Recent advances in the application of nanocatalysts in C-N coupling reactions

The development of various methodologies for the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds is one of the valuable tasks in the field of organic synthesis because the final products are extensively utilized in pharmaceuticals, biologically active compounds, and natural products. The utilization of nanosized metal catalysts with high surface energy, large surface-to-volume ratio, excellent thermal stability, and reactive morphology in C-N cross-coupling reactions has received considerable attention, in recent years. The excellent catalytic performance, the high yield of products, carrying out the reactions under relatively mild and ligand-free conditions, and less toxicity to the environment, recoverability, and reusability of catalysts for several times without a remarkable degradation in activity are advantages of these nanocatalysts. This review intends to summarize the latest progress in the fabrication of nanocatalysts and their applications in the construction of carbon-nitrogen bonds via cross-coupling reactions. Abundant nanocatalysts based on metal and metal oxide nanoparticles/complexes including copper, palladium, nickel, cobalt, silver, gold, zirconium, and zinc have successfully been applied in these reactions. Various aspects of the reactions, different strategies of fabrication of nanocatalysts, and their recyclability have been surveyed. Literature has been investigated from 2015 to 2021.

Automated summary

The development of methodologies for carbon-nitrogen bond formation is crucial in organic synthesis, as the resulting products are widely used in pharmaceuticals, biologically active compounds, and natural products. Recently, nanosized metal catalysts have gained significant attention for their excellent catalytic performance, high product yields, mild reaction conditions, and environmental sustainability. This review provides an overview of the latest progress in the fabrication of nanocatalysts and their applications in constructing carbon-nitrogen bonds via cross-coupling reactions.