Synthesis and characterization of nanocatalyst Cu(2+)/mesoporous carbon for amidation reactions of alcohols

In this research, mesoporous carbon (MC) with high efficiency (0.65 g yield from 1.0 g MCM-41 and 1.25 g sucrose) was successfully prepared by adding carbon precursor (sucrose) in a single step with ultrasonic waves, which reduces time and energy cost. Then, the Cu(2+)/Mesoporous carbon nanocatalyst (Cu(2+)/MC) was synthesized by adding Cu(NO(3))(2) in a single step and applied as a catalyst in amidation reactions of alcohols. Also, Cu(2+)/MC was characterized using different spectroscopic methods and techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), N(2) adsorption analysis (BET), X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). Moreover, to show the catalytic merits of Cu(2+)/MC, various primary and secondary amines and ammonium salts were applied in the amidation of alcohols. Easy synthesis method, recyclability, excellent yields (80–93%), and simple work-up are some noticeable strengths of using Cu(2+)/MC as a catalyst in this reaction.