Magnetic magnetite nanoparticals catalyzed selective oxidation of α-hydroxy ketones with air and one-pot synthesis of benzilic acid and phenytoin derivatives

Abstract

A clean and efficient protocol for selective oxidation of α-hydroxy ketones using magnetic magnetite nanoparticals (Fe3O4·MNPs) as catalyst with air as green oxidant has been developed. Application of Fe3O4·MNPs was also proved to be successful in one-pot synthesis of benzilic acid and phenytoin derivatives. The facile one-pot procedure enhanced the production efficiency, shortened the reaction time and minimized the chemical waste. Notably, the catalyst can be reused at least for five times without any appreciable loss of its activity.