Fabrication of magnetic carbohydrate-modified iron oxide nanoparticles (FeO/pectin) decorated with bimetallic Co/Cu-MOF as an effective and recoverable catalyst for the Biginelli reaction.

Due to their biocompatibility, facile recoverability, mechanical and thermal stability, high surface area, and active catalytic sites, magnetic nanocomposites, containing natural polymers and magnetic nanoparticles, have been used to produce supports for catalysts or biocatalysts. Pectin, an important polycarbohydrate, has abundant functional groups with excellent ability to coat the surface of the nanoparticles to fabricate composite and hybrid materials. A novel bimetallic cobalt(ii) and copper(ii)-based metal-organic framework (Co/Cu-MOF) immobilized pectin-modified FeO magnetic nanocomposite was designed and fabricated. FeO nanoparticles were modified by pectin and, subsequently, used as a support for growing Co/Cu-MOF [FeO/pectin/(Co/Cu)MOF]. The properties of the nanocomposite were investigated by FT-IR, XRD, SEM, EDS, VSM, STA, and BET. The nanocomposite exhibited both magnetic characteristics and a high surface area, making it a suitable candidate for catalytic applications. Then, the FeO/pectin/(Co/Cu)MOF nanocomposite was utilized in the Biginelli reaction for the production of biologically active dihydropyrimidinones. Due to paramagnetism, FeO/pectin/(Co/Cu)MOF was easily recovered and reused in six cycles without significant loss in reactivity. This green method comprises several benefits, such as mild reaction conditions, free-solvent media, high yields, easy workup, short reaction times and reusability of the prepared catalyst.