Anchoring of palladium(II) in chemically modified mesoporous silica: An efficient heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki cross-coupling reaction

The synthesis and characterization of a highly efficient and reusable catalyst, Pd(II) immobilized in mesoporous silica MCM-41, are described. Pd(II) Schiff-base moiety has been anchored onto mesoporous silica surface via silicon alkoxide chemistry. The catalyst has been characterized by small-angle X-ray diffraction (SAX), FTIR and electronic spectroscopy as well as elemental analysis. The catalyst is used in Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of various aryl halides, including less reactive chlorobenzene, and phenylboronic acid to give biaryls in excellent yields without any additive or ligand. High selectivity for the bi-aryl products containing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents, mild reaction conditions and possibility of easy recycle makes the catalyst highly desirable to address the industrial needs and environmental concerns.

Graphical abstractPd(II) has been anchored into the organically modified MCM-41 to prepare a new heterogeneous catalyst. The catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic efficacy in Suzuki cross-coupling reaction under benign reaction conditions. Selectivity of bi-aryl products containing both electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents, mild reaction conditions and possibility of easy recycle makes the catalyst desirable to address the industrial needs and environmental concerns.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide