Atomically Precise Rigid Copper Nanocluster as an Air-Stable Photocatalyst for Three-Component Coupling Reactions

Area of Science:

• Catalysis
• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry

Background:

• Copper catalysts are versatile in organic synthesis but often lack stability.
• Limited catalyst stability hinders practical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a stable and robust copper nanocluster (NC) for catalytic applications.
• To investigate the catalytic performance of a novel μ3-η1-S-bridged nanocluster, Cu3(DPPM)3S(BF4) (Cu3S).

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of the Cu3S nanocluster.
• Photocatalytic evaluation in a three-component coupling reaction (alkyl halides, amines, alkenes).
• Assessment of catalyst stability, recyclability, and functional group tolerance.

Main Results:

• The Cu3S nanocluster exhibits exceptional air stability and catalytic robustness.
• It efficiently catalyzes three-component coupling reactions under open-air, room-temperature conditions.
• The catalyst demonstrates high turnover numbers, broad functional group tolerance, and excellent recyclability.

Conclusions:

• Structurally well-defined low-nuclearity nanoclusters can serve as durable catalysts for multicomponent bond-forming reactions.
• Structural rigidity is a key design principle for enhancing catalyst stability.
• The Cu3S nanocluster represents a promising advancement in stable and efficient photocatalysis.