Nano-organocatalyst: magnetically retrievable ferrite-anchored glutathione for microwave-assisted Paal–Knorr reaction, aza-Michael addition, and pyrazole synthesis

Abstract

Postsynthetic surface modification of magnetic nanoparticles by glutathione imparts desirable chemical functionality and enables the generation of catalytic sites on the surfaces of ensuing organocatalysts. In this article, we discuss the developments, unique activity, and high selectivity of nano-organocatalysts for microwave-assisted Paal–Knorr reaction, aza-Michael addition, and pyrazole synthesis. Their insoluble character coupled with paramagnetic nature enables easy separation of these nano-catalysts from the reaction mixture using external magnet, which eliminates the requirement of catalyst filtration.