ZnS/CuFe₂O₄: magnetic hybrid nanocomposite to catalyze the synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazole derivatives

Integration of nanomaterials is an entirely new method to synthesis efficient catalysts. These compounds provided new characteristics and distinctive application which is not accessible in the single-particle nanoparticles. Although there is little catalytic activity in each component of the hybrid material, their hybrid displays much higher activity. Indeed, the presence of intermediate metal oxides and their oxides in the hybrid catalyst framework caused a synergistic effect, thus facilitate the organic reaction more effectively. The extensive biochemical and pharmacological activities of imidazole-containing compounds have required the development of efficient methods for synthesizing these compounds, which is a significant topic in organic chemistry. The imidazole nucleus function as a main scaffold for constructing of biologically important molecules. The ZnS/CuFe₂O₄ magnetic hybrid nanocatalyst was synthesized by a simple co precipitation and characterized successfully. Synthesized nanocomposite was utilized as a magnetic and heterogeneous catalyst for the one-pot synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazole derivatives with condensation of various aromatic aldehydes, benzil and ammonium acetate. The presented method shows some advantages such as mild conditions, good yields, simple separation of products from the reaction mixture and cost-effective catalyst. The observation data showed nanocatalyst ZnS/CuFe₂O₄ were easily separated from the reaction using an external magnetic field and use again five times in subsequent reactions without appreciable reduction in catalytic activity.