Heck and Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions using recyclable Pd–Fe3O4 heterodimeric nanocrystal catalysts

We have developed a convenient Pd–Fe₃O₄ heterodimeric nanocrystal catalyst system for Heck and Sonogashira reactions. This catalyst offers an environment-friendly, atom-efficient, and robust catalytic system for both reactions. Furthermore the nanocrystal catalyst could be easily separated by an external magnet and recycled six times without losing its catalytic activity.     

Ruthenium-Catalyzed Regioselective 1,2-Hydrosilylation of N-Heteroarenes

An efficient method for the regioselective 1,2-hydrosilylation of N-heteroarenes is reported utilizing silanes as the hydride donor. The ruthenium complex [RuCl(PPh₃)₂(η⁵-(3-phenylindenylidene))], a versatile catalyst is, for the first time, employed in this catalytic reaction. The catalyst displays high catalytic efficiency at low loading and operates under mild conditions. This catalytic approach showcases high compatibility and regioselectivity with quinolines bearing different substituents and related N- heterocyclic compounds. The mechanism of this transformation was probed by performing stoichiometric reactions and examined using DFT calculations.     

Bifunctional Heterogeneous Catalysis of Silica–Alumina‐Supported Tertiary Amines with Controlled Acid–Base Interactions for Efficient 1,4‐Addition Reactions

We report the first tunable bifunctional surface of silica–alumina‐supported tertiary amines (SA–NEt₂) active for catalytic 1,4‐addition reactions of nitroalkanes and thiols to electron‐deficient alkenes. The 1,4‐addition reaction of nitroalkanes to electron‐deficient alkenes is one of the most useful carbon–carbon bond‐forming reactions and applicable toward a wide range of organic syntheses. The reaction between nitroethane and methyl vinyl ketone scarcely proceeded with either SA or homogeneous amines, and a mixture of SA and amines showed very low catalytic activity. In addition, undesirable side reactions occurred in the case of a strong base like sodium ethoxide employed as a catalytic reagent. Only the present SA‐supported amine (SA–NEt₂) catalyst enabled selective formation of a double‐alkylated product without promotions of side reactions such as an intramolecular cyclization reaction. The heterogeneous SA–NEt₂ catalyst was easily recovered from the reaction mixture by simple filtration and reusable with retention of its catalytic activity and selectivity. Furthermore, the SA–NEt₂ catalyst system was applicable to the addition reaction of other nitroalkanes and thiols to various electron‐deficient alkenes. The solid‐state magic‐angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectroscopic analyses, including variable‐contact‐time ¹³C cross‐polarization (CP)/MAS NMR spectroscopy, revealed that acid–base interactions between surface acid sites and immobilized amines can be controlled by pretreatment of SA at different temperatures. The catalytic activities for these addition reactions were strongly affected by the surface acid–base interactions.     

The effect of encapsulated Zn-POM on the catalytic activity of MIL-101 in the oxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide

Zinc monosubstituted Keggin heteropolyanion [PZnMo₂W₉O₃₉]^5? was electrostatically bound to nanocages of MIL-101 polymer matrix. The Zn-POM@MIL-101 catalyst was characterized by XRD, N₂ adsorption, atomic absorption (AAS), and FT-IR spectroscopic methods. The catalytic activity of the new composite material, Zn-POM@MIL-101, was assessed in the oxidation of alkenes using aqueous hydrogen peroxide as oxidant. Zn-POM@MIL-101/H₂O₂ catalytic system demonstrated good catalytic activity in the oxidation reactions. Zn-POM@MIL-101 was reusable for three catalytic cycles. While the MIL-101 matrix is an active catalyst in these oxidation reactions, the presence of Zn-POM significantly changed the selectivity and reaction times.     

Investigation of CO and formaldehyde oxidation over mesoporous Ag/Co3O4 catalysts

CO and formaldehyde (HCHO) oxidation reactions were investigated over mesoporous Ag/Co₃O₄ catalysts prepared by one-pot (OP) and impregnation (IM) methods. It was found that the one-pot method was superior to the impregnation method for synthesizing Ag/Co₃O₄ catalysts with high activity for both reactions. It was also found that the catalytic behavior of mesoporous Co₃O₄ and Ag/Co₃O₄ catalysts for the both reactions was different. And the addition of silver on mesoporous Co₃O₄ did not always enhance the catalytic activity of final catalyst for CO oxidation at room temperature (20 °C), but could significantly improve the catalytic activity of final catalyst for HCHO oxidation at low temperature (90 °C). The high surface area, uniform pore structure and the pretty good dispersion degree of the silver particle should be responsible for the excellent low-temperature CO oxidation activity. However, for HCHO oxidation, the addition of silver played an important role in the activity enhancement. And the silver particle size and the reducibility of Co₃O₄ should be indispensable for the high activity of HCHO oxidation at low temperature.     

Magnetite-coated metal foams as one-body catalysts for Fenton-like reactions

The possibility of preparing one-body catalyst was investigated for heterogeneous Fenton-like reactions by coating magnetite powder on metal foams. Up to 10 wt% magnetite could be coated onto metal foams with strong enough adhesion. The catalytic efficiency of the catalyst was investigated using a model reaction of methylene blue degradation at a circumneutral pH using H₂O₂ as the source of OH radicals and oxalic acid as the chelating agent. Comparison with conventional magnetite powder indicated that the catalytic efficiency of magnetite-coated metal foam was better than that of the powder only due to a larger exposed surface area. After treatment, separation of the one-body catalyst was easier and cleaner than that of conventional magnetite powder catalyst.     

