Recyclable copper nanoparticles: Efficient catalyst for selective cyclization of Schiff bases

Recyclable Cu-nanoparticles provide an efficient, economic and novel method for the synthesis of imine Schiff bases via condensation of salicylaldehyde and aliphatic amines using 25 mol% of Cu-nanoparticles in the presence of K2CO3/KHCO3/Na2CO3 in MeOH at 80 °C. This method provides a wide range of substrate applicability and avoids the use of heavy metal co-catalysts and gives satisfactory yields.