Bifunctional Cs−Au/Co₃O₄ (Basic and Redox)-Catalyzed Oxidative Synthesis of Aromatic Azo Compounds from Anilines

An eco-friendly alkali-promoted (Cs−Au/Co₃O₄) catalyst, with redox and basic properties for the oxidative dehydrogenative coupling of anilines to symmetrical and unsymmetrical aromatic azo compounds, was developed. We realized a base additive- and molecular O₂ oxidant-free process (using air), with reasonable reusability of the catalyst achieved under milder reaction conditions. Notably, the enhanced catalytic activity was also linked to the increased basic site concentration, low reduction temperatures, and the effect of lattice oxygen on the nanomaterials. The increased basic strength of the cation-promoted catalyst improved the electron density of the active Au species, resulting in higher yields of the desired aromatic azo compounds.