Green Synthesis of New Derivatives of Iminothiazole Using Cefixime and Removing Organic Pollutants from Aqueous Environment by Employing
Cu@KF/Clinoptilolite NPs
Authors: Zamani-Hargalani Fariba , Shafaei Faezeh 
Published: October 2024

Aims and Objective:
In this research, multicomponent reactions of cefixime, isothiocyanates,
and alkyl bromides were carried out for the synthesis of new iminothiazole derivatives with high yields in
water as the solvent at room temperature in the presence of catalytic amounts of Cu@KF/CP NPs as catalysts.
Also, the ability of Cu@KF/Clinoptilolite nanoparticles (NPs) to adsorb and remove 4-NP and cefixime
from water was investigated. The Cu@KF/Clinoptilolite nanoparticles were synthesized by employing
a water extract of Petasites hybridus rhizomes.

Materials and Methods:
For this experiment, all of the components obtained from Fluka and Merck were
subjected to further purification. The antibiotic used in this investigation, cefixime, was obtained from a
pharmaceutical facility situated in Sari, Mazandaran, Iran. The antibiotic factory is located in Sari City,
Iran. All solutions were prepared using distilled water. The shape of Cu@KF/CP nanoparticles was analyzed
using images obtained from a Holland Philips XL30 scanning electron microscope. An analysis was
performed on the crystalline structure of Cu@KF/CP nanoparticles (NPs), and a room temperature X-ray
diffraction (XRD) examination was carried out utilizing a Holland Philips Xpert X-ray powder diffractometer.
The X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination was conducted using CuK radiation, which has a wavelength
of 0.15406 nm. The analysis covered a 2ε angle range from 20 to 80°. The nanostructures that were
produced were chemically analyzed using X-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) with an S3700N
equipment. The morphology and dimensions of Cu@KF/CP nanoparticles were characterized using a
Philips EM208 transmission electron microscope operated at an acceleration voltage of 90 kV.

Results:
The primary objective of this study was to develop a sustainable approach for producing new
iminothiazole derivatives 4. This was achieved using a highly efficient three-component reaction combining
cefixime 1, isothiocyanates 2, and alkyl bromides 3. The reaction was carried out in water at ambient
temperature, using Cu@KF/CP NPs as a highly effective catalyst, leading to excellent yields. Moreover,
the study findings showed that the synthesized compounds demonstrated a significant antioxidant activity
compared to conventional antioxidants. The antibacterial efficacy of the synthesized compounds was evaluated
against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, Cu@KF/CP nanoparticles
were utilized to adsorb CFX and 4-NP from water-based solutions.

Conclusion:
This study showcases the effective synthesis of innovative iminothiazole derivatives through
the use of multicomponent reactions, involving the combination of cefixime, isothiocyanates, and alkyl
bromides. The reactions were conducted in a water-based solvent. The reactions were carried out at room
temperature, utilizing Cu@KF/CP NPs as catalysts. The Cu@KF/CP nanoparticles, a newly developed
heterogeneous nanocatalyst, were synthesized and evaluated utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), fieldemission
scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), and
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) research techniques. Cu@KF/CP nanoparticles are utilized to adsorb
CFX and 4-NP from water-based solutions. The objects were manufactured using a straightforward
and uncomplicated approach. The BET surface area of Cu@KF/CP NPs was measured to be 201.8 m2/g.
The experimental equilibrium data was evaluated by applying the isotherms of the Langmuir, Freundlich,
Dubinin-Radushkevich, and Redlich-Peterson models. Additionally, we examined the catalytic efficiency
of Cu@KF/CP nanoparticles (NPs) in reducing various colors in water.