[1+1] Copper(II) macrocyclic Schiff base complex on rGO as a photocatalyst for reduction of nitroaromatics compounds under visible-light irradiation

In this work, [1+ 1] macrocyclic Copper(II) Schiff base complex ([CuL](NO3)(2)center dot H2O) was synthesized and grafted on reduced graphene oxide successfully. The novel prepared sample was characterized by physico-chemical techniques and used as a photocatalyst for the reduction of nitroaromatic compounds to their amine derivatives at room temperature under visible-light irradiation with hydrazine mono hydrate. From the prepared samples, reduced graphene oxide loaded with 30% [CuL](NO3)(2)center dot H2O catalyst (rGO/CuM30) shows the best efficiency for converting different nitroaromatic compounds to the corresponding amino compounds using visible light. As-prepared catalyst illustrated excellent activity for the reduction of 2-nitrophenol to 2-aminophenol (100% conversion) in only 90 min. Finally, the catalyst could be recovered for five times and reused without decreasing of its efficiency. (C) 2021 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.