Biosynthesis of Cu/Fe3O4 nanoparticles using Alhagi camelorum aqueous extract and their catalytic activity in the synthesis of 2-imino-3-aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]oxazol-5-ol derivatives

A novel, low-cost and green method was developed for the synthesis of Cu/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs) using Alhagi camelorum aqueous extract as a safe reducing agent and effective stabilizer without addition of any chemical reducing agents or surfactants. TEM (transmission electron microscopy), FT-IR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy), XRD (X-ray diffraction), FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy), and UV-Vis (ultraviolet visible) analyses were used for the characterization of green synthesized NPs. The FT-IR analysis confirmed the existence of different functional groups of Alhagi camelorum extract phytochemicals which were responsible for the fabrication of NPs. Finally, the magnetic Cu nanocatalyst was employed for the preparation of 2-imino-3-aryl-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]oxazol-5-ol derivatives via the reaction of arylcyanamides and p-benzoquinone at ambient temperature. The biosynthesized Cu/Fe3O4 NPs can be recovered and reused for five cycles with no significant reduction of catalytic activity. (C) 2020 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

A novel, low-cost and eco-friendly method utilizing Alhagi camelorum aqueous extract as a reducing agent and stabilizer was developed for the synthesis of Cu/Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). The biosynthesized NPs showed promising catalytic activity and could be recovered and reused for multiple cycles without significant reduction in performance. Various characterization techniques confirmed the successful fabrication of NPs using phytochemicals from Alhagi camelorum extract.