Novel Fe3O4/SiO2/PPA Magnetic Nanoparticles: Preparation, Characterization, and First Catalytic Application to the Solvent- Free Synthesis of Tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthene-11-ones

Abstract

Novel Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/PPA nanoparticles were used as solid acid support in the solvent-free synthesis of 12-aryl-9,9-dimethyl-8,9,10,12-tetrahydro-11H-benzo[a]xanthen-11-ones via multicomponent condensation of aromatic aldehydes with naphthalen-2-ol and 5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione. The target products were obtained in good to high yields. The Fe₃O₄/SiO₂/PPA nanoparticles were thoroughly characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier-transform IR spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive C-ray spectroscopy. The new catalyst has a high activity and is environmentally friendly, heterogeneous, easily recoverable, and recyclable without loss of catalytic activity.