Cobalt-immobilized carbon-based nano-catalyst for C[sbnd]N cross coupling reaction

Abstract

CN cross coupling reaction is very important in synthesis of pharmaceuticals, natural products, agrochemicals, fine chemicals and functional materials. Traditionally, palladium or copper metals are used for CN coupling reaction. As palladium is expensive, we developed cobalt immobilized carbon-based nano-catalyst Co@CC for CN coupling. In this work, we synthesized non-noble metal-based Co@CC nano-catalyst by carbonization of glucose, it’s functionalization followed by immobilization of cobalt on the surface of the catalyst. The catalyst was well characterized. The CN cross coupling reaction of various aryl halides & amines using Co@CC nano-catalyst was optimized for solvent, reaction temperature & catalyst concentration conditions. The catalyst showed high catalytic activity for CN coupling of various aryl halides & amines to form aryl amines in good to excellent yield up to 91 % in sulfolane as a solvent at 150 °C. The catalyst showed recyclability up to 5 times. The method developed for CN coupling reaction was noble metal free, ligand free, recyclable, sustainable, economical & environmentally friendly.