Synthesis and characterization of tribenzyl ammonium-tribromide supported on magnetic Fe3O4 nanoparticles: a robust magnetically recoverable catalyst for the oxidative coupling of thiols and oxidation of sulfides

Abstract

Taking into account the principles of green chemistry, magnetic nanoparticles, especially Fe3O4 nanoparticles, open up a new chapter in modern organic synthesis to inset a fascinating, stupendous and efficient catalytic strategy for facilitating catalyst recovery in various chemical reactions. Inspired by this topic, tribenzyl ammonium-tribromide immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4–TBA-Br3) as a bromine source was successfully synthesized and its catalytic activity in the oxidative coupling of thiols and oxidation of sulfides was investigated. It is the first report on the use of the immobilized bromine source on Fe3O4 nanoparticles as a nanomagnetic recyclable catalyst for the oxidative coupling of thiols. The nanosolid catalyst could be easily recovered by a simple magnetic separation and reused for several cycles without significant degradation in catalytic activity.