Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are employed as nanoscale reaction vessels for the asymmetric oxa-Michael addition of 2'-hydroxychalcones. A systematic comparison of the catalytic activities of chiral phosphoric acid treated ferrite nanoparticles (chiral ferrites) has been studied for the synthesis of flavanones. Higher reactivity and selectivity with switching of enantiomers were observed when these chiral ferrites are inside the CNT channel.

5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (5-HMF) has been synthesized under solvent free conditions using surface modified ferrite nanoparticles. The flexible ligand modified ferrites showed higher activity than rigid modified ferrites.

The surface of nanocrystalline MgO was modified with achiral and chiral imidazolium carboxylates which generate MgO–[NHC] complexes. Thus as synthesized complexes were utilized in the dehydration of glucose and also in selective dehydration of (±) nitro alcohol.