Covalent attachment of Schiff base on magnetic nanoparticles yielded good selectivity for oxidation of alcohols. The ferromagnetic interaction in the complex added comprehensive advantage in enhancing the catalytic activity of the nanocatalyst. A greener approach for alcohol oxidation was achieved in solventless method with good yield (>78%). Leaching experiments confirmed a strong interaction between magnetic support and complex. The catalyst showed significant conversion even after 5 catalytic runs. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.