Microwave-Assisted Functionalization of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes as a Platform for a Supported Iridium Catalyst

Abstract

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) were functionalized by treatment with imino esters through 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition activated by thermal 1,2-prototropy. The reaction was optimized and analyzed by using various heating methods. The functionalization afforded pyrrolidino-functionalized nanotubes that were characterized by using several techniques. The ester group was then transformed into the corresponding SWCNT–iridium carboxylate and, as a proof of concept, the product was tested as a catalyst in the hydrogen-transfer reaction of acetophenone to yield 1-phenylethanol.