Monodispersed and stable nano copper(0) from copper- aluminium hydrotalcite: Importance in C-C couplings of deactivated aryl chlorides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/adsc.201201007

A simple one-step approach for the preparation of highly monodispersed nano copper(0) stabilized on alumina [Cu(0)/Al₂O₃] by thermal reduction of copper-aluminium hydrotalcite (Cu-Al HT) under a hydrogen atmosphere is described. The transformation of Cu-Al HT to Cu(0)/Al ₂O₃ occurrs via dehydroxylation of divalent and trivalent metal hydroxides and decarboxylation of carbonate anions present in the interlayers of hydrotalcite, as confirmed by XPS, XANES, XRD and TEM analysis. Cu(0)/Al₂O₃ nano composites were used as an efficient catalyst in the C-C coupling of deactivated aryl chlorides. The high efficiency and reusability exhibited by Cu(0)/Al₂O₃ outline its potential as an alternative over traditional noble metal-based catalysts in C-C coupling reactions. Copyright