Catalytic Performance of Sol–gel Derived NiFeCrO4 Spinel Ferrite Nanocatalyst for Green and Eco-friendly Synthesis of 1-(Benzothiazolylamino) methyl-2-naphthols

Abstract

In the present study, nickel ferrichromate (NiFeCrO₄) spinel ferrite nanocatalyst was successfully synthesized via sol–gel method using cost-efficient glycine as a fuel. The structural, morphological, and compositional characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles were systematically investigated using FT-IR, XRD, EDS, FE-SEM, TEM, and VSM analyses. XRD confirmed the formation of crystalline spinel NiFeCrO₄ with an average crystallite size of 38.21 nm. FE-SEM and TEM studies revealed nearly spherical nanoparticles, while VSM study revealed the magnetic nature of NiFeCrO₄ NPs. The as-prepared NiFeCrO₄ nanoparticles were subsequently employed as an eco-friendly heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the one-pot multicomponent condensation of aromatic aldehydes, 2-naphthol, and 2-aminobenzothiazole derivatives under ultrasonic irradiation (50 Hz, 230 V AC) in ethanol at room temperature. The protocol afforded excellent yields (90–94%) within 40–50 min using 15 mol% catalyst loading, leading to the efficient synthesis of 1-(benzothiazolylamino) methyl-2-naphthols. A variety of aromatic aldehydes bearing electron-donating as well as electron-withdrawing substituents were effectively converted, affording the desired products in excellent yields. Notably, the catalyst demonstrated remarkable recyclability and could be reused up to five consecutive cycles without significant loss of catalytic activity. The developed protocol offers several advantages, including operational simplicity, short reaction times, high product purity, and excellent yields, while adhering to green chemistry principles such as the use of non-toxic conditions and ultrasonic assistance.

Graphical abstract