Zr@IL-Fe3O4 MNPs as an efficient and green heterogeneous magnetic nanocatalyst for the one-pot three-component synthesis of highly substituted pyran derivatives under solvent-free conditions

The present study was conducted to synthesize Zr@IL-Fe₃O₄ MNPs as a new magnetically recoverable heterogeneous catalyst, which was then characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The catalytic behavior of the Zr@IL-Fe₃O₄ MNPs was efficiently used for the synthesis of highly substituted pyran derivatives via a one-pot three-component condensation of 4-hydroxycoumarin/dimedone, malononitrile, and arylaldehydes under solvent-free conditions. This new methodology demonstrated some important features, including short reaction times, excellent yields, lower loading of the catalyst, easy work-up, and recyclability of the catalyst for a minimum of six times without any noticeable decrease in catalytic activity.

Synthesis of highly substituted pyran derivatives using Zr@IL-Fe₃O₄ MNPs.     

Amino-polystyrene supported hexaethylene glycol-bridged ionic liquid as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for water-mediated nucleophilic hydroxylation

We report a simple and eco-friendly method for producing an amino-polystyrene supported hexaethylene glycol-bridged ionic liquid (APS-HEGBIL) based on the copolymerization of amino-styrene with 1-vinyl imidazolium ionic liquid bearing hexaethylene glycol moieties, and its characterization by several analytical techniques. The resulting APS-HEGBIL catalyst was found to be remarkably efficient at catalyzing the selective nucleophilic hydroxylation of alkyl halides to produce the corresponding alcohols in water, which acted as a solvent and a nucleophilic hydroxide source. The catalyst was easily recycled and maintained its catalytic activity and stability after ten cycles with excellent yields. The main attributes of the catalyst were that it significantly enhanced the nucleophilicity of water during reactions and promoted the rapid conversions of polar and base-sensitive alkyl halide reactants to alcohols in excellent yields. The combination of ionic liquids and polymeric materials afforded quasi-homogeneous catalysts that were recycled by simple filtration and provided environmentally benign means for conducted catalytic procedures.

An amino-polystyrene supported hexaethylene glycol-bridged ionic liquid (APS-HEGBIL) was remarkably efficient at catalyzing the selective nucleophilic hydroxylation of alkyl halides to produce the corresponding alcohols in water.     

A mild and efficient method for the synthesis of pyrroles using MIL-53(Al) as a catalyst under solvent-free sonication

A highly efficient method for the synthesis of pyrroles using MIL-53(Al) as a catalyst has been developed under solvent-free sonication. This reaction has a broad substrate scope and high yields were obtained within a short reaction time. Remarkably, no additional additives and volatile organic solvent are required for this method and the MIL-53(Al) could be recovered and reused several times without significant drop-off in catalytic activity.

Catalytic activity of MIL-53(Al) in the synthesis of pyrroles under solvent-free sonication.     

Immobilization of Lewis acidic ionic liquid on perlite nanoparticle surfaces as a highly efficient solid acid catalyst for the solvent-free synthesis of xanthene derivatives

In this study, perlite nanoparticles were prepared through a simple method and then modified with Lewis acidic ionic liquid (perlite NP@IL/ZrCl₄) through a two step procedure. The prepared solid acid catalyst was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). Perlite NP@IL/ZrCl₄ was used as a new solid acid, reusable and green heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the one-pot synthesis of xanthene derivatives. Synthesis of xanthenes was performed under solvent free conditions using a catalytic amount (0.005 g, 0.4 mol%) of the prepared catalyst with simple work-up and high to excellent yield of products. The reusability and high efficiency of this catalyst makes this method attractive for large scale environment-friendly operations.

Perlite nanoparticles were prepared, modified with Lewis acidic ionic liquid, and used as a highly efficient catalyst for the eco-friendly, solvent free and high yield synthesis of xanthenes via a multicomponent reaction.     

