MnO2/graphene oxide: a highly active catalyst for amide synthesis from alcohols and ammonia in aqueous media

Rod-like MnO2 uniformly attached on both side of GO sheets (MnO2/GO) is an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of primary amides from primary alcohols and ammonia as well as from aldehydes or nitriles. Water is the best solvent for these reactions, analytically pure crystals of product could be isolated by simply cooling in ice and this catalyst has excellent recyclability.