Nanoparticle-Supported and Magnetically Recoverable Ruthenium Hydroxide Catalyst: Efficient Hydration of Nitriles to Amides in Aqueous Medium

A simple and efficient synthesis of nanoferrite-supported, magnetically recyclable ruthenium hydroxide [Ru(OH)x] catalyst and its applications in the hydration of nitriles in a benign aqueous medium, was reported. The catalyst was prepared by sonicating nanoferrites with dopamine in water for 2 hr followed by addition of ruthenium (Ru) chloride at a basic pH. The reaction temperature increased to 130°C results in the reaction proceeded with 65% conversion within 20 min. Various benzonitriles derivatives and aliphatic nitriles are smoothly hydrated to corresponding amides in excellent yield. The nanoferrite-supported ruthenium hydroxide catalyst could be used at least 3 times without any change in the activity. The Ru concentration of the catalyst is found to be 3.22% before the reaction and 3.16% after the reaction.