Highly Efficient and Stable Atomically Dispersed Cu Catalyst for Azide‐Alkyne Cycloaddition Reaction

In this study, we report a highly stable and efficient single‐atom Cu dispersed on N‐doped porous carbon as a superior catalyst for azide‐alkyne cycloaddition reaction. A broad set of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles was synthesized in high to excellent yields with good tolerance of various functional groups in a cost‐effective, environment‐friendly manner. Parallel studies show that the single‐atom Cu with unique coordination structure exhibits superior catalytic activity to the metallic Cu nanoparticles analogue. Remarkably, the single‐atom Cu catalyst demonstrates robust stability and can be reused several times without variations in activity and regioselectivity. Single‐atom catalysis: A single‐atom Cu dispersed on N‐doped carbon exhibits superior catalytic activity for efficient and selective AAC reaction to access a broad set of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in a facile and environmentally‐benign manner. Single‐atom Cu catalyst demonstrates both higher reactivity and stronger stability than the supported Cu nanoparticles under the same reaction conditions.