Iodine source heterogenized on Fe3O4@SiO2 modified with dopamine as a green and reusable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl imidazoles

Abstract

This study presents the development of a novel green nanocatalyst, iodine source heterogenized on Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ modified with dopamine (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Dop-I₃), for the efficient synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl imidazoles through the reaction of benzil, ammonium acetate, and benzaldehyde in water under mild conditions. The catalyst combines the magnetic properties of Fe₃O₄ with the stability and enhanced surface area provided by silica, while dopamine modification facilitates effective iodine immobilization, thereby improving catalytic performance. The reaction was conducted under mild conditions, yielding high selectivity and significant yields of the desired imidazole derivatives. Notably, the Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-Dop-I₃ catalyst demonstrated excellent reusability, maintaining its catalytic activity across multiple cycles without substantial loss in efficiency. The reusability results showed that the Fe₃O₄@SiO_2-Dop-I₃ catalyst has the ability to be used at least 9 times without reducing its efficiency significantly. This work highlights the potential of this innovative nanocatalyst as a sustainable alternative for organic synthesis, contributing to the advancement of green chemistry methodologies in the preparation of valuable heterocyclic compounds.