Green Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction catalyzed by palladium nanoparticles supported on graphitic carbon nitride

•A Pd/g-C3N4 catalyst was prepared via a one-step photodeposition method.•As a green catalyst, Pd/g-C3N4 exhibits high performance in Suzuki coupling reaction.•A complete conversion of bromobenzene can be achieved under mild conditions.

The synthesis of biphenyls under mild conditions is really a challenge to green chemistry. Here we report a facile photodeposition strategy to fabricate a Pd/g-C3N4 nanocomposite and demonstrate its application as a green catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions. The Pd nanoparticles with an average size of 2.73 nm are uniformly dispersed on the g-C3N4 surface. The Pd/g-C3N4 nanocomposite shows superior catalytic activity in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions at room temperature without any phase transfer agents, toxic solvents and inert atmosphere, especially, allowing a complete conversion (100%) of bromobenzene and a high yield of 97% for biphenyl. The high catalytic performance of Pd/g-C3N4 nanocomposite in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions can be attributed to the specific characteristics of the unique nanostructure of Pd/g-C3N4 and the concerted effects of g-C3N4 and ultrafine Pd particles.

Graphical abstractAdsorbed halobenzene molecules on Pd/g-C3N4 surface can easily gain access to Pd NPs, promoting the reaction with phenylboronic acid under mild conditions.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slide