Oxidative dimerization of anilines with heterogeneous sulfonic acid catalysts

We report herein that suitably supported perfluorosulfonic acids can catalyze the oxidative dimerization of anilines using hydrogen peroxide as a clean oxidant. The reaction does not require the use of organic solvents and affords desired azobenzenes and water as products, minimizing the formation of wastes. The metal-free solid catalyst shows remarkable activity and selectivity for the reaction, which occurs under very mild conditions and with broad functional group tolerance.