MgFe2O4/cellulose/SO3H nanocomposite: a new biopolymer-based nanocatalyst for one-pot multicomponent syntheses of polysubstituted tetrahydropyridines and dihydropyrimidinones

A new biopolymer cellulose-based magnetic heterogeneous catalyst, MgFe2O4/cellulose/SO3H nanocomposite, was prepared. Fourier-transform infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, energy-dispersive X-ray, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, thermal analysis (TG, DTG and DSC), dynamic light scattering and vibrating sample magnetometer measurements have been used to characterize the catalyst. Then, it was applied efficiently as an inexpensive and green catalyst in two multicomponent syntheses of polysubstituted tetrahydropyridines and dihydropyrimidinones under solvent-free conditions. The nanocatalyst can be recovered and reused several times without significant loss of catalytic activity.