Catalytic Application of Ceric Ammonium Nitrate-Stabilized Maghemite Nanoparticles (CAN-γ-Fe₂O₃) for Ultrasound Assisted Synthesis of β-Amino Derivatives

Owing to their inherent features like smaller size and higher surface area exposed to reactants, iron oxide nanoparticles have gained enormous interest and are extensively used as magnetically recyclable catalysts for various organic reactions. Herein, we report highly hydrophilic, non-aggregated, and strongly positively charged (ζ potential: + 45.7 mV) ultra-small cerium cations/complexes- stabilized maghemite nanoparticles in water as an efficient and reusable nanoscaled catalyst for the nucleophilic addition reaction of various amines with α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give corresponding β-amino derivatives under ultrasonic irradiation. The developed protocol provides several merits such as high product yields, mild reaction conditions, reusable catalyst and easy workup.