GO–Cu7S4 catalyzed ortho-aminomethylation of phenol derivatives with N,N-dimethylbenzylamines: site-selective oxidative CDC

Abstract

Copper chalcogenide nanoparticles (Cu₇S₄) supported on graphene oxide (GO) have been synthesized for the first time from Cu₂S, and used as highly efficient heterogeneous catalysts for oxidative ortho-selective C–H aminomethylation of phenols with N,N-dimethylbenzylamines. The NPs (30–80 nm) have been characterized by HRTEM, SEM-EDX, PXRD, FTIR, Raman, ICP-AES and XPS analyses. The NP catalyzed sp²–sp³ cross dehydrogenative coupling (CDC) features a broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, high yields, use of an inexpensive and reusable copper catalyst, mild conditions, and no need for pre-functionalization of substrates.