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) present the intriguing opportunity of exploiting the inner cavity for carrying out chemical reactions. Such reactions are catalysed either by the individual tubes that function both as catalysts and nanoreactors or by additional catalytic species that are confined within the channel. Such confinement creates what is called “confinement effect”, which can result in different catalytic features affecting activity, stability and selectivity. The review highlights the recent major advancements of catalysis conducted within the CNTs, starting from the synthesis of the catalytic composite, and discussing the most notable catalytic processes that have been reported in the last decade.

The azide–alkyne cycloaddition catalysed by transition metal oxide nanoparticles

Fe₃O₄, MnFe₂O₄, CoFe₂O₄, MnO, and α-MnS nanoparticles catalyse the title reaction by the ligation of the azide on the surface of the nanoparticle.

A supported manganese complex with amine-bis(phenol) ligand for catalytic benzylic C(sp3)–H bond oxidation

With regards to the importance of direct and selective activation of C–H bonds in oxidation processes, we develop a supported manganese amine bis(phenol) ligand complex as a novel catalyst with the aim of obtaining valuable products such as carboxylic acids and ketones that have an important role in life, industry and academic laboratories. We further analyzed and characterized the catalyst using the HRTEM, SEM, FTIR, TGA, VSM, XPS, XRD, AAS, and elemental analysis (CHN) techniques. Also, the catalytic evaluation of our system for direct oxidation of benzylic C–H bonds under solvent-free condition demonstrated that the heterogeneous form of our catalyst has high efficiency in comparison with homogeneous ones due to more stability of the supported complex. Furthermore, the structural and morphological stability of our efficient recyclable catalytic system has been investigated and all of the data proved that the complex was firmly anchored to the magnetite nanoparticles.

An environmentally friendly and efficient catalyst containing three interesting parts, Mn, the amine bis(phenolate) ligand (H₃L^GDC) and the magnetic nanoparticles for benzylic C–H bond oxidation.

Superparamagnetic nanoparticle-catalyzed coupling of 2-amino pyridines/pyrimidines with trans-chalcones

An aerobic coupling of 2-aminopyrimidines or 2-aminopyridines with trans-chalcones to afford aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines and aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines is reported. Reactions proceed in the presence of CuFe₂O₄ superparamagnetic nanoparticle catalyst, two equivalents of iodine, oxygen oxidant, and 1,4-dioxane solvent. The catalyst is superior to many common copper or iron complexes. Copper ferrite could be easily separated by magnetic decantation and reused up to 5 times without a major loss of activity. The method described here marks a rare example of using a simple, heterogeneous catalyst for synthesis of fused heterocycles. To our best knowledge, aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines and aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were not previously synthesized using this protocol.

An aerobic coupling of 2-aminopyrimidines or 2-aminopyridines with trans-chalcones to afford aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyrimidines and aroylimidazo[1,2-a]pyridines is reported.

Shape-dependent structural and magnetic properties of Fe nanoparticles studied through simulation methods

Studying the shape-dependent structural and magnetic properties of nanoparticles is one of the most necessary scientific challenges in order to match these nano-objects for adequate applications. In this research paper, the shape effect of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on structural and magnetic properties was investigated on the basis of a combination of Molecular Statics (MS) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. To this end, three kinds of FeNP shapes (such as spherical, planar and rod) in an equal volume have been considered. The coordination number distribution of FeNPs obtained from the data extracted by MS simulations was exploited for performing MC simulations on the familiar Ising model. The numerical findings obtained showed that the structural stability, the Curie temperature as well as the shape of the hysteresis loop are correlated with the FeNP shape.

The shape effect of iron nanoparticles (FeNPs) on structural and magnetic properties was investigated on the basis of a combination of Molecular Statics (MS) and Monte Carlo (MC) simulations.

An intramolecular relay catalysis strategy for Knoevenagel condensation and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition domino reactions

A relay catalysis strategy was established by using a bifunctional catalyst which was prepared by immobilization of organic chains containing secondary amine and Cu(ii) complex onto silica-coated nano-Fe₃O₄. The simply prepared nanoparticles acted as efficient, intramolecular relays and magnetically recyclable base-metal bifunctional catalysts for Knoevenagel condensation and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition domino reactions to prepare 5-substituted 1H-tetrazoles with excellent yields.

A magnetically recoverable bifunctional catalyst was synthesized and effectively used in Knoevenagel condensation and 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition domino reactions.

Pyrrolidine-based chiral porous polymers for heterogeneous organocatalysis in water

The “bottom-up” reticulation of chiral pyrrolidine into POPs for heterogeneous organocatalysis in pure water.