Retracted Article: High-performance sono/nano-catalytic system: CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite, a promising heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of N-arylimidazoles

Abstract

Herein, a promising heterogeneous nanoscale catalytic system constructed of chitosan (CTSN, as a polymeric basis), iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs, as the magnetic agent), and copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO NPs, as the main catalytic active site) is presented. Firstly, a convenient synthetic route for preparation of this novel nanocatalyst (CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu) is presented. Further, the synergistic catalytic effect between the novel-designed catalyst and ultrasound waves (USW) in N-arylation coupling reactions of the imidazole derivatives (using various aryl halides) is precisely discussed. Concisely, high reaction yields (98%) have been obtained in short reaction time (10 min) through applying a partial amount (0.01 g) of this nanocatalyst. As the main reason for high catalytic activity of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu, nanosized cluster-shaped morphology, which provides a wide surface active area, can be expressed. However, as the most distinguished properties of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu catalytic system, high convenience in separation and excellent reusability could be mentioned. CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite can be easily recovered by using an external magnet and reused at least for eight times with no significant decline in the catalytic activity. Structural characterizations of this novel system have been done by various analytical methods and the obtained results have been well interpreted in the context.

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1. Introduction

Recently, science and technology are shifting more toward design and development of the novel safe energy resources to create a healthier world. Thus, using clean and nonhazardous materials and executing the green methods have attracted so much attentions in different research fields. In chemical catalysis scope, numerous efforts have been made to design and fabricate efficient catalytic systems that include nontoxic materials in their structures and do not need any hazardous reagent for running the catalytic process.^1,2 In recent decade, ultrasound wave (USW) irradiation has been introduced as one of the most effective strategies that can also be considered as a great co-catalyst agent for chemical reactions.^3,4 From both physical and chemical aspects, USW irradiation activates the catalytic sites of the chemicals to enhance the performance of the catalytic systems. Also, USW irradiation leads to obtain high reaction yields in short reaction times, with the least amount of the wasted materials. Moreover, the structure of the heterogeneous catalytic systems will not be damaged under USW irradiation. Concisely, USW irradiation is more convenient, fast, safe and simple than traditional heating sources.^5–7 Therefore, diverse organic reactions can efficiently be carried out under USW irradiation. As the main reasons, acoustic cavitation and cage effect through microject bubbles (microbubbles) that create high temperatures and microscopic pressures within few seconds lead to acceleration of the chemical reactions.⁸ As a result, USW irradiation is classified as a green, powerful, economical and environmentally-friendly approach in chemical reactions. In this study, we try to show the synergistic catalytic effect between USW (using an US cleaner bath) with a novel nanoscale catalytic system for facilitating the chemical synthesis reactions.

Proportional to the impressive and fast progress in nanotechnology, several nanoscale heterogeneous catalytic systems have been introduced by researchers to perform the complex chemical reactions with more convenience.^9–12 Among various species of the reported heterogeneous catalytic systems, magnetic nanocatalysts have attracted more attentions due to including high convenience in separation and recycling processes. For instance, we recently reported some novel magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) that have been functionalized and applied for different catalytic aims such as facilitating peptide couplings and multicomponent synthesis reactions of pharmaceutical compounds.^13,14 However, wide surface active area, great functionalization capability, nontoxicity, excellent stability and thermal resistance, and etc. could also be mentioned as the additional important reasons for employing the magnetic NPs for catalytic purposes. Among all of the different categories of magnetic NPs, iron oxide NPs species (Fe₃O₄, γ-Fe₂O₃, and etc.) are extremely used due to their easy preparation and super-paramagnetic behavior.^15–17 In this work, we report a novel magnetic nanocatalyst that is constructed of copper nanoparticles (Cu NPs) as the main catalytic active sites, iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ NPs) as the magnetic agent, and chitosan (CTSN) as the natural polymeric matrix for composition and stabilization of the nanoscale ingredients (CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu).

In recent decades, N-arylated azoles e.g., arylpyrroles, arylpyrazoles, arylimidazoles, aryltriazoles, arylindoles, arylcarbazoles, and etc. have attracted so much attentions because of their important applications in medicinal and materials fields. Some of these scaffolds are also found in many bioactive natural products.¹⁸ Among all of the heterocyclic compounds, study on the N-aryl imidazoles is very intensive because of its famous biomedical properties such as receptor antagonists and thromboxane synthase inhibitors.^19,20 In this regard, some ligand-free copper-catalyzed N-arylation reactions have been reported. For instance, Son et al. have prepared coated-CuO nanoparticles by thermal decomposition using copper acetylacetonate.²¹ Choudary et al. have designed a catalyst for N-arylation of imidazoles via the cation exchange of fluorapatite and tert-butoxyapatite with copper.²² Thus, designing a simple and efficient route for the synthesis of N-aryl or heteroarylamines remains highly desirable.

