Suzuki–Miyaura C–C coupling reactions catalysed by a homogeneous and nanosilica supported palladium(ii) N-heterocyclic carbene complex derived from 3,5-di(1-imidazolyl)pyridine

Abstract

A new palladium N-heterocyclic carbene complex using 3,5-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine (1) as a precursor was prepared. The complex was immobilized on 3-chloropropylated nanosilica as a support and characterized by FT-IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, field emission scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis, transmission electron microscopy and elemental analysis. The prepared catalyst was used as a heterogeneous catalyst in the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions of various aryl halides with phenylboronic acid and the corresponding biphenyls were being produced in a high yield. The catalyst was recyclable under aerobic conditions without significant loss of activity. Also, the catalytic activity of homogeneous catalyst was investigated.