Fe3O4@SiO2 core/shell functionalized by gallic acid: a novel, robust, and water-compatible heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst for environmentally friendly synthesis of acridine-1,8-diones

In this study, we conveniently prepared a novel robust heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst using a Fe3O4@SiO2 core/shell stabilized by gallic acid. The catalyst was completely characterized by various physicochemical techniques, including infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), potentiometric titration, energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), zeta potential analysis, and BET. The potential ability of the newly developed sulfonated nanocatalyst was then exploited in the multicomponent synthesis of acridine-1,8-dione derivatives by considering the green chemistry matrix and under mild conditions. Various aldehydes and amines were smoothly reacted with dimedone, affording the desired products in good to excellent yields. The introduction of sulfonic groups using gallic acid allowed the development of a water-compatible and highly recyclable catalytic system for reactions in an aqueous environment. The prepared catalyst can be readily magnetically separated and reused eight times without significant loss of activity. High synthetic efficiency, using a recyclable and eco-sustainable catalyst under mild conditions, and easy product isolation are salient features of this catalytic system, which makes this protocol compatible with the demands of green chemistry.

Synthesis, characterization, and application of α-Fe2 O3 @TiO2 @SO3 H photo-Fenton catalyst for photocatalytic degradation of biologically pre-treated wood industry wastewater

The efficiency of removing chemical oxygen demand (COD) and turbidity from wood wastewater was investigated using a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) and the photo-Fenton process. A total of 94.78% of COD reduction and 99.9% of turbidity removal were observed under optimum conditions of SBR, which consisted of an organic loading rate (OLR) of 0.453 kg COD m^-3  day^-1 , mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS) of 4564 mg L^-1 , and cycle time of 48 h. A magnetic α-Fe₂ O₃ @TiO₂ @SO₃ H nanocatalyst was prepared as a heterogeneous Fenton reagent. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and elemental mapping (MAP) analyses were performed to determine the structure and morphology of synthesized photocatalyst. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the process based on a central composite design (CCD). The maximum photocatalytic degradation of 87.54% and COD reduction of 83.35% were achieved at a dosage of 0.6 g L^-1 of catalyst, 30 mg L^-1 of H₂ O₂ , and pH of 3.5 for 45 min. The results indicated that a combination of the SBR process and α-Fe₂ O₃ @TiO₂ @SO₃ H could be used as an effective method for the treatment of wood wastewater. PRACTITIONER POINTS: A combination of the SBR and photo-Fenton process was introduced as an impressive method for wood industry wastewater treatment. The efficiencies of COD, BOD₅ , NO₃ -N, PO₄ -P, and color removal were obtained according to the standard limits in Iran. To our knowledge, this study is the first report of the use of synthesized α-Fe₂ O₃ @TiO₂ @SO₃ H photocatalyst for the wood industry wastewater treatment.

Preparation, Antibacterial Activity, and Catalytic Application of Magnetic Graphene Oxide-Fucoidan in the Synthesis of 1,4-Dihydropyridines and Polyhydroquinolines

Polymer-coated magnetic nanoparticles are emerging as a useful tool for a variety of applications, including catalysis. In the present study, fucoidan-coated magnetic graphene oxide was synthesized using a natural sulfated polysaccharide. The prepared BaFe12 O19 @GO@Fu (Fu=fucoidan, GO=graphene oxide) was characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The catalytic proficiency of BaFe12 O19 @GO@Fu was investigated in the synthesis of 1,4-dihydropyridine and polyhydroquinoline derivatives. Excellent turnover numbers (TON) and turnover frequencies (TOF) (6330 and 25320 h-1 ) testify to the high efficiency of the catalyst. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of BaFe12 O19 @GO@Fu was evaluated against Escherichia coli (E. coli), and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) through the Agar well diffusion method, indicating that BaFe12 O19 @GO@Fu has antibacterial activity against S. aureus.

