Magnetic N-doped CNT stabilized Cu2O as a catalyst for N-arylation of nitriles and aryl halides in a biocompatible deep eutectic solvent

Abstract

This study documented the hydrolysis of nitriles by copper(I) oxide immobilized on nitrogen-doped carbon nanotubes (N-CNT/Fe₃O₄–Cu₂O) to yield corresponding amides in the presence of a deep eutectic solvent (ChOH/Gly). Furthermore, the aforementioned catalyst can facilitate the coupling reaction between aryl halides and amides derived by nitrile hydrolysis. Consequently, the integration of two copper-catalyzed processes can efficiently provide N-aryl amides. Choline hydroxide in a deep eutectic solvent serves as a cost-effective organic catalyst in nitrie hydrolysis by forming hydrogen bonds with nitrile, thereby activating it. The catalyst generated higher to satisfactory product yields. One of the special benefits of the catalyst is that it can be restored through the addition of an external magnetic field.