Copper nanoparticles supported on starch micro particles as a degradable heterogeneous catalyst for three-component coupling synthesis of propargylamines

Novel copper nanoparticles supported on starch micro particles (CuNPs@MS) were prepared successfully and characterized by SEM, EDX, TEM, SAED, TGA, XPS, and XRD analyses. The easily synthesized and thermally stable CuNPs@MS have been applied as a green, degradable, and eco-friendly catalyst in a three component reaction of amines, aldehydes and alkynes for the preparation of diverse propargylamines. The reactions were performed under heterogeneous conditions and the catalyst was successfully recycled for five consecutive runs with a small decrease in activity.