Bimetallic catalysts are gaining attention due to their characteristics of promoting reactivity and selectivity in catalyzed reactions. Herein, a new catalytic N-formylation of secondary amines using AuPd-Fe3O4 at room temperature is reported. Methanol was utilized as the formyl source and 1.0 atm of O2 gas served as an external oxidant. The bimetallic catalyst, consisting of Au and Pd, makes the reaction more efficient than that using each metal separately. In addition, the catalyst can be effectively recycled owing to the Fe3O4 support.
Keywords: bimetallic catalyst; formylation; gold nanoparticle; heterogeneous catalysis; methanol; recyclable catalyst.