Magnetic nanoscale core–shell structured Fe3O4@l-proline: an efficient, reusable and eco-friendly nanocatalyst for diastereoselective synthesis of fulleropyrrolidines

Abstract

In this study, a novel and general method has been developed for the one-pot diastereoselective synthesis of fulleropyrrolidines from C₆₀, L-proline and acetophenone derivatives using magnetite nanoparticles Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–proline as an efficient magnetic organocatalyst. The prepared catalyst samples were characterized using XRD, VSM, EDS, SEM, FT-IR, and Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–proline showed an excellent catalytic activity for the diastereoselective synthesis of fulleropyrrolidines. Prominent among the advantages of this method are the use of a magnetically recoverable and reusable catalyst, simple work up procedure, unique diastereoselective effectiveness and good to high product yields. The fulleropyrrolidines were calculated using a density functional theory method (DFT) and a trans stereochemistry of the products was established.