Covalent anchoring of copper-Schiff base complex into SBA-15 as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of pyridopyrazine and quinoxaline derivatives

The ordered mesoporous silica SBA-15 was covalently anchored with copper (II) Schiff base complex to afford Cu(II)-Schiff base/SBA-15 catalyst. Powder X-ray diffraction, nitrogen adsorption–desorption analyses and TEM image confirm not only the retaining of support properties after anchoring but also the existence of void space in nanometer scale which result in good catalytic activity in the synthesis of pyridopyrazine and quinoxaline derivatives.

► We prepare a SBA-15-supporeted copper catalyst. ► We characterize the catalyst by different techniques such as XRD, TEM and BET. ► We apply the catalyst for synthesis of quinoxalines and pyrazines in water. ► We obtain excellent yields for the reaction of diamines and 1,2-diketones.