Investigation into the Catalytic Performance of Cu(II) Supported Graphene Quantum Dots Modified NiFe2O4 as a Proficient Nano-Catalyst in the Synthesis of Propargylasmines

NiFe 2 O 4 nanoparticles are modified by graphene quantum dots (GQDs) and utilized to stabilize the Cu(II) nanoparticles as a novel magnetically retrievable catalytic system (Cu(II)/GQDs/NiFe 2 O 4 ) for green formation of propargylamines under solvent-free conditions. The various aldehydes/ketones, amines, and phenylacetylene were reacted at 100 °C in the presence of the catalyst to synthesize propargylamines. The prepared catalyst can be isolated assisted by an outer magnet and recovered for five courses without significant reduction in its efficiency. The as-prepared magnetic heterogeneous nanocomposite was characterized by UV–Vis, FT-IR, XRD, EDS, VSM, TEM, TGA and ICP. Performing the reactions in environmentally friendly and affordable conditions, the low catalyst percentage, high yield of products, short reaction times and easy workup are the merits of this protocol. Graphic Abstract