Utilization of Fe3O4@MgO as a heterogeneous solid-base in functional group transformations of arylboronic acids, phenols and benzonitriles

Use of magnesium oxide-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@MgO) as a heterogeneous base-catalyst in organic functional group transformations has been demonstrated. Catalytic efficiency of the Fe₃O₄@MgO platform as an inorganic base-catalyst was firstly explored in the oxidative hydroxylation of arylboronic acids in the presence of aq. H₂O₂, affording the corresponding phenols with outstanding effectiveness. In addition, the direct O-benzylation of phenols catalyszed by the Fe₃O₄@MgO platform, was efficiently conducted in an aqueous environment, resulting in the formation of benzyl phenyl ethers. Lastly, the hydration of benzonitriles was also achieved when the Fe₃O₄@MgO platform was employed under aqueous conditions, yielding the corresponding benzamides.

Graphic abstract

Magnesium oxide-coated magnetite nanoparticles (Fe O @MgO) were used as a base catalyst in organic transformations. It efficiently catalyzed the oxidative hydroxylation of arylboronic acids, O-benzylation of phenols, and hydration of benzonitriles in aqueous conditions, producing phenols, benzyl phenyl ethers, and benzamides, respectively.