Copper nanoparticles stabilized on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes as efficient and recyclable catalysts for alkyne/aldehyde/cyclic amine A3-type coupling reactions

Metallic copper nanoparticles have been efficiently dispersed and stabilized on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes. They are about 8–10 nm in diameter and highly resistant against bulk oxidation. Their catalytic activity and recyclability have been investigated in A3-type coupling reactions for the synthesis of propargylamines. It was easily possible to prepare diastereomerically pure derivatives of proline and to efficiently recover and reuse the supported catalyst several times.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (110 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Metallic copper nanoparticles dispersed on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes were prepared. ► The supported nanoparticles were applied as reusable catalysts in A3-type reactions. ► Diastereomerically pure proline derivatives were straightforwardly synthesized.