Superparamagnetic Fe3O4@EDTA-Cu(II) nanoparticles were readily prepared and identified as an effective catalyst for the tandem transformation of benzyl alcohols and amine hydrochloride salts into the corresponding amides with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as an oxidant. After completion of the reaction, the catalyst can be removed from the reaction vessel by assistance of an external magnet and reused at least six times without significant loss of its activity. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.