A Cobalt Nanocatalyst for the Hydrogenation and Oxidative Dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles.

Catalytic hydrogenation and oxidative dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles to produce tetrahydroquinoline and quinoline derivatives are important reactions of particular importance in the agrochemical and pharmaceutical industries. Herein, we report earth‐abundant cobalt nanoparticles supported on hydroxyapatite (HAP) as an inexpensive and efficient catalyst for the hydrogenation and reverse oxidative dehydrogenation of N‐heterocycles. The optimal nanocatalyst exhibits excellent activity in both reactions for a wide range of substrates including (iso)quinolines, acridine, benzo[h]quinoline, quinoxaline and indole. Reactions proceed under relatively mild conditions without requiring any additives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]