A new hybrid nanocatalyst based on Cu-doped Pd–Fe3O4 for tandem synthesis of 2-phenylbenzofurans

Abstract

We report a one-pot synthesis of hybrid nanocomposites of Cu-doped Pd–Fe₃O₄via controlled thermal decomposition of Fe(CO)₅ and reduction of Pd(OAc)₂ and Cu(acac)₂. Sodium oleate, used as a capping agent, affected both the morphologies and surface areas of the Cu-doped Pd–Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites. To the best of our knowledge, these magnetically recyclable hybrid nanocomposites are a new class of nanocatalysts, and the tandem synthesis of 2-phenylbenzofuran from 2-iodophenol with phenylpropiolic acid catalyzed by heterogeneous nanocatalysts has not been reported in the literature. Moreover, Cu-doped Pd–Fe₃O₄ nanocatalysts are superior to previously reported catalysts for this tandem reaction.