Synthesis of novel magnetic nanoparticles with urea or urethane moieties: Applications as catalysts in the Strecker synthesis of α‐aminonitriles

Abstract

Four novel magnetic nanoparticle catalysts with urea or urethane moieties are reported. The silica‐coated magnetic nanoparticles were simply functionalized via addition of 3‐(triethoxysilyl)propylisocyanate (TESPIC), amine or amino alcohol. TESPIC with dual labile functional groups was used as a suitable precursor for the synthesis of urethane‐based catalysts. The newly synthesized catalysts were fully characterized using a variety of techniques. These functionalized magnetic nanoparticles were used as reusable catalysts in the Strecker synthesis of α‐aminonitrile derivatives under solvent‐free conditions at 50 °C.