Tetradentate copper complex supported on boehmite nanoparticles as an efficient and heterogeneous reusable nanocatalyst for the synthesis of diaryl ethers

Abstract

In this work boehmite nanoparticles (BNPs) were prepared through addition of aqueous solution of NaOH to solution of Al(NO3)3·9H2O. Then, the surface of BNPs was modified by (3-chloropropyl)trimethoxysilane (CPTMS) and further tetradentate ligand (MP-bis(AMP)) was anchored on its surface. At final step, a tetradentate organometallic complex of copper was stabilized on the surface of modified BNPs (Cu(II)-MP-bis(AMP)@boehmite). These obtained nanoparticles were characterized using SEM imaging, WDX, EDS, AAS and TGA analysis, BET method, FT-IR spectroscopy, and XRD pattern. In continue, the catalytic activity of Cu(II)-MP-bis(AMP)@boehmite has been used as a much efficient, reusable and hybrid of organic–inorganic nanocatalyst in the synthesis of ether derivatives through C–O coupling reaction under palladium-free and phosphine-free conditions. Cu(II)-MP-bis(AMP)@boehmite catalyst has been recovered and reused again for several times in the synthesis of ether derivatives.