Anchoring of Cu(II)–vanillin Schiff base complex on MCM‐41: A highly efficient and recyclable catalyst for synthesis of sulfides and 5‐substituted 1 H –tetrazoles and oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides

A copper(II)–vanillin complex was immobilized onto MCM‐41 nanostructure and was used as an inexpensive, non‐toxic and heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of symmetric aryl sulfides by the cross‐coupling of aromatic halides with S 8 as an effective sulfur source, in the oxidation of sulfides to sulfoxides using 30% H 2 O 2 as a green oxidant and in the synthesis of 5‐substituted 1 H –tetrazoles from a smooth (3 + 2) cycloaddition of organic nitriles with sodium azide (NaN 3 ). The products were obtained in good to excellent yields. This catalyst could be reused several times without loss of activity. Characterization of the catalyst was performed using Fourier transform infrared, energy‐dispersive X‐ray and atomic absorption spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies.