Ligand-free C–H functionalization using a palladium nanocatalyst for the synthesis of 2-phenylindoles and their anticancer potential

Abstract

We report a sustainable, magnetically separable Pd@FO-BCN nanocatalyst with minimal Pd loading for efficient ligand-free C–H functionalization in 2-phenylindole synthesis. This novel heterogeneous system shows broad functional group tolerance, high recyclability and excellent yields. Notably, 5-acetyl-2-phenylindole displayed promising anticancer activity, highlighting the nanocatalyst's biomedical relevance and potential for pharmaceutical and materials chemistry applications.