Nano CuFe2O4: an efficient, magnetically separable catalyst for transesterification of β-ketoesters

The preparation of a variety of β-ketoesters was achieved in high yields from methyl acetoacetate under neutral conditions through the utilization of magnetic CuFe2O4 nanoparticles as catalyst. Recycling of the catalyst was performed up to eight times without significant loss in activity. The catalyst was characterized using XRD, XPS, SEM and TEM techniques.