Activated Mont K10-Carbon supported Fe2O3: A versatile catalyst for hydration of nitriles to amides and reduction of nitro compounds to amines in aqueous media

The iron oxide was successfully supported on activated clay/carbon through an experimentally viable protocol for both hydrations of nitrile to amide and reduction of nitro compounds to amines. The as-prepared catalyst has been extensively characterised by XPS, SEM-EDX, TEM, TGA, BET surface area measurements and powdered X-ray diffraction (PXRD). A wide variety of substrates could be converted to the desired products with good to excellent yields by using water as a green solvent for both the reactions. The catalyst was recyclable and reusable up to six consecutive cycles without compromising its catalytic proficiency.

Automated summary

The study successfully supported iron oxide on activated clay/carbon for hydration and reduction reactions, with the catalyst characterized by various methods. Water was used as a green solvent for the reactions, leading to good to excellent yields. The catalyst was recyclable up to six cycles without losing its catalytic efficiency.