Magnetically recyclable Cu-BTC@Fe3O4-catalyzed synthesis of aryl α-chlorobenzyl ketones

Metal–organic framework (MOF) composite, viz. Cu-BTC@Fe₃O₄ (BTC is 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate), was prepared and utilized for the synthesis of aryl α-chlorobenzyl ketones from arenediazonium salts and arylacetylenes in moderate to good yields. This reaction proceeded via a radical domino process. The catalyst could be readily recovered with an external permanent magnet, with slight decrease in its activity after successive six runs.