This chapter is based on the catalytic application of various graphene
nanomaterials in organic synthesis and group transformations. Graphene oxide is a
good heterogeneous catalyst due to the presence of oxygen containing functional
groups. Polyphenolic compounds from plant extracts act as an efficient, reducing agent
for bio-reduction of graphene oxide. The reduction abilities of such phytochemicals
have been reported in the synthesis and stabilization of various nanoparticles viz. Ag,
Au, Fe and Pd. Furthermore, the chapter describes the catalytic applications of
graphene, graphene oxide, reduced graphene oxide nanosheets and metal based reduced
graphene oxide nanoparticles as efficient carbo-catalysts for valuable organic
transformations including oxidation, carbon–carbon cross-coupling, esterification, aza-
Michael addition, Knoevenagel condensation, Friedel-Crafts addition, acetylation,
thiocyanization, Alcoholysis, oxidative coupling of amine, Suzuki-Miyaura coupling,
Heck and Sonogashira coupling, Diels-Alder reaction, ring opening of epoxides,
hydrogenation/reduction and a wide number of multicomponent reactions. The
applications of graphene-based catalysts allow mild, selective and highly effective
transformations and synthesis in a facile, regenerable, recyclable and eco-friendly
manner.
Keywords: Catalysis, Graphene, Nanomaterials, Organic transformation.
