Copper supported on polyethyleneimine-coated microparticles for the efficient synthesis of organoselenium compounds

Copper-catalyzed reactions are in continuous evidence due to their attractive features, and the use of solid materials to support this metal has broadened the possibilities in terms of application. To demonstrate this, polyacrylic acid (PAAc) microparticles coated with polyethyleneimine (PEI) were synthesized and utilized to support Cu2+ ions. These hybrid microparticles were tested as heterogeneous catalysts in the synthesis of 3-arylselanylindoles. Overall, products were synthesized in good to moderate yields using 10 mg of the catalyst containing a meager amount of Cu2+ (2 mu mol). Also, the heterogeneous reaction mediated by PEI@PAAc/Cu2+ microparticles was more efficient than the homogeneous catalysis. Reuse experiments demonstrated that PEI@PAAc/Cu2+ microparticles show appreciable catalytic performance up to three consecutive runs under the tested experimental conditions. Overall, the PEI@PAAc/Cu2+ microparticles serve as a support material for Cu2+ and can be exploited as heterogeneous catalysts for the synthesis of organoselenium compounds.