Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles mediated by Euphorbia thymifolia L. leaf extract: Catalytic activity for cyanation of aryl iodides under ligand-free conditions

•Green synthesis of Pd NPs by extract of leaves of Euphorbia thymifolia L.•Catalytic cyanation of aryl iodides under ligand-free conditions.•The catalyst could be easily recovered and reused several times.

Pd nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by using aqueous extract of leaves of Euphorbia thymifolia L., a non-toxic ecofriendly material. The catalytic activity of the Pd NPs was investigated in the cyanation of aryl iodides using K4Fe(CN)6 as the cyanating agent under ligand-free conditions. The nitriles were obtained in good to excellent yield and the catalyst can be recovered and reused for five times without significant loss of catalytic activity.

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