Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Applications of Mesoporous Mixed Metal Oxides

Abstract

Mesoporous, monomodal copper aluminum mixed metal oxide synthesized via a modified inverse micelle method, efficiently catalyzes aerobic oxidative coupling of amines to imines. This material exhibits excellent conversion and selectivity towards imine synthesis under mild, solvent free, green conditions utilizing atmospheric air as the sole oxidant. Catalytic activity is observed for a diverse range of amine substrates. The aerobic oxidation of amines to imines follows a unique mechanistic pathway which involves Reactive Oxygen Species.