Efficient bifunctional reactivity of K-doped CrO(OH) nanosheets: exploiting the combined role of Cr(iii) and surface –OH groups in tandem catalysis

Abstract

This work reports the bifunctional catalytic activity of layered K-doped α-CrO(OH). The combined action of the redox active Cr(III) and the surface hydroxyl groups was efficiently used to carry out 2–3 oxidation reactions in tandem followed by condensation/coupling reactions in one pot. Oxidation of benzyl alcohol followed by Knoevenagel condensation or coupling reactions forming C–C and C–N linkages in one pot is demonstrated. The catalyst has been characterized using XRD, IR, TGA, CO₂-TPD, cyclic voltammetry, XPS and microscopic techniques to gain insight into the nature of active sites. The role of O⁻ and O²⁻ on the CrO(OH) catalyst in the bifunctional activity was studied using analytical techniques. Recyclability and leaching tests confirmed that K-α-CrO(OH) is a stable and environmentally safe catalyst.