CuCO3–CuO nanocomposite as a novel and environmentally friendly catalyst for triazole synthesis

Abstract

This paper focuses on the use of natural sources for the preparation of efficient and low cost catalysts. CaCO₃ is obtained from cuttlefish bone and was modified by the cation exchange of Ca²⁺ by Cu²⁺ in CaCO₃ using solutions of copper (Cu(NO₃)₂) at different concentrations. The modification of the solids was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. The results show that the copper exchanged materials contain a CuCO₃–CuO nanoparticle composite. The obtained solids were used as catalysts for the cycloaddition reaction of different azides with activated alkenes at room temperature under liquid phase conditions. The different parameters which affect the reaction were investigated such as reaction time, temperature of the reaction, effect of the copper content, catalyst mass, effect of the solvent and nature of the azide. High yields were obtained when the catalyst contained more copper. The best catalysts were calcined at different temperatures (200, 300, 400, 500 °C) in order to determine whether the active phase was CuCO₃ or CuO in the catalytic reaction. The XRD analysis of the calcined composites shows that an increase in calcination temperature leads to the formation of the CuO phase. On the other hand, the use of these calcined materials as catalysts shows that the active phase is copper carbonate. Finally, a new method for preparing triazoles with short reaction times was developed by the use of a cheap environmentally friendly catalyst.