Recent trends of spinel ferrites (MFe2O4: Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn) applications as an environmentally friendly catalyst in multicomponent reactions: A review

Abstract

Metal ferrite (MFe2O4) is a type of ceramic oxide with magnetoelectric properties. In this review, we have collected and analyzed the research trends of MFe2O4 as a heterogeneous catalyst in multicomponent reactions (MCRs). MFe2O4 could activate specific groups of reactants by increasing their electrophilicity and acting as Lewis acid capable of accepting electrons to form covalent bonds. Using MFe2O4 as a heterogeneous catalyst has been shown to produce simple reactions with high yields, easy to separate, and more environmentally friendly. As a reusable green catalyst, spinel ferrite has high stability, so it can be used repeatedly.

Keywords

• Spinel ferrite
• Green synthesis
• Heterogeneous catalyst
• Cobalt ferrite
• Nickel ferrite
• Copper ferrite