Preparation and application of α-Fe2O3@TiO2@SO3H for photocatalytic degradation and COD reduction of woodchips industry wastewater

In this study, we investigated the efficiency of photocatalytic degradation and chemical oxygen demand (COD) reduction from woodchips industry wastewater using α-Fe₂O₃@TiO₂@SO₃H. A magnetic α-Fe₂O₃@TiO₂@SO₃H was prepared as a heterogeneous photo-Fenton catalyst. The Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX), and elemental mapping (MAP) analyses were performed to determine the structure and morphology of synthesized photocatalysts. The response surface methodology (RSM) was used to optimize the photo-Fenton process based on a Box-Behnken design (BBD). The parameters such as catalyst dosage, H₂O₂ dosage, pH, and contact time on photocatalytic degradation and the reduction of COD were studied. The maximum photocatalytic degradation of 93.75% and COD reduction of 86.54% were achieved at a dosage of the catalyst of 1 g L^-1, H₂O₂ dosage of 40 mg L^-1, and a pH of 3.5 at 45 min. The kinetics of the photo-Fenton process was studied for the woodchips wastewater treatment under optimum conditions. The pseudo-second-order kinetic model for photocatalytic degradation and COD reduction was obtained. The results indicated that a α-Fe₂O₃@TiO₂@SO₃H could be used as an effective heterogeneous photocatalyst for the treatment of woodchips industry wastewater. Preparation and application of α-Fe₂O₃@TiO₂@SO₃H for photocatalytic degradation and COD reduction of woodchips industry wastewater.

Recent developments in the synthesis of polysubstituted pyridines via multicomponent reactions using nanocatalysts

This review describes the evolution and application of active metal-based and heterometallic NPs as efficient heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of pyridine derivatives by multicomponent reactions in the last decade (2010–2020).

In situ synthesis of SO3H supported Fe3O4@resorcinol-formaldehyde resin core/shell and its catalytic evaluation towards the synthesis of hexahydroquinoline derivatives in green conditions

A novel spherically shaped core@double-shell acidic nanocatalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2@RF-SO3H) [RF: resorcinol-formaldehyde resin] was prepared in situ and completely characterized using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The concentration of H+ loaded on the Fe3O4@SiO2@RF was reported to be 1.3 mmol g-1. The well-defined Fe3O4@SiO2@RF-SO3H core-shell heterostructures exhibited high stability, efficient recyclability (10 cycles), and promoted catalytic activity for one-pot condensation reaction between the aromatic aldehydes, dimedone, malononitrile, and ammonium acetate for the synthesis of hexahydroquinoline derivatives.

Facile route to synthesize Fe3O4@acacia-SO3H nanocomposite as a heterogeneous magnetic system for catalytic applications

In this work, a novel catalytic system for facilitating the organic multicomponent synthesis of 9-phenyl hexahydroacridine pharmaceutical derivatives is reported. Concisely, this catalyst was constructed from acacia gum (gum arabic) as a natural polymeric base, iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs), and sulfone functional groups on the surface as the main active catalytic sites. Herein, a convenient preparation method for this nanoscale composite is introduced. Then, essential characterization methods such as various spectroscopic analyses and electron microscopy (EM) were performed on the fabricated nano-powder. The thermal stability and magnetic properties were also precisely monitored via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and vibrating-sample magnetometry (VSM) methods. Then, the performance of the presented catalytic system (Fe3O4@acacia-SO3H) was further investigated in the referred organic reaction by using various derivatives of the components involved in the reaction. Optimization, mechanistic studies, and reusability screening were carried out for this efficient catalyst as well. Overall, remarkable reaction yields (94%) were obtained for the various produced derivatives of 9-phenyl hexahydroacridine in the indicated optimal conditions.

An Efficient and Robust Method for Selective Conversion of Aniline to Azobenzene Using nano-TiO2 -P25-SO3 H, under Visible Light Irradiation

Nano-TiO₂ -P25-SO₃ H as our previous report has successfully been utilized to synthesize azobenzene through the selective conversion of aniline under visible light irradiation. According to PL emission spectra, the immobilizing a solid Brønsted acid of -SO₃ H groups on the pure-TiO₂ -P25 surface with a close interface is an approach to amplify the nano-TiO₂ -P25 response to visible light, which can productively hinder the recombination rate of photogenerated electrons and holes as carriers. Therefore, the photocatalytic activity of the semiconductor is highly likely to increase. Photooxidation of aniline to azobenzene was achieved by applying nano-TiO₂ -P25-SO₃ H (E_g  = 2.6 eV) that activated by blue photons (λ_max  = 460 nm), green photons (λ_max  = 510 nm) and red photons (λ_max  = 630 nm) which is introducing as a sustainable procedure. Central composite design (CCD) was employed for evaluating the effects of photocatalyst amount, oxidant concentration and irradiation time on the synthesis of azobenzene by this approach. Easily synthesizing, recyclability of the photocatalyst, mild reaction condition and short reaction time could be considered as plus points of this process.

