A PLA–TiO2 particle brush as a novel support for CuNPs: a catalyst for the fast sequential reduction and N-arylation of nitroarenes

Abstract

The present study describes the synthesis and characterization of dispersible copper nanoparticles on a PLA–TiO₂ particle brush and their catalytic efficiency in conducting sequential reactions. The prepared CuNP@PLA–TiO₂ was characterized using various techniques like SEM, TEM, EDAX, FT-IR, TGA, XRD and UV-vis spectroscopy. The support controlled the size of the nanoparticles between 2–6 nm and prevented their agglomeration during catalysis. A zeta potential of −70.3 mV was measured for the dispersed catalyst, which indicated its high stability in solution. The nanoparticles were effectively used for the synthesis of biphenyl amines from nitro arenes by sequentially carrying out reduction and N-arylation in a single pot. The short reaction time of N-arylation and recyclability are the hallmark of the developed catalytic system.