Sustainable β-hydroxy sulfide synthesis using a recyclable magnetic copper nanocatalyst

Magnetic nanocatalysts have attracted significant attention in organic chemistry due to their high efficiency, recyclability, and eco-friendly nature. In this study, we report the synthesis and application of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Gly-ImH-CuI, a novel magnetic copper catalyst, fabricated by immobilizing CuI onto Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles functionalized with glycyl imidazole. The catalyst was employed in a one-pot, three-component synthesis of β-hydroxy sulfide derivatives using aryl and heteroaryl iodides, 2-phenyloxirane derivatives, and carbon disulfide. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions using glycerol as a green solvent and potassium bicarbonate as a base, yielding high amounts of the desired products. The strong magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Gly-ImH-CuI enabled effortless separation from the reaction mixture, and the catalyst retained its high catalytic activity over eight consecutive cycles. Comprehensive characterization techniques confirmed the catalyst’s structural integrity and stability, including FT-IR, SEM, TEM, VSM, BET, XRD, and ICP-OES. This catalyst’s remarkable efficiency, ease of recovery, and outstanding recyclability highlight its potential for sustainable green chemistry applications, offering an environmentally friendly alternative for the synthesis of valuable organic compounds.