N‐Arylation of Heterocycles with Chloro‐ and Fluoroarenes using Resin‐Supported Sulfonato‐Cu(salen) Complex

Sulfonato‐Cu(salen) complex immobilized onto a Merrifield's resin was found to be an efficient catalyst for the N‐arylation of heterocycles with electron‐withdrawing hloro‐ and fluoroarenes. The reactions were carried out in the presence of an inexpensive mild base, K₂CO₃, and N‐arylated compounds were obtained in good to excellent yields. The catalyst was recovered by simple filtration and reused for three cycles with almost consistent activity.     

Development of a General Non‐Noble Metal Catalyst for the Benign Amination of Alcohols with Amines and Ammonia

The N‐alkylation of amines or ammonia with alcohols is a valuable route for the synthesis of N‐alkyl amines. However, as a potentially clean and economic choice for N‐alkyl amine synthesis, non‐noble metal catalysts with high activity and good selectivity are rarely reported. Normally, they are severely limited due to low activity and poor generality. Herein, a simple NiCuFeO_x catalyst was designed and prepared for the N‐alkylation of ammonia or amines with alcohol or primary amines. N‐alkyl amines with various structures were successfully synthesized in moderate to excellent yields in the absence of organic ligands and bases. Typically, primary amines could be efficiently transformed into secondary amines and N‐heterocyclic compounds, and secondary amines could be N‐alkylated to synthesize tertiary amines. Note that primary and secondary amines could be produced through a one‐pot reaction of ammonia and alcohols. In addition to excellent catalytic performance, the catalyst itself possesses outstanding superiority, that is, it is air and moisture stable. Moreover, the magnetic property of this catalyst makes it easily separable from the reaction mixture and it could be recovered and reused for several runs without obvious deactivation.     

A capable cobalt nano‐catalyst for the N‐formylation of various amines and its biological activity studies

The Fe₃O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄ MNPs) were modified with 1,10‐phenanthroline‐5,6‐diol and the relevant Co complex (Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co) synthesized as a nano‐magnetic heterogeneous catalyst to be used for the N ‐formylation of various amines at room temperature under solvent‐free conditions. Also, in order to find the better concept of the catalyst role, the N ‐formylation reaction was carried out by the use of ultrasound irradiation in the absence of the Co nano‐catalyst and the results were compared. The catalyst characterized by different methods such as the elemental analysis (CHN), ICP, FT‐IR, XRD, EDX, SEM, TEM, TG‐DTA, VSM and XPS. In addition, the antioxidant and the antibacterial activities of the Fe₃O₄@Phendiol@Co nano‐catalyst and its Phendiol ligand were in vitro screened by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging and disc diffusion methods. Results showed that they possess strong antioxidant activity (IC₅₀; 0.182 ± 0.006 mg/ml) and good antibacterial potential in comparison to standards.     

MNPs@SiO2‐Pr‐AP: A new catalyst for the synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐aryl thiazole derivatives

A simple and efficient synthesis of 2‐amino‐4‐aryl thiazole derivatives was carried out through the reaction of substituted acetophenones and thiourea using three different types of catalytic systems including N,N,N′,N′‐tetrabromobenzene‐1,3‐disulfonamide [TBBDA], poly(N,N′‐dibromo‐N‐ethylbenzene‐1,3‐disulfonamide) [PBBS] and a combination of TBBDA and nano‐magnetic catalyst supported with functionalized 4‐amino‐pyridine silica (MNPs@SiO₂‐Pr‐AP). The results showed that the use of TBBDA along with the MNPs@SiO₂‐Pr‐AP gains the highest yields of the products in the shortest reaction time.     

Effective Formylation of Amines with Carbon Dioxide and Diphenylsilane Catalyzed by Chelating bis(tzNHC) Rhodium Complexes

The reductive formylation of amines using CO₂ and hydrosilanes is an attractive method for incorporating CO₂ into valuable organic compounds. However, previous systems required either high catalyst loadings or high temperatures to achieve high efficiency, and the substrate scope was mostly limited to simple amines. To address these problems, a series of alkyl bridged chelating bis(NHC) rhodium complexes (NHC=N‐heterocyclic carbene) have been synthesized and applied to the reductive formylation of amines using CO₂ and Ph₂SiH₂. A rhodium‐based bis(tzNHC) complex (tz=1,2,3‐triazol‐5‐ylidene) was identified to be highly effective at a low catalyst loading and ambient temperature, and a wide substrate scope, including amines with reducible functional groups, were compatible.     

