CNT-CuO catalyzed C-N bond formation for N-arylation of 2-phenylindoles

Carbon nanotube-copper oxide (CNT-CuO) nanocomposites were prepared by depositing CuO nanoparticles onto functionalized CNT surfaces. The structure and elemental content of CNT-CuO were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Auger electron spectroscopy. The prepared CNT-CuO was subsequently employed as a catalyst for the coupling reaction of 2-phenylindole with aryl iodides to provide the desired N-aryl 2-phenylindoles in good yields. (C) 2019 Published by Elsevier B.V.