A polyamine dendritic polymer–copper complex: a reusable catalyst for the additive-free amination of aryl bromides, and iodides

Abstract

A porphyrin-initiated amine-functionalized polyepichlorohydrin dendritic polymer (PPECH–Amine) was effectively synthesized, and its water-soluble copper complex (PPECH–Amine–Cu) was developed by treating it with copper acetate. PPECH–Amine and PPECH–Amine–Cu were characterised by different spectroscopic and microscopic techniques. PPECH–Amine–Cu was identified as a reusable catalyst for the amination of bromo- and iodo-benzene derivatives in aqueous media. Due to the presence of residual amino groups in the PPECH–Amine–Cu catalyst, the protocol does not need any additional base additive, as ammonia itself acts as a base and a coupling partner. Due to the good water-soluble nature of this catalyst, it can be easily separated and reused up to six reaction cycles without any loss in its activity.