Maghemite nanoparticles supported Saffron: An efficient and green catalyst for synthesis of quinoxaline derivatives

A new magnetically catalyst was synthesized by the immobilization of Saffron on the surface of γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles under ultrasonic agitation. The high catalytic efficiency of γ-Fe2O3@Saffron as a reusable organocatalyst in the synthesis of a wide variety of quinoxaline derivatives under mild eco-friendly conditions was exploited. Desired yields of heterocyclic compounds were obtained in the present method employing ethanol as an eco-friendly solvent under mild conditions. This novel magnetic catalyst could be easily separated from the reaction mixture by a magnetic bar and recovered at least five times without intense loss of its activity. The additional advantage of this catalytic system is facile and easy work-up procedure of the solid catalyst at the end of reaction, convenient, and high conversion of products. These benefits plus excellent reusability of the catalyst render the present strategy practical to address the environmental and industrial issues. Catalyst characterization was performed by using FT-IR, XRD, VSM and TEM.