Metal–organic framework-derived CoN(x) nanoparticles on N-doped carbon for selective N-alkylation of aniline

N-alkylation of anilines by alcohols can be used as an efficient strategy to synthesise a wide range of secondary amines. In this respect, a hydrogen borrowing methodology has been explored using precious metal-based catalysts. However, the utilisation of cheap and readily available transition metal based catalysts is required for large-scale applications. In this work, we have reported metal–organic framework-derived CoN(x)@NC catalysts for the selective N-alkylation of anilines with different types of alcohols. The Co–N coordination in CoN(x)@NC was found to be extremely important to improve the conversion efficiency and yield of the product. As a result, CoN(x)@NC produced 99% yield of the desired amines, which is far better than that of Co@C (yield = 65%). In addition, CoN(x)@NC showed remarkable recyclability for six cycles with a minimum drop in the yield of the desired product.