Functionalization of superparamagnetic Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles with a Cu(II) binuclear Schiff base complex as an efficient and reusable nanomagnetic catalyst for N‐arylation of α‐amino acids and nitrogen‐containing heterocycles with aryl halides

Fe₃O₄@SiO₂ nanoparticles was functionalized with a binuclear Schiff base Cu(II)‐complex (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) NPs) and used as an effective magnetic hetereogeneous nanocatalyst for the N‐arylation of α‐amino acids and nitrogen‐containig heterocycles. The catalyst, Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) NPs, was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐vis) analyses step by step. Size, morphology, and size distribution of the nanocatalyst were studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and dynamic light scatterings (DLS) analyses, respectively. The structure of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles was checked by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Furthermore, the magnetic properties of the nanocatalyst were investigated by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) analysis. Loading content as well as leaching amounts of copper supported by the catalyst was measured by inductive coupled plasma (ICP) analysis. Also, thermal studies of the nanocatalyst was studied by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) instrument. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the catalyst revealed that the copper sites are in +2 oxidation state. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂/Schiff base‐Cu(II) complex was found to be an effective catalyst for C–N cross‐coupling reactions, which high to excellent yields were achieved for α‐amino acids as well as N‐hetereocyclic compounds. Easy recoverability of the catalyst by an external magnet, reusability up to eight runs without significant loss of activity, and its well stability during the reaction are among the other highlights of this catalyst.     

A one‐pot method for synthesis of reduced graphene oxide‐supported Cu–Cu2O and catalytic application in tandem reaction of halides and sodium azide with terminal alkynes

Reduced graphene oxide (RGO)‐supported Cu–Cu₂O nanocomposite material (Cu‐Cu₂O@RGO) was prepared through a one‐pot reflux synthesis method. The morphology, crystal structure and composition of the prepared Cu‐Cu₂O@RGO were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron, infrared and Raman spectroscopies. Cu‐Cu₂O@RGO as a heterogeneous catalyst was applied to tandem reactions of halides and sodium azide with terminal alkynes to synthesize effectively 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles. Moreover, the catalyst showed excellent recyclability performance with very little leaching of the metal. Compared with homogeneous catalysts, Cu‐Cu₂O@RGO as a green and efficient catalyst was recoverable, easy to separate and highly stable in the tandem method for the synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazole compounds.     

Magnetic Graphene Oxide Anchored Sulfonic Acid as a Novel Nanocatalyst for the Synthesis of N‐aryl‐2‐amino‐1,6‐naphthyridines

Magnetic graphene oxide functionalized with sulfonic acid (Fe₃O₄‐GO‐SO₃H) was used as a new recyclable nanocatalyst for one‐pot synthesis of N‐aryl‐2‐amino‐1,6‐naphthyridine derivatives under solvent free conditions. The catalyst could be easily recovered from the reaction mixture by an external magnet and reused without significant decrease in activity even after 4 runs. This nanocatalyst exhibited better activities to other commercially available sulfonic acid catalysts.     

Hydrogen‐transfer reduction of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by naphthyridine‐functionalized N‐heterocyclic carbene complexes

Substitution of silver complex of 2‐chloro‐7‐(mesitylimidazolylidenylmethyl)naphthyridine (NpNHC) with palladium(II), rhodium(I) and iridium(I) metal precursors provided [Pd(C ,N ‐NpNHC)(η³‐allyl)](BF₄) ( 5 ), RhCl(COD)(C ‐NpNHC) ( 6a ) and IrCl(COD)(C ‐NpNHC) ( 6b ), respectively. Abstraction of chloride from 6a and 6b with AgBF₄ provided the chelation complexes [Rh(COD)(C ,N ‐NpNHC)](BF₄) ( 7a ) and Ir(COD)(C ,N ‐NpNHC)(BF₄) ( 7b ), respectively. All complexes were characterized using NMR and elemental analyses and the structural details of 5 and 6a were further confirmed using X‐ray crystallography. In catalytic activity studies, complex 5 was found to be an effective catalyst in the hydrogen‐transfer reduction of α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds into the corresponding saturated carbonyl compounds.     

Robust half‐metallicity of AlCoN and AlNiN

Theoretical investigations of Al_1‐xCo_xN and Al_1‐xNi_xN (x = 0.25) in the zinc blende phase are presented. The robustness of half metallicity of these compounds with correlation to their lattice compressions is discussed. The results show that both compounds retain their half‐metallic nature (conductor for spin up state and semiconductor for spin down state) with their lattice compressions up to certain critical lattice constants. Abrupt changes in the electronic and magnetic properties are observed at these robust transition lattice constants (RTLCs). These compounds lose their integer magnetic moments of 4μ_β for Al_1‐xCo_xN and 3 μ_β for Al_1‐xNi_xN at RTLCs. The calculated RTLC for Al_0.75Co_0.25N is 4.4 Å and for Al_0.75Ni_0.25N is 4.2 Å. The possible compression in the lattice constants from their relaxed states while maintaining their half‐metallic nature is up to 4% for both compounds. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Lewis Acids as Mild and Effective Catalysts for the Synthesis of 3,5‐Bis[(hetero)arylidene]piperidin‐4‐ones

