Fe3O4@SiO2-Diol/AQ-Pd(0) nanocomposite catalyzed ecofriendly synthesis of thioesters via three-component thiocarbonylation-coupling reactions

In this work, we report the development of a novel Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Diol/AQ-Pd(0) nanocomposite catalyst for the eco-friendly synthesis of thioesters via a one-pot, three-component thiocarbonylation-coupling reaction. This method efficiently synthesizes thioesters by reacting aryl iodides and aryl thiols, using Mo(CO)₆ as a solid carbonyl source. The nanocomposite catalyst can be simply recovered, reused, and utilized for up to 8 cycles without decreasing the effectiveness of this catalytic system, thereby minimizing environmental impact. The catalyst was synthesized through a simple, mild method, with its structure validated by various analytical techniques. SEM and TEM analyses confirmed the nanoparticles' spherical shape and nanometer size, while XRD and VSM analyses ensured their structural integrity and strong magnetic properties. Our protocol exhibits remarkable functional group tolerance and delivers high yields of thioesters (82–98 %) under mild reaction conditions. More importantly, our approach enhances safety and sustainability in catalytic processes by eliminating the need for gaseous carbon monoxide, reassuring the scientific community of our commitment to responsible research. This methodology represents a significant advancement in the green synthesis of thioesters and underscores the potential of magnetic nanocomposites in catalysis. These findings suggest exciting avenues for further research into sustainable catalytic systems aimed at reducing environmental burdens in organic synthesis.