Nanostructured metal (Fe, Co, Mn, Cr, Mo) oxides were fabricated under microwave irradiation conditions in pure water without using any reducing or capping reagent. The metal oxides self-assembled into octahedra, spheres, triangular rods, pine, and hexagonal snowflake-like three-dimensional morphologies. Pine-structured nano-iron oxides were studied as a novel support for various catalytic organic transformations.

A magnetic nanoparticle-supported leach-proof Ni catalyst was readily prepared from inexpensive starting materials which catalyzes various hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation reactions; high catalytic activity and ease of recovery using an external magnetic field are additional eco-friendly attributes of this catalytic system.

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Silver nanoparticles ranging from 5-10 nm in size have been synthesized under microwave irradiation conditions using glutathione, an absolutely benign antioxidant that serves as the reducing as well as capping agent in aqueous medium. This rapid protocol yields the nanoparticles within 30-60 s at a power level as low as 50 W. The effect of microwave power on the morphology of ensuing silver nanoparticles is investigated for this green and sustainable procedure which is adaptable for the synthesis of palladium, platinum and gold nanoparticles.

A conceptually novel nanoparticle-supported and magnetically recoverable organocatalyst has been developed, which is readily prepared from inexpensive starting materials in a truly sustainable manner; which catalyzes the Paal-Knorr reaction with high yield in pure aqueous medium that avoids the use of toxic organic solvents, even in the workup step.