Core–shell structured magnetic MCM-41-type mesoporous silica-supported Cu/Fe: A novel recyclable nanocatalyst for Ullmann-type homocoupling reactions

Abstract

Abstract In this study, a novel magnetic MCM-41-type mesoporous silica-supported Fe/Cu (Fe3O4@Fe–Cu/MCM-41) was prepared, characterized, and used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of symmetric biaryls by Ullmann cross-coupling reaction. This nanocomposite was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm. The Fe3O4@Fe–Cu/MCM-41 was applied as an efficient catalyst in the synthesis of biaryls under optimum conditions. This nanocatalyst was recovered and reused several times without significant loss of activity.