beta-Azidoalcohols, beta-cyanohydrins, and beta-acetoxy alcohols have been synthesized in the presence of a Fe3O4@SiO2/bipyridinium nanocomposite (Fe3O4@SiO2/BNC) as a novel magnetic and recyclable phase-transfer catalyst (PTC) in water. The catalyst was characterized with FT-IR, SEM, XRD, VSM, and TGA. This methodology offers several advantages, including easy work-up procedure, excellent regioselectivity, high yields, short reaction times, recyclable catalyst, easy separation of the catalyst through an external magnet and eco-friendly procedure. (C) 2015 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.