Chitosan- supported Salicylaldehyde Schiff Base Cerium Complex: Synthesis, Structural Characterization, and Green Catalysis

In this study, a novel chitosan-supported salicylaldehyde Schiff base (CS-SAL) was synthesized through the condensation of chitosan with salicylaldehyde. Subsequent complexation with ammonium cerium(IV) sulfate afforded a chitosan-supported salicylaldehyde–cerium complex (CS-SAL-Ce). The synthesized materials were characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to investigate their structural features and confirm complex formation. The primary objective of this work was to develop a chitosan-supported cerium complex and evaluate its catalytic applicability in the Chan–Lam coupling reaction, particularly for C–N bond formation. By integrating a renewable biopolymer support with cerium-based catalytic functionality, this study explores a promising approach to developing heterogeneous catalytic materials for sustainable organic transformations. Overall, CS-SAL-Ce represents a promising candidate for advancing environmentally responsible organic transformations and expanding the scope of chitosan-supported metal complexes in green chemistry and sustainable organic synthesis.