Nano CuFe2O4: an efficient, magnetically separable catalyst for transesterification of β-ketoesters

Abstract

The preparation of a variety of β-ketoesters was achieved in high yields from methyl acetoacetate under neutral conditions through the utilization of magnetic CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles as catalyst. Recycling of the catalyst was performed up to eight times without significant loss in activity. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM techniques.