Preparation of a novel magnetically recoverable copper complex catalyst and its application in the Henry reaction

Abstract

A novel magnetically recoverable copper complex catalyst based on Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a magnetic carrier was successfully synthesized. The catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and alternating gradient magnetometry (AGM). The Henry reaction catalyzed by this prepared magnetically recoverable copper complex catalyst proceeded in high yield (97 %) and with high conversion (94 %). The prepared catalyst possesses superparamagnetic properties and can be recycled very conveniently using an external magnetic field. The self‐prepared catalyst has excellent catalytic selectivity and good reusability, making this method a clean and energy‐efficient process.