Co(II)-Cu(II) mixed-oxide catalysts for single-step synthesis of 2,4,5-triaryl-1-imidazole derivatives under microwave irradiation.

In this study, a catalyst composite of Co-Cu was prepared from chloride-containing precursor of Co(II) and Cu(II) metals using the milky latex of the plant following green principles of synthesis. The catalyst composite was characterized using XRD, EDAX, SEM, HR-TEM, FTIR, XPS and TOF-MS. The crystallinity of the mixed-oxide composite with a distorted octahedral nature was confirmed from analysis. Chemical charge analysis of the Co-Cu mixed phase based on XPS revealed Co and Cu oxidation states. This material was used for synthesizing 2,4,5-triaryl-1-imidazole (TIMDZOL) derivatives. Analysis of reaction conditions revealed that EtOH : PEG at 8 : 2 ratio under microwave conditions showed better yields with less time and better reusability of the Co-Cu catalyst.