Solvent-free Pechmann synthesis of coumarins catalyzed by magnetic heterogeneous catalyst Fe3O4@rGO-NH

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of a heterogeneous catalyst consisting of piperazine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@rGO-NH), and the study of its catalytic activity as a magnetic heterogeneous catalyst for the Pechmann synthesis of coumarins. Catalyst Fe3O4@rGO-NH was fully characterized by various techniques, including IR, XRD, TEM, VSM, TGA, and elemental analysis. Then, the catalyst was used as an efficient and easy-separable heterogeneous catalyst for the solvent-free synthesis of some coumarins by Pechmann reaction. The reaction was optimized in terms of reaction time and temperature, catalyst dosage, and the presence/absence of the solvent. Finally, the reusability of the catalyst was studied.

Automated summary

This work describes the synthesis and characterization of a heterogeneous catalyst consisting of piperazine-functionalized reduced graphene oxide decorated with Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The catalyst showed great catalytic activity for Pechmann synthesis of coumarins, and its reusability was also studied. The results indicate that the catalyst is efficient, easy to separate, and can be used for multiple reactions.