Facile synthesis of imidazoles by an efficient and eco-friendly heterogeneous catalytic system constructed of Fe3O4 and Cu2O nanoparticles, and guarana as a natural basis

In this study, an efficient hybrid nanocatalyst made of guar gum (guarana, as a natural basis), magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, and copper(I) oxide nanoparticles (Cu2O NPs) is fabricated and suitably applied for catalyzing the multicomponent (three- and four-component) synthesis reactions of imidazole derivatives. Here, an easy preparation strategy for this novel catalytic system (Cu2O/Fe3O4@guarana) is presented. Then, the application of this catalytic system for the synthesis of imidazole derivatives is precisely investigated. For this purpose, ultrasonication is introduced as an efficient and fast method. In summary, the high catalytic efficiency of Cu2O/Fe3O4@guarana nanocomposite is well demonstrated by high reaction yields obtained in the presence of a small amount of this nanocomposite, under mild conditions. Wide active surface area, substantial magnetic behavior, excellent heterogeneity, suitable stability, well reusability, and etc. have distinguished this catalytic system as an instrumental tool for facilitating the complex synthetic reactions.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates the high catalytic efficiency of the Cu2O/Fe3O4@guarana nanocomposite in synthesizing imidazole derivatives, with high reaction yields obtained in the presence of a small amount of the nanocomposite under mild conditions. This catalytic system is distinguished by its wide active surface area, substantial magnetic behavior, excellent heterogeneity, suitable stability, and good reusability, making it an instrumental tool for facilitating complex synthetic reactions.