Co(II)–Cu(II) mixed-oxide catalysts for single-step synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazole derivatives under microwave irradiation.

In this study, a catalyst composite of Co–Cu was prepared from chloride-containing precursor of Co(II) and Cu(II) metals using the milky latex of the Euphorbia neriifolia plant following green principles of synthesis. The catalyst composite was characterized using XRD, EDAX, SEM, HR-TEM, FTIR, XPS and TOF-MS. The crystallinity of the mixed-oxide composite with a distorted octahedral nature was confirmed from analysis. Chemical charge analysis of the Co–Cu mixed phase based on XPS revealed Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ oxidation states. This material was used for synthesizing 2,4,5-triaryl-1H-imidazole (TIMDZOL) derivatives. Analysis of reaction conditions revealed that EtOH : PEG at 8 : 2 ratio under microwave conditions showed better yields with less time and better reusability of the Co–Cu catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]