N-Heterocyclic carbene–copper complex supported on ionic liquid-modified graphene oxide: versatile catalyst for synthesis of (i) 1,2,3-triazole and (ii) propargylamine derivatives

Abstract

A N-heterocyclic carbene–copper complex grafted on graphene oxide with an ionic liquid framework was prepared. The synthesis of (i) 1,2,3-triazole derivatives by ‘Click reaction’ and (ii) propargylamine derivatives by ‘A3 coupling reaction’ in aqueous media by this new catalyst were all successfully accomplished. The catalyst is characterized using infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and elemental analysis. The catalyst is reused in the ten reaction cycles without considerable loss of catalytic activity.