The aldol‐crotonic condensation reactions of N‐alkyl‐ and NH‐piperidin‐4‐one derivatives with (hetero)aromatic aldehydes promoted by Lewis acids or bases were examined. This comparative study has revealed three effective catalytic systems based on Lewis acids, i.e., LiClO₄ and MgBr₂ (in the presence of tertiary amine), and BF₃⋅Et₂O, for the synthesis of N‐alkyl‐substituted 3,5‐bis(heteroarylidene)piperidin‐4‐ones, including those bearing acid‐ or base‐labile groups both in the (hetero)aromatic groups and in the alkyl substituent at the N‐atom. The highest reaction rate was observed for LiClO₄‐mediated synthesis. Both MgBr₂‐ and LiClO₄‐mediated syntheses were inefficient in the case of NH‐piperidin‐4‐one, while BF₃⋅Et₂O provided the final compounds in high yields. This catalyst is especially advantageous as it allows simultaneous condensation and deprotection in the case of O‐protected piperidin‐4‐one.     

New Substituted 1‐Aryl‐4,4,6‐Trimethyl‐3,4‐Dihydropyrimidine‐2‐(1H)Thiones; A Metal‐Free and Solvent‐Free Synthesis,Characterization, and Lymphoid Tyrosine Phosphatase Inhibition Studies

A series of fourteen 3,4‐dihydropyrimidine‐2‐thiones ( 3a–n ) were synthesized by a green protocol, and their structures were characterized by spectroanalytical data. The compounds were obtained in high yields by efficient annulation of mesityl oxide (4‐methylpent‐3‐en‐2‐one) with anilines in the presence of potassium thiocyanate. The reaction is essentially metal‐catalyst‐ and solvent‐free, as mesityl oxide itself is the solvent as well as the reactant. The compounds were tested for their ability to inhibit the lymphoid tyrosine phosphatase PTPN22, and 5 of the 14 compounds exhibited IC₅₀ values in the mid‐micromolar range, with the most potent hit being the compound 3d , having a methoxy substituent at the 2‐position of the phenyl ring with an IC₅₀ = 18 ± 1 μM, and second most potent compound ( 3c ) with an IC₅₀ value of 45 ± 3 μM, having methyl substituents at both 2‐ and 4‐position of the phenyl ring.     

Samarium Triiodide–Catalyzed Formation of Mannich‐Type Products by Amidoalkylation of 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds

With samarium triiodide (SmI₃) as a catalyst, the amidoalkylation of 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds with N‐(1‐benzotriazol‐1‐ylalkyl)amides proceeded readily under mild conditions to afford Mannich‐type products in good to excellent yields.     

Alkaline‐Earth Metal Doped K‐V Catalysts for Diesel Soot Combustion–Preparation,Characterization and Catalytic Properties

The K‐V‐alkaline‐earth metal catalysts supported on α‐alumina ceramic substrate have been prepared. The morphology of the soot particulates deposited on prepared catalysts supported on α‐alumina ceramic substrate was described by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The XRD was used to characterize the catalysts and their catalytic activities were evaluated by soot oxidation reaction using the TPR system. The SEM photographs presented that soot particles have a particle size of about 100 nm in diameter forming a loose contact with catalyst, which is resemble to the real situation for the catalyst application. The XRD and TPR study showed that the catalytic activities of the catalysts were improved through the cooperation of KNO₃ and some alkaline earth metal compounds. The soot onset ignition temperature at 310°C is the lowest by the cooperation of the crystalline phases KNO₃, KCaVO₄, and Ca₃(VO₄)₂ for the K‐V‐Ca catalyst with a molar ratio of 6:1:1. In addition, the catalyst containing higher KNO₃ content has an adsorption for CO₂. The all prepared K‐V‐Ba catalysts can adsorb more CO₂ at room temperature.     

Copper‐Catalyzed Oxidative C−H Bond Functionalization of N‐Allylbenzamide for Regioselective C−N and C−O Bond Formation

Copper‐catalyzed oxidative couplings of N‐allylbenzamides for C?N and C?O bond formations have been developed through C?H bond functionalization. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, it was applied to the synthesis of β‐aminoimides and imides. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first examples in which different classes of N‐containing compounds have been directly prepared from the readily available N‐allylbenzamides using an inexpensive catalyst/oxidant/base (CuSO₄/TBHP/Cs₂CO₃) system.     

