Magnetically separable recyclable nano-ferrite catalyst for the synthesis of acridinediones and their derivatives under solvent-free conditions

Abstract

Catalytic activity of nano-ferrite is explored in the synthesis of acridinedione and their derivatives under benign conditions; a greener protocol is reported in terms of excellent yield and recyclability under solvent-free reactions without using any additive/cocatalyst. Nano-ferrite catalyst is synthesized using solgel process at low temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results exhibit cubic phase of maghemite (γ-Fe2O3) with average particle size of 18 nm. Furthermore, the catalyst can be easily separated using an external magnet and reused up to nine cycles without any significant loss of activity.