Azide-alkyne cycloaddition reactions in water via recyclable heterogeneous Cu catalysts: reverse phase silica gel and thermoresponsive hydrogels.

Functionalized reverse phase silica gel and thermoresponsive hydrogels were synthesized as heterogeneous catalysts supports. Cu(i) and Cu(ii) catalysts immobilized onto two types of supports were prepared and characterized. The copper catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition was performed in water via a one-pot reaction and yielded good results. These catalysts are air stable and reusable over multiple uses.