Designing CoFe2O4/Cellulose@L-aspargine-Co Nanocomposite: An Ultra-Efficient Recyclable Catalyst in the Quick Reduction of Nitro Compounds under Eco-Friendly Conditions

In this work, novel magnetic nanoparticles CoFe2O4/MCC (microcrystalline cellulose) @L-aspargine-Co have been synthesized via simple procedure and have been fully characterized using several techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray atomic mapping, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform spectroscopy infrared (FT-IR) and coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The catalytic efficiency of this nanocatalyst has been examined in the eco-friendly reduction of different substituted nitro compounds to corresponding amines with sodium borohydride (NaBH4). The reactions were conducted in water at room temperature with high turnover numbers (TON) and turnover frequencies (TOF). The nontoxic nature, green reaction conditions, short reaction times, simple work-up method and elimination of by-products are some advantages of this approach. This organometallic catalyst was successfully recycled for eight times without losing the catalytic efficiency.

Automated summary

Novel magnetic nanoparticles CoFe2O4/MCC @L-aspargine-Co were successfully synthesized and characterized using various techniques. These nanoparticles showed high catalytic efficiency in the eco-friendly reduction of substituted nitro compounds, with advantages such as non-toxic nature, green reaction conditions, short reaction times, simple work-up method, and successful recycling for eight times without loss of catalytic efficiency.