Superparamagnetic CuFeO2 Nanoparticles in Deep Eutectic Solvent: an Efficient and Recyclable Catalytic System for the Synthesis of Imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines

Superparamagnetic CuFeO2 nanoparticles were prepared and characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, FRIR spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry techniques. The catalytic activity of CuFeO2 nanoparticles was investigated in the one-pot, three-component reaction of 2-aminopyridines, aldehydes, and alkynes using citric acid-dimethylurea melt as a green solvent. An array of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridines were obtained in good to excellent yields. The catalytic system can be successfully reused six times with keeping its catalytic performance.