Synthesis and characterization of new organic–inorganic nanohybrid film (TBA)PWFe/PVA/CTS as an efficient and reusable amphiphilic catalyst for ODS of real fuel

In this work, we report a new catalytic oxidative desulfurization (CODS) system based on (TBA)PWFe/PVA/CTS nanohybrid film as a highly active catalyst. The nanohybrid material was successfully fabricated by the composition of tetra (n‐butyl) ammonium salt of Fe‐substituted phosphotungstate, ((n‐C₄H₉)₄N)₄[PW₁₁Fe(H₂O)O₃₉] abbreviated as (TBA)PWFe, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and chitosan (CTS). The composite was characterized using various analytical techniques including FT‐IR, UV–vis, XRD, and SEM. The results revealed the hydrogen‐bonding interaction between inorganic (TBA)PWFe clusters and organic polymers. The catalytic activity of (TBA)PWFe/PVA/CTS was evaluated in the CODS of real gas oil. Also, the solutions of heterocyclic thiophenic compounds (HTCs) in n‐heptane were tasted as simulated fuels. It was found that the removal efficiency of HTCs in the presence of (TBA)PWFe/PVA/CTS catalyst reached as high as 95% at 60 °C after 2 h. The significant catalytic performance of the nanohybrid film might be attributed to its amphiphilicity and multifunctional active sites, which enhances adsorption and oxidation of sulfur compounds. Moreover, the (TBA)PWFe/PVA/CTS composite can be easily recovered and reused by simple filtration, making it a suitable catalyst for cleaner processing.     

One‐Pot,Three‐Component Condensation of Aldehydes, 2‐Naphthol and 1,3‐Dicarbonyl Compounds

A practical and efficient procedure for the one‐pot multicomponent couping of aryl aldehydes, 2‐naphthol and cyclic 1,3‐dicarbonyl compounds using perchloric acid adsorbed on silica gel (HClO₄‐SiO₂) as a highly efficient, inexpensive, convenient, reusable heterogeneous catalyst under solvent‐free conditions has been developed. Various biologically important 12‐aryl‐8,9,10,12‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]xanthen‐11‐one derivatives have been efficiently synthesized in high to excellent yields. The present approach offers several advantages such as shorter reaction times, simple work‐up, excellent yields, low cost, and mild reaction conditions. Furthermore, the catalyst can be recovered simply and reused without appreciable loss of its catalytic activity.     

Chemoselectivity in the Reaction of 2‐Diazo‐3‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropanal with Aldehydes and Ketones

The chemoselectivity in the reaction of 2‐diazo‐3‐oxo‐3‐phenylpropanal ( 1 ) with aldehydes and ketones in the presence of Et₃N was investigated. The results indicate that 1 reacts with aromatic aldehydes with weak electron‐donating substituents and cyclic ketones under formation of 6‐phenyl‐4H‐1,3‐dioxin‐4‐one derivatives. However, it reacts with aromatic aldehydes with electron‐withdrawing substituents to yield 1,3‐diaryl‐3‐hydroxypropan‐1‐ones, accompanied by chalcone derivatives in some cases. It did not react with linear ketones, aliphatic aldehydes, and aromatic aldehydes with strong electron‐donating substituents. A mechanism for the formation of 1,3‐diaryl‐3‐hydroxypropan‐1‐ones and chalcone derivatives is proposed. We also tried to react 1 with other unsaturated compounds, including various olefins and nitriles, and cumulated unsaturated compounds, such as N,N′‐dialkylcarbodiimines, phenyl isocyanate, isothiocyanate, and CS₂. Only with N,N′‐dialkylcarbodiimines, the expected cycloaddition took place.     

Caesium carbonate supported on hydroxyapatite‐encapsulated Ni0.5Zn0.5Fe2O4 nanocrystallites as a novel magnetically basic catalyst for the one‐pot synthesis of pyrazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐5,10‐diones

A novel nanomagnetic basic catalyst of caesium carbonate supported on hydroxyapatite‐coated Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄ magnetic nanoparticles (Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄@HAP‐Cs₂CO₃) was prepared. This new catalyst was fully characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and vibrating sample magnetometry techniques, and then the catalytic activity of this catalyst was investigated in the synthesis of 1H‐pyrazolo[1,2‐b]phthalazine‐5,10‐dione derivatives. Also, Ni_0.5Zn_0.5Fe₂O₄@HAP‐Cs₂CO₃ could be reused at least five times without significant loss of activity and could be recovered easily by applying an external magnet. Thus, the developed nanomagnetic catalyst is potentially useful for the green and economic production of organic compounds. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.