Research on the catalytic activity of MNP-[Dop-OH]-CuBr2 nanocomposites: novel and stable reusable nanocatalysts for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazine derivatives

In recent years, magnetic nanocatalysts have been recommended as one of the best catalysts by chemists. Among magnetic nanoparticles, Fe3O4 nanoparticles are highly suitable due to their magnetic properties, chemical stability and low toxicity. These catalysts can be separated via magnetic separation after the chemical process is over and reused after regeneration. Owing to the importance of 1,3,5-triazine derivatives in pharmaceutical and medicinal chemistry, the synthesis of these compounds is always one of the important goals of organic chemists. In this research work, we first successfully synthesized CuBr2 immobilized on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles functionalized with Dop-OH (prepared via the reaction of MNP-dopamine with 2-phenyloxirane) nanocomposites and then investigated their catalytic application in the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazine derivatives via an oxidative coupling reaction of amidine hydrochlorides and alcohols in air. Recycling experiments clearly revealed that MNP-[Dop-OH]-CuBr2 nanocatalysts could be reused for at least 8 times without much loss of catalytic activity.