Iron oxide/silica core-shell nanoparticles as rechargeable sources of singlet oxygen for synthetic applications

Abstract

In the rapidly developing world ofsynthetic chemistry, there is aconstant need for high-efficient catalyst. Besides this, reusable and easily removable catalysts are highly desired to reduce costs for environmentally friendly synthesis for both synthetic and manufacturing requirements. Magnetic nano particles (MNPs) are promising candidates for effortlessly removable structures due to their ability of being removed by magnetic field. Iron oxide nano particles have a well distin- guished place among MNPs since they have unique properties and they can be prepared and functionalized easily. Combination of photo sensitizers with MNPs is a new approach forsynthetic applications due to the fact that singlet oxygen is a reactive specie for various types of reactions. Herein, BODIPY with2-pyridone moiety on silica coated iron oxide nanoparticle is designed as a magnetically remov able nanostructure that cangenerate, store and release singlet oxygen. The efficiency is studied by the oxidation of organic sulfides to sulfoxides since they are at the core of many biological processes. Furthermore, thisdesign can produce recyclable and reusable catalysts for additional transformations with high efficieny.