Magnetic ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for the oxidation of alcohols to carbonyl compounds in the presence of oxone as an oxidant

Zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles were synthesized via the auto-combustion assisted sol-gel method of Zn2+ and Fe3+ ions (molar ratio 1:2) in ammonia solution. The prepared nanomagnetic catalyst was characterized by IR, XRD, SEM and ICP. The diameter of the ZnFe2O4 MNPs (63.7 nm) was determined by Debye-Scherre equation via their XRD pattern. Nanomagnetic ZnFe2O4 efficiently catalyzes oxidation of alcohols and gave the corresponding carbonyl-containing products in good yields. The reactions were carried out in an aqueous medium at r.t in the presence of oxone (potassium hydrogen monopersulfate) as an oxidant. In addition, the catalysts could be reused up to 5 runs without significant loss of activities.