The Immobilized Copper on Nickel Ferrite: A Magnetically Superior Nanocatalyst for Chemoselective and Knoevenagel Synthesis of Bisdimedones and 1,8-Dioxo-octahydroxanthenes under Solvent-Free Conditions

AIM AND OBJECTIVE

Nowadays, bisdimedones and 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes are considered as biologically active materials. Due to this, the synthesis of the mentioned materials is the subject of more interest. Although most of the reported methods have their own merits, however, they generally require the use of expensive reagents, hazardous organic solvents, a tedious workup procedure and reduced recyclability of the applied catalyst system. Overcoming of the above mentioned drawbacks, therefore, encouraged us to investigate the capability of nanostructured NiFe2O4@Cu towards the synthesis of bisdimedones and 1,8- dioxo-octahydroxanthenes under green reaction conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nanoparticles of NiFe2O4@Cu were prepared via a two-step procedure including the preparation of NiFe2O4 by solid-state grinding of Ni(OAc)2·4H2O and Fe(NO3)3·9H2O in the presence of NaOH followed by the immobilization of Cu(0) on the surface of NiFe2O4 nucleus via hydrazine hydrate reduction of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O.

RESULTS

After the synthesis of NiFe2O4@Cu, the catalytic activity of the Cu-nanocatalyst towards Knoevenagel reaction of aromatic aldehydes with dimedone under different reaction conditions was investigated. The examinations showed that using the molar equivalents of aromatic aldehydes (1 mmol) and dimedone (2 mmol) in the presence of 0.15 g NiFe2O4@Cu under solvent-free conditions chemoselectively afforded structurally different bisdimedone products at 60°C and 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes at 120°C.

CONCLUSION

In this study, magnetically, nanoparticles of NiFe2O4@Cu were prepared and then characterized using different analyses. The catalytic activity of the prepared Cu-nanocatalyst was also studied towards solvent-free Knoevenagel condensation of aromatic aldehydes with dimedone. All the reactions were carried out within 15-240 min to afford bisdimedone and 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthene products in high yields.

Magnetic core–shell dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres anchored with diamine as an efficient and recyclable base catalyst

In the present study, diamine-functionalized magnetic core–shell dendritic mesoporous silica nanospheres have been successfully synthesized by an oil–water biphasic stratification-coating strategy.

New Hydrogen-Bond-Enriched 1,3,5-Tris(2-hydroxyethyl) Isocyanurate Covalently Functionalized MCM-41: An Efficient and Recoverable Hybrid Catalyst for Convenient Synthesis of Acridinedione Derivatives

A new nano-ordered 1,3,5-tris(2-hydroxyethyl) isocyanurate-1,3-propylene covalently functionalized MCM-41 (MCM-41-Pr-THEIC) was designed and prepared at room temperature through a simple procedure. According to various microscopic, spectroscopic, or thermal methods and techniques, the correlation of the catalytic performance of the hybrid mesoporous MCM-41-Pr-THEIC to its structural characteristics was fully confirmed. The new MCM-41-Pr-THEIC organosilica nanomaterials were successfully investigated as a solid mild nanocatalyst through hydrogen-bonding activation provided by its organic moiety, for the pseudo-four-component condensation of dimedone, aldehydes, and ammonium acetate or p-toluidine to afford the corresponding acridinedione derivatives under green conditions. Furthermore, the introduced nanocatalyst could be reused at least four times with negligible loss of its activity, indicating the good stability and high activity of the new hybrid organosilica.

Immobilized copper-layered nickel ferrite on acid-activated montmorillonite, [(NiFe2O4@Cu)(H+-Mont)], as a superior magnetic nanocatalyst for the green synthesis of xanthene derivatives

