An attractive approach to access 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives based on developing a novel carbon nanotube-magnetic catalyst

Carbon nanotube-magnetic nanocatalysts have become increasingly important in organic chemistry and are known for their efficiency and reusability. This study introduces the MWCNTs-EDTA/Fe3OCu (II) catalyst, developed by immobilizing Cu(NO3)2 onto a composite of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and Fe3O4 NPs. The catalyst was primarily evaluated for its role in synthesizing 1,2,4-oxadiazole derivatives through one-pot, three-component reactions involving aryl and heteroaryl aldehydes, benzylamines, and hydroxylamine, using KOAc and a PEG-water mixture as a green solvent. This method yielded high amounts of derivatives under mild conditions. One of the catalyst's key advantages is its strong magnetic properties, enabling easy separation with a magnet. It demonstrated excellent reusability, maintaining high activity even after eight cycles. Characterization techniques, including FT-IR, VSM, XRD, and ICP-OES, confirmed its structural stability and efficiency. Overall, the MWCNTs-EDTA/ Fe3O4-Cu (II) catalyst is an ideal candidate for sustainable green chemistry applications.