Green synthesis of N-sulfonyl amidine using a CuI-incorporated CoFe2O4 nano-catalyst in aqueous medium†

Abstract

A magnetically separable nanocatalyst has been developed by the incorporation of CuI on the functionalized surface of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. For the synthesis of the catalyst, 4-aminomethyl triazole functionality was introduced onto the surface of cobalt ferrite via a sequence of surface functionalization steps. Further treatment of the modified nanoparticles with CuI produced the desired magnetic nanocatalyst. The versatility of the catalyst has been demonstrated for the synthesis of N-sulfonyl amidines. The reaction was carried out in water at room temperature in the presence of 10 wt% catalyst within a short time. Notably, the catalyst could be separated from the reaction mixture with the aid of an external magnet and reused.