Enhanced catalytic performance by copper nanoparticle–graphene based composite

A graphene based composite with copper nanoparticles (Cu–G) has been synthesized and used as catalyst for N-arylation and O-arylation. The structure and composition of the nanocomposite have been characterized by TEM, AFM, Raman and XPS. The catalytic activity of the Cu–G has been tested for the N-arylation of N–H heterocycles using arylboronic acids and the O-arylation of phenols using aryl halides. The catalytic N-arylation produces N-aryl heterocyles and the catalytic O-arylation produces diaryl ethers, under mild reaction conditions with excellent yields and selectivities. The developed catalyst is air-stable, inexpensive, easy to prepare, easy to recover by simple filtration and can be reused without appreciable loss of activity.