Magnetically recyclable iron oxide nanoparticles for the alpha-cyanation of amines under acid-free conditions and the formal synthesis of praziquantel

A sustainable protocol for the alpha-cyanation of amines has been developed using cheap and affordable iron oxide nanoparticles under acid free conditions with an easy-to-handle, user-friendly cyanide source, ethyl cyanoformate. The magnetic property of the iron oxide nanoparticles facilitated their easy recovery and the recovered particles were found to be reusable up to five cycles with no loss of activity. Further, this methodology was applied for the formal synthesis of the anti-schistosome drug praziquantel. The use of non-toxic, affordable and recyclable iron oxide nanoparticles as a catalyst makes this a green protocol.