Controlled microwave-assisted synthesis of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and their catalytic activity for O-acylation of alcohol and phenol in acetic anhydride

ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles have been successfully prepared through a controlled microwave–assisted co-precipitation. X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) were used for the structural, morphological and magnetic investigation of the product. SEM micrographs of ZnFe2O4 nanopowder also reveal that nanoparticles have spherical shape. Average particle size was obtained as 12 nm from XRD. Catalytic activity of ZnFe2O4 nanopowder for O  -acylation of alcohol and phenol has been investigated. A trace amount of ZnFe2O4 has been effectively used as a nanocatalyst for the acylation of alcohol and phenol in acetic anhydride.