In this work, we try to facilitate the N-arylation of imidazoles and its derivatives by using a novel designed CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite, as an inexpensive magnetic nanocatalyst, under ‘ligand-free’ conditions. Firstly, a convenient route is introduced for preparation of this novel catalytic system. Then, as the distinguished advantages, high magnetic behavior that leads to easily separation after completion of the synthetic reactions with no need to some complex purification processes. Moreover, high stability of this heterogeneous catalytic system provides a great opportunity to reuse this system for several times without any decline in the catalytic performance. High performance of this catalytic system origins from a synergistic catalytic effect between the fabricated nanocomposite (CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu) and ultrasound waves, which is considered as a faster and safer method in comparison with other methods.²³ For this purpose, all of the synthetic reactions have been carried out in an ultrasound cleaner bath with 50 kHz frequency and 200 W L⁻¹ power density. From physical aspect, well-known cluster shape of the composite provide an extreme surface active area for catalytic aims. In addition of the mentioned excellences, substantial biocompatibility and biodegradability is obtained for this catalytic system, through applying a natural basis (CTSN) in the structure of the catalyst. As a result, a fast and safe strategy for the synthesis of the N-arylated imidazole derivatives is presented in this study, through which high reaction yields (98%) are obtained in short reaction time (10 min) with high safety and convenience.

2. Experimental

2.1. Materials and equipment

All the solvents, chemicals and reagents were purchased from Merck, Sigma and Aldrich. Melting points were measured on an Electrothermal 9100 apparatus and are uncorrected. FT-IR spectra were recorded on a Shimadzu IR-470 spectrometer by the method of KBr pellet. ¹H and ¹³C Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectra were recorded on a Bruker DRX-500 Avance spectrometer at 500, 300, 75 and 125 MHz, respectively. Thermal analysis (TGA) was also done by using of Bahr-STA 504 instrument under argon atmosphere. FESEM images were taken by Sigma-Zeiss microscope with attached camera. Magnetic measurements of the solid samples were performed using Lakeshore 7407 and Meghnatis Kavir Kashan Co., Iran vibrating sample magnetometers (VSMs). Elemental analysis of the nanocatalyst was carried out by energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis which was recorded on a Numerix DXP-X10P. XRD measurements were carried out by using a DRON-8 X-ray diffractometer.

2.2. Practical methods

2.2.1. Synthesis of CTSN/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite. In a round-bottom flask (100 mL), CTSN (high purity, 180 kDa) (0.5 g) was dissolved in a mix of dilute acidic deionized water (4.0 mL, pH = 5.5 by HCl) and ethanol (4.0 mL), at 80 °C under N₂ atmosphere. Then, two aqueous solutions (0.1 M) of FeCl₂·4H₂O and FeCl₃·6H₂O were simultaneously added to the flask. Next, concentrate NH₃ was slowly added to the mixture, until pH = 12 was obtained. The dark particles of the Fe₃O₄ were produced via co-deposition method and composited with CTSN during an in situ process. After completion of the addition, the magnetized CTSN was collected by an external magnet and washed with distilled water and ethanol, and dried in a vacuum oven.

2.2.2. Synthesis of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite. In a round-bottom flask (50 mL), CTSN/Fe₃O₄ (0.1 g) was placed and well dispersed in deionized water (3.0 mL), via ultrasonication (10 min). Next, Cu(OAc)₂ aqueous solution (5% wt, 2.0 mL) was added drop by drop to the aqueous mixture of CTSN/Fe₃O₄, and the mixture were ultrasonicated into an US bath (50 kHz, 200 W L⁻¹) for 1 h, at 80 °C. Finally, the fabricated CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite were magnetically separated and washed with deionized water and ethanol and dried at room temperature.

2.2.3. General procedure for N-arylation of imidazoles by CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocatalyst via USW irradiation. In a glass tube (Threaded Test Tube with Phenolic Cap, 13 × 100 mm), aryl halide (1.0 mmol), imidazole (2.0 mmol), CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu (0.01 mg), CTAB (0.5 mmol) and K₂CO₃ (1.5 mmol) were added in deionized water (4.0 mL). The mixture was sonicated for 10 min, at room temperature in an ultrasonic bath (50 kHz, 200 W). After completion of the reaction, the mixture was diluted with H₂O (5.0 mL) and extracted with EtOAc (4 × 10 mL). The combined organic phases was washed with water and brine, dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄, and concentrated in vacuum. The residue was purified by flash column chromatograph on silica gel (ethyl acetate/n-hexane, 2 : 1) to afford the target pure product. As same as excellent results were obtained in gram scale of the reaction by starting these ratio of raw materials and reagents.

