CVO/TiO2 Heterojunction Photocatalyst for the Synthesis of Arylamines via Oxidative Aromatization of Amines and Cyclohexenones

Abstract A novel CVO/TiO 2 heterojunction material has been prepared and used to catalyze the oxidative aromatization of amines and cyclohexenones under visible light irradiation, avoiding the use of noble metal catalysts and providing an environmentally friendly alternative for the synthesis of aromatic amines. The catalytic reaction uses oxygen as the final oxidant and provides good yields over a wide range of substrates. Notably, the recyclable heterogeneous semiconductor photocatalyst can be readily recovered and reused for at least four cycles. In addition, several biologically active molecules were successfully synthesized using the photocatalytic method.