Cu2(BDC)2DABCO as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the oxidative C-N coupling reaction between amides and unactivated alkanes

A copper-organic framework Cu2(BDC)2DABCO was synthesized, and used as a recyclable heterogeneous catalyst for C-N coupling reaction between benzamide and cyclohexane. 94% yield of N-cyclohexylbenzamide was achieved under the optimized condition. The copper-organic framework catalyst was truly heterogeneous and could be used at least 4 cycles without degradation of catalytic performance. To the best of our knowledge, the amidation of unactivated alkanes by benzamides via direct oxidative C-N coupling was previously performed under heterogeneous catalysis conditions but very rare.