Recyclable CuFe2O4 for the synthesis of 2,3-disubstituted indoles

[Display omitted] •Recyclable copper ferrite nanoparticles for synthesis of indoles.•Wide substrate scope.•Both 2-iodoanilines and 2-bromoanilines are competent. A method for the CuFe2O4-catalyzed coupling of 2-iodo- or 2-bromoanilines and acetylacetone or isosteric 1,3-diketones to afford 2,3-disubstituted indoles has been developed. The superparamagnetic material showed superior activity in comparison to other ferrites or copper-based metal–organic frameworks. Functionalities including ester, cyano, and halogen groups were compatible with the reaction conditions. The CuFe2O4 catalyst was easily recoverable and reusable and offers a convenient pathway to afford synthetically useful heterocycles.