2.2.4. Spectral data for selected products.
1-Phenyl-1H-imidazole 3a. ¹H NMR (DMSO-d₆, 300 MHz), δ (ppm): 7.14 (s, 1H), 7.37 (t, 1H, J = 7.2 Hz), 7.53 (t, 2H, J = 7.4 Hz), 7.67–7.78 (m, 3H), 8.3 (s, 1H). ¹³C NMR (DMSO-d₆, 75 MHz): δ (ppm): 118.5, 121.5, 127.8, 130.1, 130.8, 135.7, 137.7.
1-p-Tolyl-1H-imidazole 3b. ¹H NMR (CDCl₃, 500 MHz), δ (ppm): 7.79 (s, 1H), 7.22 (m, 5H), 7.17 (s, 1H), 2.37 (s, 3H). ¹³C NMR (CDCl₃, 125 MHz): δ (ppm): 137.7, 135.8, 135.4, 130.7, 130.4, 121.6, 118.6, 21.2.

3. Results and discussion

3.1. Preparation of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocatalyst

Initially, CTSN was dissolved in a mix of dilute acidic water (pH = 5.5) and ethanol with equal ratios, at 80 °C under N₂ atmosphere. When a clear and homogeneous mixture was obtained, two aqueous solutions of FeCl₂·4H₂O and FeCl₃·6H₂O were added drop by drop to into the flask. Next, ammonia was slowly added to the mixture, until pH = 12 was obtained. The dark particles of the Fe₃O₄ were synthesized via an in situ co-deposition method and composited with CTSN. After completion of the addition, the magnetized CTSN was collected by an external magnet and washed with distilled water and ethanol, and dried in a vacuum oven. Afterward, copper(II) acetate aqueous solution (5% wt) was added drop by drop to a dispersed aqueous mixture of CTSN/Fe₃O₄, and the mixture were ultrasonicated into an US bath (with frequency: 50 kHz and power density: 200 W L⁻¹) for 1 h, at 80 °C. Finally, the CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite was magnetically separated and washed with deionized water and ethanol and dried at room temperature (Scheme 1).

Scheme 1 Preparation route of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite.

3.2. Characterization of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocatalyst

After preparation of the nanocomposite, various conventional instrumental techniques were used for the characterization of the structure and morphology. The comparative FT-IR spectra of the synthesized CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite and its individual components are shown in Fig. 1. In the spectrum of CTSN, The absorption band at 3443 cm⁻¹ is related to the vibrational stretching of the N–H and O–H groups. The absorption band that is appeared at 2922 cm⁻¹ coming from the stretching vibrations of aliphatic C–H groups, and the appeared peak at 1155 cm⁻¹ origins from the stretching vibrations of C–O–C bond. The absorption band at 1602 cm⁻¹ indicates the presence of N–H of amide groups. The absorption bands appeared at 1423 and 1384 cm⁻¹ refer to C–N vibrations. The absorption bands at ca. 598 cm⁻¹ can be seen in the spectrum of Fe₃O₄ NPs, corresponds to the stretching vibrations of Fe–O band. The intensive broad absorption at 3425 cm⁻¹ represented the stretching mode of H₂O molecules and –OH groups. In the spectrum of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite, absorption band at 3431 cm⁻¹ refers to the stretching vibrations of O–H and N–H groups of chitosan that bonded to the copper ferrite nano particles and shift to lower frequency. It also refers to O–H groups of nanoparticles. The absorption band at ca. 1059 cm⁻¹ shows the stretch vibrations of C–O bond and the 598 cm⁻¹ band represented the Fe–O group of Fe₃O₄ NPs. Therefore, the FT-IR analysis confirmed the supporting of Fe₃O₄ and Cu NPs on the surface and matrix of chitosan. EDX analysis was also performed for determination of the elements constitutes catalyst.²⁴ EDX spectra shows that there are C, Fe, Cu and O atoms in the structure of the fabricated nanocomposite. The EDX spectrum of the fabricated CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite and also the quantitative results have been exhibited in Fig. 2(c).

Fig. 1 FT-IR spectra of CTSN, Fe₃O₄, and CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite.

Fig. 2 (a) FE-SEM image of CTSN/Fe₃O₄, and (b) the prepared CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite. (c) EDX analysis results of the prepared CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite [Y-axis: count, X-axis: energy (keV)].

Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images were used to investigate shape and size of the prepared nanocomposite (Fig. 2). As seen in Fig. 2(a), suitable distribution of the spherical Fe₃O₄ NPs on the chitosan surfaces has formed a cluster-shaped nanocomposite. This morphology provides more extreme active areas for catalytic applications. Moreover, the size of the spherical Fe₃O₄ NPs is in a range of 40–60 nm diameter. Most likely, these regular cluster-shaped structures are produced via the in situ co-deposition process (described in preparation section). Then, the uniform spherical Cu NPs have been incorporated into the CTSN polymeric network, as can be observed in Fig. 2(b). Overall, this is clearly seen that an extreme catalytic active area is provided by the nanosized CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite.

The XRD pattern of the CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite has been demonstrated in Fig. 3, and the average size of the particles is calculated by the Scherrer equation; D = kλ/β cos θ. According to the figure, the resulted diffraction pattern has been precisely compared with the reference patterns of the Fe₃O₄ and CuO NPs and it was strongly confirmed that they have been thoroughly produced and distributed onto the textures of CTSN matrix. Accordingly, the peaks at the dispersion angles 2θ = 19.11°, 31.64°, 33.91°, 36.56°, 38.42°, 45.15°, 58.65°, 63.25°, 64.25° and 78.65°, which have been marked with miller indices, are attributed to the formed Fe₃O₄ and CuO NPs. There are strong correlations between the obtained XRD pattern and the reported references.^13,25

Fig. 3 XRD pattern of the fabricated CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite.

Thermal resistance of the fabricated CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite has also been studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). As shown in Fig. 4(a), initially a partial increase in the weight was observed that is attributed to the physical adsorption of the moisture of the air onto the hot surfaces of NPs. Then, the weight percentage was decreased to ca. 98% due to removal of the water molecules. In continue, by increasing the temperature to around 420 °C, the first important shoulder was appeared that coming from the weight loss of CTSN. According to the literature, decomposition of the CTSN is started above 420 °C.²⁶ Further, the second shoulder is observed at 620 °C, which is ascribed to the decomposition of the NPs. Totally, from the TGA, this is well proven that the degradation and decomposition of CTSN polysaccharide is greatly inhibited by the composited Cu and Fe₃O₄ NPs. Magnetic property of the fabricated CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite has also been investigated by vibrating-sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis and related spectra are shown in Fig. 4(b). As it can be seen in the spectra, the magnetic feature of the neat Fe₃O₄ NPs is reduced proportional to more core coating by various layers. Graph (i) that belongs to the neat Fe₃O₄ NPs exhibits a typical super-paramagnetic behavior (55 emu g⁻¹) through applying the magnetic field, as presented in the figure. This property was ∼20 emu g⁻¹ decreased through subsequent coating by CTSN (graph ii). However, this is clearly seen that super-paramagnetic behavior of the produced CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite is adequate for easily separation of the catalyst from the reaction mixture.

Fig. 4 (a) TGA of the fabricated CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite, and (b) VSM analysis of (i) Fe₃O₄ NPs and (ii) CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite.

3.3. Catalytic activity of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocatalyst

3.3.1. Optimization of the catalyzed-reaction conditions & catalytic performance screening. In order to obtain the optimum conditions for the synthesis reactions by novel prepared heterogeneous CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocatalyst, control reaction was carried out using imidazole 1 (2.0 mmol), bromobenzene 2 (1.0 mmol), cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB, 0.5 mmol), and different amounts of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu in various conditions (Scheme 2 and Table 1). Accordingly, the same reaction conditions were applied for all of the control reactions. Different amounts of the magnetic nanocatalyst, different reaction times, and the synergistic effect between the magnetic nanocomposite and USW were precisely investigated. As reported in Table 1, the best result was observed when 0.01 g of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu was used in deionized water, under 10 min ultrasonication (50 kHz frequency and 200 W power density), at room temperature. The reaction progress was screened using thin-layer chromatography (TLC). After completion of the reaction, the heterogeneous nanocatalyst were conveniently collected using an external magnet, then resulted aryl imidazole was immediately separated and purified via flash column chromatography and identified with ¹H-NMR and ¹³C-NMR (see the ESI section†). However, in order to evaluate the scope and generality of this approach, the optimized reaction condition was applied for the synthesis reactions of the diverse aryl imidazole derivatives, as summarized in Table 2. The N-arylation of imidazoles with aryl iodides and aryl bromides bearing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups was done effectively and gave good yields. As same as excellent results were obtained in gram scale of the reaction by starting these ratio of raw materials and reagents.

