Synthesis and characterization of 1,3-diamino-graphene as a heterogeneous ligand for a CuI-catalyzed C–N coupling reaction

1,3-Diamino-graphene (NH2-G-NH2) materials were synthesized using a simple chemical method. The as-prepared materials were characterized using FT-IR, TG, XRD, XPS, and SEM measurements. The results revealed that a 1,3-diamino group was successfully grafted on graphene and could immobilize CuI by coordination interactions. The NH2-G-NH2 materials can be used as heterogeneous ligands for CuI-catalyzed C–N coupling reactions, and the desired products were obtained with good yields. The reaction system is much smoother at lower temperature compared with others previously reported. Additionally, the new method can easily realize the purification of products and recycling of catalysts.