Highly efficient solvent free synthesis of α-aminophosphonates catalyzed by recyclable nano-magnetic sulfated zirconia (Fe3O4@ZrO2/SO42−)

Abstract

In this project, nano-magnetic sulfated zirconia Fe₃O₄@ZrO₂/SO₄²⁻ was prepared and characterized using various instrumental methods. Sulfated zirconia supported on magnetic nanoparticles can act as a well-organized nanocatalyst and can be easily separated from the reaction mixture using an external magnetic field. Nano-Fe₃O₄@ZrO₂/SO₄²⁻ is a heterogeneous acidic catalyst and has particular advantages such as a facile synthesis procedure, high activity, easy separation and reusability. It was applied as an efficient nanocatalyst in the synthesis of α-aminophosphonate derivatives in the Kabachnik–Fields reaction. This synthetic method has several advantages including high yields, short reaction times, easy workup and environmentally benign reaction conditions.