Triazine bis(pyridinium) hydrogen sulfate ionic liquid immobillized on functionalized halloysite nanotubes as an efficient catalyst for one-pot synthesis of naphthopyranopyrimidines

1,1′-(6-(Propyl amino)-1,3,5-triazine-2,4-diyl)bis(pyridinium) hydrogen sulfate immobillized on halloysite nanotubes [(PATDBP)(HSO₄)₂@HNT] as a solid acid nanocatalyst was successfully synthesized and characterized by various analysis techniques such as FT-IR, TGA, SEM/EDX, elemental mapping, TEM and elemental analysis. This catalyst was found to be highly efficient for the convenient synthesis of naphthopyranopyrimidine derivatives through a one-pot three-component reaction of β-naphthol, aldehydes and N,N-dimethylbarbituric acid in excellent yields under solvent-free conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst could be recovered and reused five times without any notable loss of its activity.

A novel method for synthesis of naphthopyranopyrimidines, using [(PATDBP)(HSO₄)₂@HNT] as a green and reusable catalyst is reported.     

Biocompatible ionic liquid [Betaine][H2PO4] as a reusable catalyst for the substitution of xanthen-9-ol under solvent-free conditions

An ionic liquid, namely [Betaine][H₂PO₄], was found to be an efficient catalyst for the direct substitution reaction of xanthen-9-ol with different nucleophiles under solvent-free conditions. This catalytic system is easy to be operated and the following work-up procedure is simple, with the ionic liquid catalyst reusable for at least five cycles at a high catalytic activity level. In addition, the ionic liquid is easy to prepare and its raw materials are inexpensive and have good biocompatibility. Therefore, our study presents an intriguing and sustainable protocol for the direct substitution of alcohol.

A cheap and biocompatible ionic liquid [Betaine][H₂PO₄] was found to be an efficient and reusable catalyst for the direct substitution reaction of xanthen-9-ol under solvent-free conditions.     

Novel biocompatible core/shell Fe3O4@NFC@Co(ii) as a new catalyst in a multicomponent reaction: an efficient and sustainable methodology and novel reusable material for one-pot synthesis of 4H-pyran and pyranopyrazole in aqueous media

Today, due to the developing need for inexpensive catalysts, recyclable magnetic nanocatalysts immobilized on polysaccharides possess many advantages over classical heterogeneous catalysts. However, cellulose has been an appealing material in catalysis science and technology. In this work, by controlling the interaction between the inorganic complexes and the support material, we designed a high activity nanostructured combination of a magnetic nanoparticle Fe₃O₄@NFC@Co(ii) terminated complex as a multi-nuclear catalyst. This protocol involves an environment friendly approach using cobalt acetate. The magnetic nanostructure Fe₃O₄@NFC@Co(ii) can be used as a novel, green, and a powerful catalyst that demonstrates a short reaction time, high yield and easy procedure for the cascade Knoevenagel–Michael-cyclocondensation reaction for the one-pot synthesis of 4H-pyrans and pyranopyrazoles. The superparamagnetic nanocomposite could be conveniently separated by using an external magnet. Moreover, the catalyst could be reused at least five times in new reaction runs without a noticeable loss of activity. The prepared catalyst was characterized by FT-IR, XRD, VSM, FESEM, EDAX, TEM, ICP, and TGA techniques. The experiments were achieved with good yields and implied that the catalytic method was effective and convenient for heterocyclic synthesis.

Today, due to the developing need for inexpensive catalysts, recyclable magnetic nanocatalysts immobilized on polysaccharides possess many advantages over classical heterogeneous catalysts.     

