Barium Hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) Nanoparticles as Highly Active and Magnetically Recoverable Catalyst for Selective Epoxidation of Styrene to Styrene Oxide

Herein, we are reporting the use of pure single phase barium hexaferrite (BaFe12O19) nanoparticles as an efficient catalyst for epoxidation of styrene. BaFe12O19 nanocatalysts exhibit high conversion of styrene with excellent selectivity of styrene oxide formation. Easy method of preparation, capability of catalyzing the epoxide reaction of styrene to styrene oxide with excellent styrene conversion (~91%) and high styrene oxide selectivity (~86.5%), easy magnetic separation and very good reusability make the synthesized BaFe12O19 nanocatalyst an excellent catalyst for this reaction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time the use of BaFe12O19 as catalyst for this reaction has been reported.