Functionalization of Hydrogenated Graphene: Transition-Metal-Catalyzed Cross-Coupling Reactions of Allylic C−H Bonds

The chemical functionalization of hydrogenated graphene can modify its physical properties and lead to better processability. Herein, we describe the chemical functionalization of hydrogenated graphene through a dehydrogenative cross-coupling reaction between an allylic C−H bond and the α-C−H bond of tetrahydrothiophen-3-one using Cu(OTf)₂as the catalyst and DDQ as the oxidant. The chemical functionalization was confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and visualized by scanning electron microscopy. The functionalized hydrogenated graphene material demonstrated improved dispersion stability in water, bringing new quality to the elusive hydrogenated graphene (graphane) materials. Hydrogenated graphene provides broad possibilities for chemical modifications owing to its reactivity.