Chemoselective reduction of nitro and nitrile compounds using an Fe3O4-MWCNTs@PEI-Ag nanocomposite as a reusable catalyst

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were modified with carboxylic acid functional groups (MWCNTs-(COOH)_n) prior to decoration with Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. A further modification step by polyethyleneimine (PEI) resulted in Fe₃O₄-MWCNTs@PEI which provided a suitable platform for coordination and in situ reduction of silver ions to obtain an Fe₃O₄-MWCNTs@PEI-Ag nanocomposite with highly dispersed Ag nanoparticles. The Fe₃O₄-MWCNTs@PEI-Ag hybrid material was characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and was used as an efficient catalyst for chemoselective reduction of nitroaromatic and nitrile compounds to their corresponding amines in aqueous solution at ambient temperature. Nitrofurazone, a cytotoxic antibiotic, as a non-aromatic example was also reduced selectively at the nitro group without reduction of the other functionalities in the presence of Fe₃O₄-MWCNTs@PEI-Ag. The catalyst was magnetically recoverable and maintained its activity for at least six cycles without considerable loss of efficiency.

Chemoselective reductions by an Fe₃O₄-MWCNTs@PEI-Ag nanocomposite.     

CoFe2O4/Cu(OH)2 magnetic nanocomposite: an efficient and reusable heterogeneous catalyst for one-pot synthesis of β-hydroxy-1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles from epoxides

A magnetically separable CoFe₂O₄/Cu(OH)₂ nanocomposite was prepared and characterized by various techniques such as FESEM, EDS, TEM, XRD, VSM and FT-IR. This novel composite was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the regioselective synthesis of β-hydroxy-1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles from sodium azide, terminal alkynes and structurally different epoxides in water at 60 °C. The formation of the product proceeds in one pot through a mechanism that involves an in situ generated organic azide intermediate, followed by rapid ring closure with the alkyne component. The simple procedure, short reaction times, perfect regioselectivity, high product yields, and use of a benign solvent and nontoxic catalyst are among the considerable advantages of this protocol. Furthermore, the catalyst was easily separated using an external magnet and reused several times without any significant loss of catalytic activity or magnetic properties.

Magnetically separable CoFe₂O₄/Cu(OH)₂ nanocomposite was prepared and used as a novel heterogeneous catalyst for synthesis of β-hydroxy-1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazoles from epoxides.     

Magnetic core–shell-structured Fe3O4@CeO2 as an efficient catalyst for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation of benzoic acid

A magnetic core–shell-structured Fe₃O₄@CeO₂ catalyst was prepared by a simple solvothermal method and applied in the solid state for catalytic wet peroxide oxidation (CWPO) of benzoic acid. The obtained catalyst was characterized by N₂ adsorption–desorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic measurements, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The experimental results showed that Fe₃O₄@CeO₂ possessed superior catalytic efficiency for CWPO of benzoic acid than that of Fe₃O₄. The high catalytic activity was caused by a synergistic effect between Fe₃O₄ and CeO₂, which assisted the decomposition of H₂O₂ into hydroxyl radicals (·OH). Fe₃O₄@CeO₂ exhibited low Fe leaching of 4.2 mg L⁻¹, which approximately accounted for barely 0.76% of the total Fe amount in the catalyst. The effects of radical scavengers indicated that benzoic acid was degraded mainly by ·OH attack, which occurred both in the bulk solution and on the Fe₃O₄@CeO₂ surface. In the stability tests, there was loss of merely 4% in the benzoic acid removal rate after six cycles of reaction, and the saturation magnetization of Fe₃O₄@CeO₂ hardly changed, which suggested that the Fe₃O₄@CeO₂ catalyst was fairly effective in reutilization and stability.

Benzoic acid was degraded mainly by ·OH generated by the reaction of Fe²⁺ and Ce³⁺ species with H₂O₂.     

Supported l-tryptophan on Fe3O4@SiO2 as an efficient and magnetically separable catalyst for one-pot construction of spiro[indene-2,2′-naphthalene]-4′-carbonitrile derivatives

In this work, l-tryptophan functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles were readily prepared and evaluated as a recyclable magnetic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of spiro[indene-2,2′-naphthalene]-4′-carbonitrile derivatives through the one-pot four-component reaction of malononitrile, cyclohexanone, aromatic aldehydes, and 1,3-indandione. This novel magnetic nanocatalyst was confirmed to be effective and provide products in moderate to excellent yields under reflux conditions. The structure of obtained nanoparticles was characterized using FT-IR, XRD, VSM, EDX, elemental mapping, FE-SEM, and TGA. This synthetic protocol provides several benefits such as excellent yields in short reaction times (64–91%), saving costs, reusability of the catalyst using an external magnet (seven runs), and low catalyst loading.

l-Tryptophan functionalized silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles were prepared and evaluated as a magnetic nanocatalyst for the synthesis of spiro[indene-2,2′-naphthalene]-4′-carbonitrile derivatives through the one-pot four-component reaction.     

