Wool-anchored Pd(OAc)2 complex: a highly active and reusable catalyst for desulfurative coupling reactions

Abstract

A biomacromolecule-anchored palladium complex, wool-Pd(OAc)₂, was prepared and characterized by IR, XPS, SEM and ICP. The new complex was used as a catalyst for the Liebeskind–Srogl desulfurative coupling reactions of pyrimidin-yl thioether derivatives with terminal alkynes and aryl boronic acids. Products were isolated in moderate to excellent yields. When 2-(phenylthio)-1,4-dihydropyrimidine derivatives were reacted with terminal alkynes and carboxyl acids, a domino reaction process was revealed. In these reactions, this novel and efficient catalyst was capable of being reused for at least nine rounds, with durable performance and wide substrate tolerance.