Reductive amidation of polylactic acid with nitro compounds using nickel based nanocatalysts

Abstract

Here, we report carbon-supported Ni-nanoparticles as reusable catalysts for reductive amidation of nitro compounds with polylactic acid (PLA). These Ni-nanoparticle-based catalysts are prepared by synthesizing nickel-diamine ligands on a carbon support and subsequent pyrolysis under argon. Applying an optimal Ni-nanostructured catalyst, amidation of PLA with different nitro compounds in the presence of molecular hydrogen was performed to access amide products. Regarding improving the reaction efficiency, H₂O plays a positive role in the PLA hydrolysis process for lactic acid monomer production. Meanwhile, D₂O cannot promote PLA hydrolysis due to the lack of H atoms, which is vital for forming lactic acid monomers.