Scheme 2 Schematic of the synthesis of aryl imidazole derivatives by CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocatalyst, in US bath.

Table 1 Optimization of the reaction conditions of the synthesis of phenyl imidazole as the pilot experiment under USW irradiation

Entry	Solvent	Cat. (g)	Temp. (°C)	Time (min)	Yield^a (%)
a Isolated yield for product 3a, via coupling reaction between bromobenzene (1.0 mmol) and imidazole (2.0 mmol), CTAB (0.5 mmol), in the presence of K2CO3 (1.5 mmol), and the solvent (4.0 mL), in the USW bath (50 kHz, 200 W).b Optimum conditions.
1	DMF	0.01	r.t.	10	88
2	DCM	0.01	r.t.	10	85
3	Water	0.01	r.t.	10	76
4	EtOH	0.01	r.t.	10	96
5	MeOH	0.01	r.t.	10	91
6	Water	0.01	r.t.	10	98^b
7	Water/EtOH	0.05	r.t.	10	98
8	Water/EtOH	0.01	50	10	97
9	Water/EtOH	0.01	80	10	97
10	Water/EtOH	0.01	r.t.	30	98

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Table 2 Synthesis of various aryl imidazole derivatives using CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocatalyst

Entry	R–Ar–X		Product structure	Product no.	Yield^a (%)
	R	X
a Isolated yield.
1	H	Br		3a	98
2	Me	Br		3b	92
3	Me	I		3c	90
4	OMe	I		3d	85
5	OH	Br		3e	82
6	Cl	I		3f	93
7	COMe	Br		3g	92
8	CN	I		3h	98
9	NO2	Br		3i	96
10	NO2	I		3j	97

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3.3.2. Catalyst reusability. Another important advantage of this active, non-toxic, and environmentally-benign heterogeneous catalyst is its well recyclability. In this regard, the nanocatalyst performance was carefully monitored in the model reaction (product 3a) after eight times recycling. For this purpose, after completion of the reaction, the CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite were magnetically isolated from the mixture and washed with ethanol, then dried and reused in subsequent reactions. It is observed that the nanocatalyst can be reused at least for eight successive times without any significant reduction in coupling reaction yield (Fig. 5). The observed reduction in catalytic activity probably origins from the separation of Cu NPs from the total structure of the nanocatalyst and deformation of the cluster-shaped structure of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite during the catalytic process. These claims have been proven by SEM imaging and EDX spectroscopy of the recovered nanocatalyst after eight times usages (Fig. S5 and S6, in the ESI section†).

Fig. 5 Reusability diagram of CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite.

3.4. Suggested mechanism

A plausible mechanism for this catalytic reaction has been depicted in Fig. 6. As can be seen, at the first stage, an oxidative addition is occurred through which Cu inserts into the Ar–X bond. Then, the resulted complex reacts with imidazole that was activated by potassium carbonate, at stage 2. In the following step (stage 3), a reductive elimination is occurred and the desirable product is obtained.²⁷

Fig. 6 The plausible mechanism for N-arylation of imidazole derivatives assisted by CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu nanocomposite.

4. Conclusion

In summary, a novel catalytic system constructed of chitosan, iron oxide NPs, and copper NPs has been designed and presented as an instrumental tool for facilitating the synthesis of N-arylimidazole derivatives. There are several advantages for applying this nanoscale system. The first and foremost excellence, well execution of synthesis reactions under mild conditions (98% yielded in 10 min at room temperature) through using a partial amount (0.01 g) of this heterogeneous catalytic system can be referred. This high catalytic performance is due to a synergistic catalytic effect between the fabricated nanocomposite (CTSN/Fe₃O₄–Cu) and the ultrasound waves with 50 kHz frequency and 200 W L⁻¹ power density. In addition, the nanocatalyst is conveniently separated from the reaction mixture and recovered by an external magnetic field and reused efficiently for additional seven times without significant decrease in its catalytic activity. Moreover, there are several advantages for the presented catalytic system such as high heterogeneity, great biocompatibility and biodegradability (through applying CTSN as a natural basis), economic advantages, excellent structural stability due to assisting by ultrasound waves, and no need to another chemical additive or applying intense reaction conditions to provide the required driving force. Thus, this catalytic system could be suggested for scaling up and using in industry.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts to declare.

Acknowledgements

The authors gratefully acknowledge the partial support from the Research Council of the Iran University of Science and Technology and Iran National Science Foundation (INSF).

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Footnote

† Electronic supplementary information (ESI) available: The ESI file includes the NMR (H and C) of selected N-aryimidazole products and also SEM and EDX results of recovered nanocatalyst. See DOI: 10.1039/c9ra08062g

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