Surface functionalization of magnetic nanoparticles via palladium-catalyzed Diels-Alder approach

Metal nanoparticles are currently being used as substantial catalysts for a number of classical chemical transformations. In contrast, performing novel biochemical reactions with the help of nano-organocatalysts is highly underdeveloped area in chemical synthesis. In order to prepare an efficient nano-organocatalyst, facilitated stable covalent bonding would be achieved by using Diels-Alder reactions on the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. Herein, we report the synthesis of magnetic nano-organocatalysts by using Fe3O4 nanoparticle coated by SiO2 network and functionalized with vinylsilane, as dienophile moiety of Diels-Alder reactions. In this work, palladium(II) is used as an instrumental catalyst for Diels-Alder reaction, as well.