Application of y-Fe۲O۳/talc/Cu" NPs as a magnetic and heterogeneous nanocatalyst in carbon-sulfur cross-coupling reaction

Herein a prominent, efficient, facile and environmentally benign catalytic activity of y-Fe۲O۳/talc/Cu" NPs (as a superparamagnetic composite with average diameter of about ۲۰-۳۰ nm) has been shown in C-S cross-coupling reaction. A wide variety of aryl iodides, aryl bromides and aryl chlorides with electron-donating or electron-withdrawing substituents reacted with S۸/thiourea towards corresponding diphenyl sulfides under eco-friendly and mild process conditions. The results demonstrated remarkable catalytic activity of the aforesaid nanostructured catalyst such as chemoselectivity and functional group tolerance. y-Fe۲O۳/talc/Cu NPs as a magnetic catalyst was stable under reaction conditions and can be recycled at least five times with minimal loss of catalytic activity. Moreover, the use of commercially available and chemically stable sulfur transfer agent, eco-friendly and low-cost solvent and base as well as operational simplicity and easier work-up procedure make this method a promising candidate for potential applications in some organic reactions.

Keywords:

y-Fe۲O۳/talc/Cu" NPs , aryl halide , C-S cross-coupling reaction , heterogeneous catalyst , ligand-free catalyst , WEB (Water Extract of Banana) , green chemistry