Coffee charcoal as a green catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation

Nitrogen heterocyclic (N-heterocyclic) compounds are extensively present in natural products and active drug molecules. However, their synthesis typically requires the use of noble metal catalysts and harsh conditions. In this study, we report a novel approach using coffee charcoal as a green catalyst for the mildly mechanically driven oxidative dehydrogenation of N-heterocyclic compounds. A one-step strategy was employed to construct a microporous coffee charcoal catalyst with C defects, in-situ co-doping of multi-atoms (N, O), and abundant modification of functional groups (–OH and –COOH). Under room temperature and with H2O as solvent, the coffee charcoal catalyst demonstrates a high yield of approximately 94 % and allows for gram-scale reactions with H2O being the only by-product. Moreover, the catalyst exhibits excellent reusability, maintaining its activity for over 13 cycles. Results indicate that the defects and atom doping can enhance the adsorption of O2, which is then activated to singlet oxygen (1O2) through the conversion of –OH functional groups on the catalyst’s surface. The singlet oxygen (1O2) can strengthen the oxidative dehydrogenation of N-heterocyclic compounds. Furthermore, the mechanically driven technique both activates the reaction interface and supplies the necessary reactive energy, thus providing a comprehensive explanation for the mild reaction conditions observed. In conclusion, our research proposes a sustainable and environmentally friendly method for the oxidative dehydrogenation of N-heterocyclic compounds, which can drive crucial reactions with significant relevance to sustainability.