Silica-Supported Magnetic Nanoparticles Functionalized with Phosphorus Species (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–O–PCl₂): An Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for the One-Pot Synthesis of Isatin-Based Imidazoles under Mild and Green Conditions

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

Department of Chemistry, Marv.C., Islamic Azad University, Marvdasht, Iran

10.22128/mch.2026.3386.1073

Abstract

The synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity of a novel magnetic nanocatalyst based on phosphorus-functionalized silica-coated iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–O–PCl₂) are described. The prepared nanocatalyst was characterized using FTIR, XRD, VSM, TGA/DTG, FESEM, SEM–EDX, and mapping techniques. Its catalytic performance was evaluated in a one-pot three-component reaction of aromatic aldehydes, isatin, and ammonium acetate to afford a series of substituted 2-phenyl-3,4-dihydroimidazo[4,5-b]indoles with yields of up to 90%. The method offers several advantages, including mild reaction conditions, short reaction times (1 h), high product yields, and excellent catalyst reusability (up to 5 cycles with only a slight loss of activity). The magnetic nature of the catalyst enables facile recovery using an external magnet, making this protocol economically and environmentally benign.

Graphical Abstract

Silica-Supported Magnetic Nanoparticles Functionalized with Phosphorus Species (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂–O–PCl₂): An Efficient and Recyclable Catalyst for the One-Pot Synthesis of Isatin-Based Imidazoles under Mild and Green Conditions

Keywords

Materials Chemistry Horizons
Volume 5, Issue 1
July 2026
Pages 1-13

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History

  • Receive Date: 07 July 2026
  • Revise Date: 22 July 2026
  • Accept Date: 23 July 2026

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