Copper modified spherical MCM-41 nano particles: an efficient catalyst for the three-component coupling of aldehydes, amines and alkynes in solvent-free conditions

Cu-MCM-41 nano particles have been shown to effectively catalyze the multi-component synthesis of propargylamines by the reaction of aldehydes, amines, and alkynes (A(3) coupling) effectively at 100 degrees C under solvent-free conditions. Spherical Cu-MCM-41 nanoparticles were prepared by a simple method and characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM and FT-IR techniques. Cu-MCM-41 with a Si : Cu molar ratio of 20 : 1 shows the best catalytic activity. The catalyst was recovered by simple filtration and reused for several cycles without considerable loss of activity.