LAUSR

New functionalized magnetic core–shell nanoparticles, CuFe2O4@SiO2-OP2O5H, were prepared by grafting of phosphorus pentoxide on CuFe2O4@SiO2 nanoparticles and characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry and vibrating sample magnetometry. The catalytic activity of CuFe2O4@SiO2-OP2O5H as a novel catalyst was evaluated in the synthesis of 1,8-dioxo-octahydroxanthenes under solvent-free conditions. The results showed that the catalyst has high activity and the desired products are obtained in high yields within short reaction times. The catalyst is readily recovered using magnetic decantation and can be used at least four times without noticeable deterioration in catalytic activity.