Design of novel indium oxide supported gold nanocatalysts and their application in homocoupling of arylboronic acids

•Au@In2O3 nanocomposite prepared for the first time via a SAE procedure modified with a sol-gel process.•Hydroxyl groups on In2O3 surface provide a prompt anchoring and stabilization of Au nanoparticles (<10 nm).•Au@In2O3 nanocomposite is an highly efficient catalyst in homocoupling of arylboronic acids.

Gold (Au) nanoparticles stabilized on metal oxide supports offer superior catalytic activity and recyclability in organic catalysis. We report for the first time synthesis of indium oxide stabilized gold (Au@In2O3) nanocatalysts using an electrochemical procedure and their application in homocoupling of arylboronic acids. In2O3 nanoparticles prepared via sol-gel process are subjected to sacrificial anode electrolysis (SAE) under inert condition for electrodeposition of nano Au on In2O3. Thus Au@In2O3 nanoparticles obtained are thermally annealed at high temperature to partially oxidize Au and to remove any surfactants. XPS results show the existence of both elemental (nano Au0) and cationic (Au3+) species in Au@In2O3 nanocatalysts, while SEM images confirm the presence of nanoscale Au (<10 nm) particles on In2O3 surface. Au@In2O3 nanocatalysts are tested for arylboronic acids homocoupling under different conditions and it is found that they are highly active in organic medium with K2CO3 base and demonstrate excellent conversion (>97%) and selectivity (>98%). The catalyst recyclability and performance towards differently substituted arylboronic acids is also studied and a plausible mechanism of action is proposed.

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