Graphene Grafted N‐Methyl‐4‐pyridinamine (G‐NMPA): An Efficient Heterogeneous Organocatalyst for Acetylation of Alcohols

Abstract

AbstractIn this study, graphene oxide (GO) was modified with N‐methyl‐4‐pyridinamine in order to synthesize a novel nitrogen‐containing graphene‐based material for application as heterogeneous catalyst in organic transformations. To prepare this catalyst system, first, chlorine‐functionalized graphene (CFG) was synthesized using reaction of GO and thionyl chloride (SOCl2) and then it was reacted with N‐methyl‐4‐pyridinamine. As a result, aminopyridine fragments connected to the graphene surface covalently via a C−N linker and form graphene grafted N‐methyl‐4‐pyridinamine (G‐NMPA) catalyst. The G‐NMPA material was characterized using some different techniques and used as a heterogeneous catalyst in acetylation of alcohols. Results of catalyst activity evaluation demonstrate that G‐NMPA has high activity in acetylation of alcohols. Furthermore, the catalyst system was reusable at least for 8 times without remarkable decreasing in its catalytic activity.