Synthesis and characterization of magnetically nanoparticles of Fe3O4@APTMS@ZrCp2 as a novel and reusable catalyst for convenient reduction of nitro compounds with glycerol

The present paper describes the synthesis of magnetically nanoparticles of zirconocene-modified magnetite, Fe3O4@APTMS@ZrCp2, as a new generation in heterogeneous and reusable type nanocatalysts. The prepared zirconocene nanocomposite was characterized using FT-IR, SEM, XRD, EDX, AGFM, ICP–OES, TGA and BET analyses. The core–shell nanocatalyst exhibited an excellent catalytic activity towards glycerol reduction of various nitro compounds to the corresponding amines. All reactions were carried out in H2O at room temperature (40–90 min) to afford amines in high to excellent yields. Reusability of the core–shell zirconocene was examined 5 times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.