In this study, the immobilization of copper-layered nickel ferrite on the surface and in the cavities of acid-activated montmorillonite (H⁺-Mont) was investigated. In this context, magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) of NiFe₂O₄ as the prime magnetic cores were prepared. Next, through the reduction of Cu²⁺ ions with sodium borohydride, the nanoparticles of Cu⁰ were immobilized on the nanocore-surface of NiFe₂O₄, and the constituent NiFe₂O₄@Cu MNPs were obtained. Moreover, through the activation of montmorillonite K10 (Mont K10) with HCl (4 M) under controlled conditions, the H⁺-Mont constituent was prepared. The nanostructured NiFe₂O₄@Cu was then intercalated within the interlayers and on the external surface of the H⁺-Mont constituent to afford the novel magnetic nanocomposite (NiFe₂O₄@Cu)(H⁺-Mont). The prepared clay nanocomposite was characterized using FTIR spectroscopy, SEM, EDX, XRD, VSM and BET analyses. The obtained results showed that through acid-activation, the stacked-sheet structure of Mont K10 was exfoliated to tiny segments, leading to a significant increase in the surface area and total pore volume of the H⁺-Mont constituent as compared to those of montmorillonite alone. SEM analysis also exhibited that the dispersion of NiFe₂O₄@Cu MNPs in the interlayers and on the external surface of acid-activated montmorillonite was carried out successfully, and the nanoparticle sizes were distributed in the range of 15–25 nm. The BET surface analysis also indicated that through the immobilization of NiFe₂O₄@Cu MNPs, the surface area and total pore volume of the H⁺-Mont system were decreased. The catalytic activity of (NiFe₂O₄@Cu)(H⁺-Mont) was further studied towards the synthesis of substituted 13-aryl-5H-dibenzo[b,i]xanthene-5,7,12,14(13H) tetraones 3(a–k) and 3,3,6,6-tetramethyl-9-aryl-3,4,5,6,7,9-hexahydro-1H-xanthene-1,8(2H) diones 5(a–k)via the pseudo-one-pot three-component cyclocondensation of 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone (Lawsone)/dimedone and aromatic aldehydes in a mixture of H₂O–EtOH (1 : 1 mL) as a green solvent at 80–90 °C. The (NiFe₂O₄@Cu)(H⁺-Mont) MNPs can be easily separated from the reaction mixture by an external magnetic field and reused for seven consecutive cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity.

In this study, the catalytic activity of the prepared (NiFe₂O₄@Cu)(H⁺-Mont) MNPs was studied towards the synthesis of dibenzo[b,i]xanthene tetraones 3(a–k) and hexahydroxanthene diones 5(a–k).

Acridinedione as selective flouride ion chemosensor: a detailed spectroscopic and quantum mechanical investigation

The use of small molecules as chemosensors for ion detection is rapidly gaining popularity by virtue of the advantages it offers over traditional ion sensing methods. Herein we have synthesized a series of acridine(1,8)diones (7a-7l) and explored them for their potential to act as chemosensors for the detection of various anions such as fluoride (F-), acetate (OAc-), bromide (Br-), iodide (I-), bisulfate (HSO4 -), chlorate (ClO3 -), perchlorate (ClO4 -), cyanide (CN-), and thiocyanate (SCN-). Acridinediones were found to be highly selective chemosensors for fluoride ions only. To investigate in detail the mechanism of selective fluoride ion sensing, detailed spectroscopic studies were carried out using UV-visible, fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopy. Fluoride mediated (NH) proton abstraction of acridinedione was found to be responsible for the observed selective fluoride ion sensing. Quantum mechanical computational studies, using time dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) were also carried out, whereupon comparison of acridinedione interaction with fluoride and acetate ions explained the acridinedione selectivity for the detection of fluoride anions. Our results provide ample evidence and rationale for further modulation and exploration of acridinediones as non-invasive chemosensors for fluoride ion detection in a variety of sample types.

N-Propyl benzoguanamine sulfonic acid supported on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: a novel and efficient magnetically heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-decahydroacridine derivatives

An MNPs-N-propyl-benzoguanamine-SO₃H nanocatalyst as a novel, retrievable, economic and heterogeneous catalyst is prepared for the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-decahydroacridine derivatives.

Tungstic acid-functionalized Fe3O4@TiO2: preparation, characterization and its application for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazole derivatives as a reusable magnetic nanocatalyst

A new nanocatalyst based on the immobilization of tungstic acid onto 3-chloropropyl-grafted TiO₂-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@TiO₂@(CH₂)₃OWO₃H) was prepared, characterized, and applied for the synthesis of pyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles.

Four-component synthesis of polyhydroquinolines under catalyst- and solvent-free conventional heating conditions: mechanistic studies

A convenient and environmentally friendly procedure for the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines via a one-pot four-component reaction has been developed. A detailed mechanistic study of the reaction is presented.