Synthesis and characterization of a novel nano-Fe3O4-copoly[(styrene/acrylic acid)/grafted ethylene oxide and its application as a magnetic and recyclable phase-transfer catalyst in the preparation of β-azido alcohols and β-nitro alcohols

Abstract

A facile method was developed for the synthesis of β-azido alcohols and β-nitro alcohols in the presence of a novel nano-Fe3O4-copoly[(styrene/acrylic acid)/grafted ethylene oxide (nano-Fe3O4-PS-Co-[PAA-g-PEG]) as a phase-transfer catalyst in water. The catalyst was characterized with IR, SEM, and TGA. This procedure offers several advantages, including excellent regioselectivity, high yields, short reaction times, a recyclable catalyst, easy separation of the catalyst through an external magnet, and easy workup .