Polystyrene-supported CuI–imidazole complex catalyst for aza-Michael reaction of imidazoles with α,β-unsaturated compounds

The polystyrene-supported CuI–imidazole complex catalyst was prepared and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis, SEM/TEM and TG/DSC. The complex catalyst was globular with the size of 400–500 nm and showed a good thermal stability at high temperature. The immobilized Cu metal in the complex catalyst was about 0.85 mmol/g. By using the catalyst, aza-Michael reaction of imidazoles to α,β-unsaturated compounds was performed with good yields in 4–8 h. The catalyst showed an excellent recycling efficiency over five cycles without distinct leaching of metal from the polymer support.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (95 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Polystyrene-supported CuI–imidazole complex catalyst was prepared and characterized. ► Catalysts for aza-Michael reaction of imidazoles with α,β-unsaturated compounds. ► It showed an excellent recycling efficiency over five cycles without distinct metal leaching.