Nano-Fe3O4@walnut shell/Cu(ii) as a highly effective environmentally friendly catalyst for the one-pot pseudo three-component synthesis of 1,3-oxazine derivatives under solvent-free conditions

Fe₃O₄@walnut shell/Cu(ii) as an eco-friendly bio-based magnetic nano-catalyst was prepared by adding CuCl₂ to Fe₃O₄@walnut shell in alkaline medium. A series of 2-aryl/alkyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines were synthesized by the one-pot pseudo three-component reaction of β-naphthol, formaldehyde and various amines using nano-Fe₃O₄@walnut shell/Cu(ii) at 60 °C under solvent-free conditions. The catalyst was removed from the reaction mixture by an external magnet and was reusable several times without any considerable loss of its activity. This protocol has several advantages such as excellent yields, short reaction times, clean and convenient procedure, easy work-up and use of an eco-friendly catalyst.

Fe₃O₄@walnut shell/Cu(ii) as an eco-friendly bio-based magnetic nano-catalyst was prepared by adding CuCl₂ to Fe₃O₄@walnut shell in alkaline medium.

Biopolymers, especially cellulose and its derivatives, have some unparalleled properties, which make them attractive alternatives for ordinary organic or inorganic supports for catalytic applications.¹ Cellulose is the most abundant natural material in the world and it can play an important role as a biocompatible, renewable resource and biodegradable polymer containing OH groups.² Walnut shell is a natural, cheap, and readily available source of cellulose. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles are coated with various materials such as surfactants,³ polymers,^4,5 silica,⁶ cellulose⁷ and carbon⁸ to form core–shell structures. Magnetic nanoparticles as heterogeneous supports have many advantages such as high dispersion in reaction media and easy recovery by an external magnet.⁹ Cu(ii) as a safe and ecofriendly cation is a good Lewis acid and can activate the carbonyl group for nucleophilic addition reactions.¹⁰1,3-Oxazines moiety has gained great attention from many organic and pharmaceutical chemists due to their broad range of biological activities such as anticancer,¹¹ anti-bacterial,¹² anti-tumor¹³ and anti-Parkinson''s disease.¹⁴Owing to the biological importance of benzo-fused 1,3-oxazines, various methods have been developed for the synthesis of these compounds. Some shown protocols for the synthesis of various 2-aryl/alkyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazines via a Mannich type condensation between a 2-naphthol, formaldehyde and a primary amine were reported. This protocol has been catalyzed by KAl(SO₄)₂·12H₂O (alum),¹⁵ ZrOCl₂,¹⁶ polyethylene glycol (PEG),¹⁷ thiamine hydrochloride (VB₁)¹⁸ and CCl₃COOH.¹⁹ Other methods of synthesis of oxazines are aza-acetalizations of aromatic aldehydes with 2-(N-substituted aminomethyl) phenols in the presence of an acid as catalyst²⁰ and electrooxidative cyclization of hydroxyamino compounds.²¹However, some of these catalysts have limitations such as inefficient separation of the catalyst from reaction mixtures, unrecyclable and environmental limitations. Therefore, the development of green and clean methodology for the preparation of 2-aryl/alkyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-naphtho[1,2-e][1,3]oxazine derivatives is still an interesting challenge.Herein, we wish to report the preparation of Fe₃O₄@nano-walnut shell/Cu(ii) as a new and bio-based magnetic nanocatalyst and its using for one-pot synthesis of 1,3-oxazine derivatives via condensation of β-naphthol, primary amine and formaldehyde.     

