Magnetic nanoparticles supported zinc (II) complex (Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Zn(OAc)2): a green and efficient magnetically reusable zinc nanocatalyst for synthesis of nitriles via cyanation of aryl iodides

Herein we introduce a novel and reusable nanomagnetic copper catalyst (Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Zn(OAc)(2)) constructed by immobilizing Zn (II) complex on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles functionalized with Imine/Thio group. The structure of the as-constructed Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Zn(OAc)(2) nanomaterial was well analyzed by a number of spectroscopic techniques including: FT-IR, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRD, VSM, AAS and ICP-OES. Experimental studies have well revealed that Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Zn(OAc)(2) nanomaterial is an ecofriendly and efficient nanocatalyst for synthesis of synthesis of nitriles via cyanation of aryl iodides. The grafting of the zinc catalyst to the surface of magnetic nanoparticles has increased the catalytic activity of the material and also simplified catalyst recovery from the reaction mixture by an external magnet. The Fe3O4@SiO2-Imine/Thio-Zn(OAc)(2) nanocatalyst was readily recovered by simple magnetic decantation and can be reused seven cycles without considerable loss in catalytic activity.