Core-shell magnetic nanocomposite Fe3O4@SiO2@CS@POCl2-x for alcohols to alkyl halides transformation

Abstract

In this study, we examined the efficiency of a new magnetic core-shell nanocomposite, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@CS@POCl_2-x (NCP@ POCl_2-x), which carries POCl_2-x functional groups (where X can be 0, 1, or 2) on its surface. The nanocomposite was explored as a reagent for converting alcohols into alkyl halides using molecular bromine (Br₂) or iodine (I₂) as a model organic transformation. The conversion process demonstrated promising practical applications with ease of operation, and the pure product could be conveniently isolated through magnetic filtration, simplifying the synthesis process. The surface characteristics of the nanocomposite were thoroughly investigated using vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) spectrum analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) images, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). TEM imaging also confirmed the core-shell structure of the nanocomposite, and XRD analysis revealed distinct peaks corresponding to the presence of Fe₃O₄. The study demonstrates that NCP@ POCl_2-x is an effective reagent for alkyl halide transformations, offering various possibilities for applications in organic synthesis.