C–C and C–H coupling reactions by Fe3O4/KCC-1/APTPOSS supported palladium-salen-bridged ionic networks as a reusable catalyst

This study investigates the potential application of an efficient, easily recoverable and reusable magnetically separable Fe₃O₄/KCC-1/APTPOSS nanoparticle-supported salen/Pd(ii) catalyst for C–C and C–H cross-couplings. The Fe₃O₄/KCC-1/APTPOSS/salen/Pd(ii) MNPs were thoroughly characterized by using TEM, FE-SEM, TGA, XRD, VSM, FT-IR, ICP-MS, and BET. This observation was exploited in the direct and selective chemical reaction of 2-acetyl-benzaldehyde with cyclopentadiene for the synthesis of pentafulvene. The recycled catalyst has been analyzed by ICP-MS showing only minor changes in the morphology after the reaction, thus confirming the robustness of the catalyst.

This study investigates the potential application of an efficient, easily recoverable and reusable magnetically separable Fe₃O₄/KCC-1/APTPOSS nanoparticle-supported salen/Pd(ii) catalyst for C–C and C–H cross-couplings.     

3-(Propylthio)propane-1-sulfonic acid immobilized on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for one-pot synthesis of dihydrotetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and tetrahydrotetrazolo[5,1-b]quinazolinone derivatives

An efficient and reusable catalyst, which is 3-(propylthio)propane-1-sulfonic acid immobillized on functionalized magnetic nanoparticles [PTPSA@SiO₂–Fe₃O₄], has been synthesized. For the first time, it is highlighted under solvent-free conditions for the catalytic activity in multicomponent synthesis of dihydrotetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, dihydrotetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine-6-carboxylates and tetrahydrotetrazolo[5,1-b]quinazolinones. The structure of the catalyst was well confirmed by characterization techniques, such as FT-IR, TGA, SEM-EDX, elemental mapping, TEM, VSM and elemental analysis. Besides, this unique catalyst was found to be effectual up to six cycles, which made it spotlighted. Recyclability of catalyst, excellent yield of the products, short reaction time and clean reaction profile are the advantages of the present protocol.

A novel method for the synthesis of dihydrotetrazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidine and tetrahydrotetrazolo[5,1-b]quinazolinone derivatives using [PTPSA@SiO₂–Fe₃O₄] as a green and reusable catalyst under solvent-free conditions is reported.     

Design and synthesis of magnetic Fe3O4@NFC-ImSalophCu nanocatalyst based on cellulose nanofibers as a new and highly efficient,reusable, stable and green catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles

The Fe₃O₄@NFC-ImSalophCu catalyst was used as a highly stable, reusable, active, green catalyst for the synthesis of 1,2,3-triazoles via one-pot three-component reaction of phenacyl bromides, sodium azide and alkynes. A Cu(ii)–Schiff base complex containing an imidazolium ionic phase was prepared and decorated on core shell Fe₃O₄@NFC magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@NFC-ImSalophCu) and was used as an efficient catalyst. The heterogeneous catalyst was characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, FE-SEM, TEM, XRD spectroscopy, EDX spectroscopy, VSM, and ICP spectroscopy. This catalyst shows the dual function of the metal sites and imidazolium moieties. The catalytic system mentioned above also showed excellent activity in the synthesis of bis 1,4-disubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles. Moreover, the catalyst could be recycled and reused for four cycles without any decrease in its catalytic activity.

A new and efficient method has been developed for click chemistry reactions using a bifunctional Fe₃O₄@NFC-ImSalophCu catalyst with part imidazolium under moderate conditions.     

