Polymer-anchored copper(II) complex: an efficient reusable catalyst for the synthesis of propargylamines

A new, heterogeneous, polymer-supported copper(II) complex was prepared and characterized using various techniques, including Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. This heterogeneous copper catalyst is efficient for the synthesis of propargylamines via a three-component coupling reaction of aldehydes, amines and alkynes. The effect of solvent on the coupling reactions was investigated. Further, the catalyst can be easily recovered quantitatively by simple filtration and reused for a minimum number of cycles without significant loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.