Cu-Decorated CMC-g-PAA/Fe3O4 Hydrogel Nanocomposite: High-Efficiency and Reusable Catalyst for Synthesis of 1,2,3-Triazoles via Click Reaction in Water

This research investigated the design, synthesis, and utilization of a Cu/CFHN as an effective and recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for the Huisgen click reaction in aqueous environments. The Cu/CFHN was manufactured via graft copolymerization of acrylic acid onto CMC, followed by the in situ synthesis of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and subsequent loading of copper ions. The Cu/CFHN was thoroughly characterized using FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX, XRF, VSM, and TGA, validating its structural integrity, elevated porosity, magnetic properties, and substantial copper ion adsorption capacity(28.00 wt% Cu(II)), as well as thermal stability. The Cu/CFHN catalyst was assessed in the Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition of terminal alkynes, alkyl halides, and sodium azide, producing 1,2,3-triazoles with remarkable efficiency (yields up to 95%) under mild reaction conditions (room temperature, 6 mol% catalyst loading). The reaction exhibited significant tolerance for various functional groups, smooth progression, and elevated product yields. Water was recognized as the ideal solvent, consistent with green chemistry principles. The catalyst demonstrated exceptional stability and recyclability, maintaining catalytic activity across five successive process cycles with minimal efficiency loss (less than 5% decrease in yield). This method emphasizes the ecological and financial benefits of employing Cu/CFHN, such as the incorporation of biodegradable and biocompatible materials, reduced waste production, and streamlined reaction processing. The findings underscore the capability of Cu/CFHN as a resilient, durable, and adaptable catalyst for organic synthesis, with encouraging applications in pharmaceutical and industrial chemistry.

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