β-Alanine-functionalized magnetic graphene oxide quantum dots: an efficient and recyclable heterogeneous basic catalyst for the synthesis of 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-5,10-dione and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives

In this research, we report a novel synthesis of magnetic beta-alanine-functionalized-graphene oxide quantum dots Fe3O4@GOQDs-N-(beta-alanine) as a recyclable and eco-friendly heterogeneous nanocatalyst. The catalytic efficiency of these nanosheets was explored as a basic catalyst for a one-pot three-component synthesis of various 1H-pyrazolo[1,2-b]phthalazine-5,10-dione and 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives. The reactions proceeded smoothly under mild and green conditions to afford the respected products in excellent yields. The structure of this newly fabricated catalyst was successfully confirmed by different analytical techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, field emission-scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The stability and recyclability of the catalyst were examined by performing the model reaction in six consecutive runs. The recovered catalyst from the first run was directly used for the next runs with no significant loss of catalytic activity.