MBC-Guanidine-Ni: A Stable Magnetic Biochar-Based Nanocatalyst for Optimization and Control of a Coupling in the Propargylamine Synthesis

Why It Matters

The catalyst offers a cost‑effective, recyclable, and environmentally friendly route for high‑value propargylamine synthesis, a key intermediate in pharmaceuticals, potentially lowering production costs and waste in the chemical industry.

Summary

Researchers at Ilam University have developed a magnetic biochar nanocatalyst (MBC‑Guanidine‑Ni) derived from olive‑kernel waste that combines guanidine functional groups with nickel sites. The catalyst contains 4.14 wt% nickel, exhibits a saturation magnetization of 42 emu/g for rapid magnetic separation, and remains thermally stable up to 300 °C. In solvent‑free coupling of benzaldehyde, morpholine and phenylacetylene, it delivers propargylamines in up to 98% yield within 30–55 minutes, and can be reused seven times with only a 4% drop in activity and nickel leaching below 0.5 %. The dual‑activation mechanism of guanidine and nickel reduces the E‑factor and eliminates solvent use, highlighting its green‑chemistry credentials.