Magnetic metal–organic framework (MOF) as an effective photocatalyst for synthesis of quinazolinones under oxidation and visible-light conditions

Heterostructures of CuFe₂O₄@NH₂-MIL-88B (Fe) were effectively synthesized and utilized as an effective catalyst under visible light and oxidation conditions for the synthesis of quinazolinones. At room temperature, good to excellent yields of the desired products were obtained. In addition, the composite heterostructures that were created showed a higher level of photocatalytic activity when exposed to visible light compared to both CuFe₂O₄ and NH₂-MIL-88B (Fe) individually. In comparison with CuFe₂O₄ and MIL-88B (Fe), the absorption peak of CuFe₂O₄/MIL has increased. Increasing visible light absorption could lead to an increase in electron–hole pair formation, which would improve photocatalytic activity. Furthermore, the incorporation of CuFe₂O₄ to the NH₂-MIL 88B (Fe) surface results in a significant reduction in photoluminescence emission intensity. Moreover, from the perspective of sustainable chemistry, CuFe₂O₄@NH₂-MIL-88B (Fe) demonstrated good recyclability, being recycled six times with little to no loss in catalytic efficacy.