Fe3O4–Schiff base of Cu(II) is found to be a recyclable and heterogeneous catalyst for the rapid and efficient synthesis of various 2,3-dihydroquinazolin-4(1H)-one derivatives from the two-component condensation of 2-aminobenzamide and an aldehyde. This reaction is simple, green and cost-effective. Separation and recycling can also be easily done by magnetic decantation of the Fe3O4 nanoparticles with an external magnet. The prepared catalyst was characterized using thermogravimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, inductively coupled plasma analysis, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
