Graphene-based Nanomaterials As Catalysts for the Synthesis of Medicinally Privileged Heterocycles: Importance and Outlook

: Catalysis is an integral part of sustainable and green chemical processes. During the last two decades, the wonder 2D carbon material with honeycomb structure, graphene, and other functionalized graphenes have emerged as extremely versatile and robust nanomaterials in heterogeneous catalysis. The incredible catalytic efficacy of such carbon nanomaterials relies on their unique physicochemical properties, including large surface area, diverse catalytic active sites, multiple chemical functionalities, tunable electron density, synergistic effect, etc., making them noteworthy as metal-free catalysts and catalytic supports. : The article presents an overview of the catalytic applications of various graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNs), either metal-free or embedded with metal/metal oxide NPs, in synthesizing medicinally privileged heterocyclic compounds. It also summarizes the general methodologies for preparing graphene and various GBNs, their chemical structures, characterization techniques, and discussions on the potential active sites that are responsible for wider catalytic activity. Overall discussions unequivocally establish a promising paradigm for uncovering more innovative graphene-based materials and their subsequent applications in diverse fields, including heterogeneous catalysis.