Green synthesis of magnesium oxide nanoparticles using henna powder extract and its use as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives

In the recent years, green chemistry methods for synthesis of metal oxide nanoparticles has become a major focus in current society. Its more eco-friendly, low toxicity and exhibit long term stability. Generally green synthesis nanoparticles extract from fungi, bacteria, algae and green plants. Plant leaf extracts have been extensively used for green synthesis. A wide range of bioactive phytochemicals as plants are widely available, safe to handle and possess a variety of metabolites that function as reducing agents in nanoparticle synthesis [1,2]. Magnesium oxide (MgO) is an attractive and basic metal oxide material. It’s generally used as a catalyst, electrochemical biosensor, and pharmaceutical industry and paints. The highly crystalline MgO nanoparticles exhibit low electrical conductivity and higher thermal stability [3,4]. In this work, the precursor materials was Mg(NO3)2 and Henna powder extract. The Henna powder extract acting as a reducing agent in the reaction. The sample was characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thereupon, MgO NPs as an efficient catalyst was used for the synthesis of pyrimidine derivatives via multi-component reactions in ethanol under reflux conditions (scheme 1). This method has many advantages such as high yields, relatively short reaction times, mild reaction condition, easy work up, and using a highly recyclable catalyst.