Magnetic BiFeO 3 nanoparticles (BFO MNPs): a sustainable and efficient catalyst for green synthesis of highly substituted imidazole derivatives

Abstract This study reports the use of magnetic bismuth ferrite BiFeO₃ nanoparticles (BFO MNPs), as a robust and eco-friendly catalyst, for the one-pot synthesis of highly substituted imidazole derivatives. The approach offers several advantages, including green and mild reaction conditions, short reaction times, low catalyst loading, solvent-free conditions, and good to excellent product yields. Furthermore, the BiFeO₃ nanocatalyst demonstrated excellent recyclability and reusability over five consecutive cycles without any significant loss in its catalytic activity, highlighting its potential as a superior alternative to existing catalytic systems. The structural and morphological properties of the synthesized BiFeO₃ nanocatalyst were thoroughly characterized using Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, feild emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), elemental mapping, powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. Additionally, the structures of the synthesized imidazole derivatives were confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, FT-IR analysis, and melting point determination. Overall, this study highlights the potential of BiFeO₃ nanoparticles as a sustainable and efficient catalyst, making a meaningful contribution to the advancement of green chemistry and environmentally benign synthetic methodologies.