Cu(I)–Amidine Complex–Functionalized Lightly Cross‐Linked Polyacrylamide: A Novel, Efficient Nano‐Sized Heterogeneous Catalyst for Huisgen 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition (Click Reaction)

ABSTRACT A Cu(I)–amidine complex–functionalized lightly cross‐linked polyacrylamide was successfully synthesized using Cu(I) iodide as copper source CPAM Amd –CuI and comprehensively characterized using ICP, CHN, DR‐UV/vis, FTIR, XRD, FE‐SEM, EDAX, TG/DTG, TEM, and elemental analysis. As shown by TEM, Cu(I) particles are well dispersed and average 23.36 nm in diameter. An evaluation of the catalytic performance of CPAM Amd –Cu(I) as a nano‐sized heterogeneous catalyst was conducted in one‐pot, three‐component 1,3‐dipolar cyclization (click) reactions. In the title reaction of sodium azide, alkyl halide, and a terminal alkyne in water, the polymeric Cu(I) catalyst displayed excellent activity and stability, yielding a high yield of up to 98% of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles. Furthermore, the newly developed polymeric Cu(I) catalyst revealed excellent stability and recyclability in the heterogeneous title reactions over six cycles, losing only a minor amount of catalytic activity. Moreover, the designed support did not leach Cu(I) very readily.