Synthesis of multifunctional CuFe2O4–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposite: an efficient magnetically separable catalyst as well as high performance supercapacitor and first-principles calculations of its electronic structures

Here, we report an ‘in situ’ co-precipitation reduction based synthetic methodology to prepare CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticle–reduced graphene oxide (CuFe₂O₄–RGO) nanocomposites. First principles calculations based on Density Functional Theory (DFT) were performed to obtain the electronic structures and properties of CuFe₂O₄, graphene and CuFe₂O₄–graphene composites, and to understand the interfacial interaction between CuFe₂O₄ and graphene in the composite. The synergistic effect, which resulted from the combination of the unique properties of RGO and CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, was exploited to design a magnetically separable catalyst and high performance supercapacitor. It has been demonstrated that the incorporation of RGO in the composite enhanced its catalytic properties as well as supercapacitance performance compared with pure CuFe₂O₄. The nanocomposite with 96 wt% CuFe₂O₄ and 4 wt% RGO (96CuFe₂O₄–4RGO) exhibited high catalytic efficiency towards (i) reduction of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol, and (ii) epoxidation of styrene to styrene oxide. For both of these reactions, the catalytic efficiency of 96CuFe₂O₄–4RGO was significantly higher than that of pure CuFe₂O₄. The easy magnetic separation of 96CuFe₂O₄–4RGO from the reaction mixture and good reusability of the recovered catalyst also showed here. 96CuFe₂O₄–4RGO also demonstrated better supercapacitance performance than pure CuFe₂O₄. 96CuFe₂O₄–4RGO showed specific capacitance of 797 F g⁻¹ at a current density of 2 A g⁻¹, along with ∼92% retention for up to 2000 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first investigation on the catalytic properties of CuFe₂O₄–RGO towards the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and the epoxidation reaction, and DFT calculations on the CuFe₂O₄–graphene composite have been reported.

Here, we report an ‘in situ’ co-precipitation reduction based synthetic methodology to prepare CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticle–reduced graphene oxide (CuFe₂O₄–RGO) nanocomposites.     

12-Molybdophosphoric acid anchored on aminopropylsilanized magnetic graphene oxide nanosheets (Fe3O4/GrOSi(CH2)3–NH2/H3PMo12O40): a novel magnetically recoverable solid catalyst for H2O2-mediated oxidation of benzylic alcohols under solvent-free conditions

In this work, 12-molybdophosphoric acid (H₃PMo₁₂O₄₀, HPMo) was chemically anchored onto the surface of aminosilanized magnetic graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄/GrOSi(CH₂)₃–NH₂) and was characterized using different physicochemical techniques, such as powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Raman spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), BET specific surface area analysis and magnetic measurements. The results demonstrated the successful loading of HPMo (∼31.5 wt%) on the surface of magnetic aminosilanized graphene oxide. XRD patterns, N₂ adsorption–desorption isotherms and SEM images confirm the mesostructure of the sample. FT-IR and EDX spectra indicate the presence of the PMo₁₂O₄₀³⁻ polyanions in the nanocomposite. The as-prepared Fe₃O₄/GrOSi(CH₂)₃–NH₂/HPMo nanocomposite has a specific surface area of 76.36 m² g⁻¹ that is much higher than that of pure HPMo. The selective oxidation of benzyl alcohol to benzaldehyde was initially studied as a benchmark reaction to evaluate the catalytic performance of the Fe₃O₄/GrOSi(CH₂)₃–NH₂/HPMo catalyst. Then, the oxidation of a variety of substituted primary and secondary activated benzylic alcohols was evaluated with H₂O₂ under solvent-free conditions. Under the optimized conditions, all alcohols were converted into the corresponding aldehydes and ketones with very high selectivity (≥99%) in moderate to excellent yields (60–96%). The high catalytic performance of the nanocomposite was ascribed to its higher specific surface area and more efficient electron transfer, probably due to the presence of GrO nanosheets. The nanocomposite catalyst is readily recovered from the reaction mixture by a usual magnet and reused at least four times without any observable change in structure and catalytic activity.

12-Molybdophosphoric acid was anchored on magnetic aminopropylsilanized graphene oxide nanosheets and used as a magnetically recoverable catalyst for solvent-free selective oxidation of benzylic alcohols into the carbonyl compounds with H₂O₂.