Rice husk derived nano-NiFe2O4@CAGC-catalyzed direct oxidation of toluene to benzyl benzoate under visible LED light

Here, we report an efficient and highly selective oxidation of primary carbon-hydrogen bond in toluene catalyzed by biomass, rice husk derived chemically activated graphitic carbon supported NiFe2O4 (nanoNiFe(2)O(4)@CAGC) nanomaterial under LED light. The hybrid nanocatalyst showed excellent activity and selectivity towards direct oxidation of toluene to benzyl benzoate. The nano-NiFe2O4@CAGC has also demonstrated superior catalytic activity compared to its individual components. The catalyst was very robust and stable under the reaction conditions, and was separated from the reaction mixture by an external magnet and reused for subsequent reactions.