Unmodified Fe<Subscript>3</Subscript>O<Subscript>4</Subscript> nanostructure promoted with external magnetic field: safe,magnetically recoverable,and efficient nanocatalyst for N- and C-alkylation reactions in green conditions

Transition metal compounds have emerged as suitable catalysts for organic reactions. Magnetic compounds as soft Lewis acids can be used as catalysts for organic reactions. In this report, the Fe₃O₄ nanostructures were obtained from Fe²⁺ and Fe³⁺-salts, under an external magnetic field (EMF) without any protective agent. The X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy tools were used to characterize these magnetic compounds. The two-dimensional (2-D, it showed nanometric size in the two dimensions, nanorod structure) Fe₃O₄ compound showed high catalytic activity and stability in N- and C-alkylation reactions. A diverse range of N- and C-alkylation products were obtained in moderate to high yield under green and mild conditions in air. Also the N- and C-alkylation products can be obtained with different selectivity and yield by exposure reactions with EMF. Results of alkylation reactions showed that the presence of Fe(II) and Fe(III) species on the surface of magnetic catalysts (phase structure of magnetic compounds) are essential as very cheap active sites. Also, morphology of magnetic catalysts had influence on their catalytic performances. After the reaction, the catalyst/product(s) separation could be easily achieved with an external magnet and more than 95% of catalyst could be recovered. The catalyst was reused at least four times without any loss of its high catalytic activity for N- and C-alkylation reactions.     

A pH-responsive TiO2-based Pickering emulsion system for in situ catalyst recycling

Through tuning the surface wettability of interfacially active TiO₂ particles, a pH-responsive Pickering emulsion system is formed, as in situ separation and recycling of the nano-catalysts system.     

Carboxymethylcellulose‐supported palladium nanoparticles generated in situ from palladium(II) carboxymethylcellulose as an efficient and reusable catalyst for ligand‐ and base‐free Heck–Matsuda and Suzuki–Miyaura couplings

A novel palladium(II) carboxymethylcellulose (CMC‐Pd^II) was prepared by direct metathesis from sodium carboxymethylcellulose and PdCl₂ in aqueous solution. Its catalytic activities were explored for Heck–Matsuda reactions of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate with olefins, and Suzuki–Miyaura couplings of aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate with arylboronic acid. Both reactions proceeded at room temperature in water or aqueous ethanol media without the presence of any ligand or base, to provide the corresponding cross‐coupling products in good to excellent yields under atmospheric conditions. The CMC‐Pd^II and carboxymethylcellulose‐supported palladium nanoparticles (CMC‐Pd⁰) formed in situ in the reactions were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, and scanning and transmission electron microscopies. The homogeneous nature of the CMC‐Pd⁰ catalyst was confirmed via Hg(0) and CS₂ poisoning tests. Moreover, the CMC‐Pd⁰ catalyst could be conveniently recovered by simple filtration and reused for at least ten cycles in Suzuki–Miyaura reactions without apparently losing its catalytic activity. The catalytic system not only overcomes the basic drawbacks of homogeneous catalyst recovery and reuse but also avoids the need to fabricate palladium nanoparticles in advance. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Pickering Emulsion Stabilized by Catalytic Polyoxometalate Nanoparticles: A New Effective Medium for Oxidation Reactions

Decyl‐, dodecyl‐, and tetradecyltrimethylammonium cations were combined with the catalytic polyoxometalate [PW₁₂O₄₀]^3? anion to give spherical and monodisperse nanoparticles that are able to stabilize emulsions in the presence of water and an aromatic solvent. This triphasic liquid/solid/liquid system, based on a catalytic surfactant, is particularly efficient as a reaction medium for epoxidation reactions that involve hydrogen peroxide. The reactions proceed at competitive rates with straightforward separation of the phases by centrifugation. Such catalytic “Pickering” emulsions combine the advantages of heterogeneous catalysis and biphasic catalysis without the drawbacks (e.g., catalyst leaching or separation time).     

Mg-catalyzed one-pot preparation of benzimidazoles and spirooxindoles by an immobilized chlorophyll b on magnetic nanoparticles

Chlorophyll b was extracted from Heliotropium europaeum plant, then immobilized on magnetic nanoparticles (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂@Chl-Mg) and found as an efficient and green catalyst for the preparation of a variety of benzimidazoles and spirooxindoles in mild conditions. The catalyst was fully characterized by Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), thermogravimetric (TGA), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analyses. To prove the catalytic influence of Mg over the reactions, the catalytic activity of the demetalated chlorophyll b as well as some other control experiments was investigated. High to excellent yields were achieved for all entries, whether benzimidazole or spirooxindole derivatives at short reaction times. The catalyst could be recovered and reused for several consecutive runs by a simple external magnetic field without any considerable reactivity loss. The properties of the recovered catalyst were investigated by various analyses. Finally, the reasonable mechanisms were proposed for the reactions based on the literature.     

Imine-bridged periodic mesoporous organosilica as stable high-activity catalytic for Knoevenagel reaction in aqueous medium

An imine-functionalized mesoporous solid base catalyst (BA@BE-PMO) was prepared by template agent-directed self-assembly condensation of bis[3-(triethoxysilyl)propyl]amine and 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane in acid solution. The imine groups with catalytic activity were integrally embedded into mesopore walls of as-made BA@BE-PMO. In Knoevenagel reactions in aqueous medium, the BA@BE-PMO catalyst exhibited better catalytic activity than imine-functionalized SBA-15 catalyst synthesized using the traditional co-condensation method, which can be attributed to the pore surface with strong hydrophobicity originating from –CH₂CH₂– group fragments incorporated into pore walls. The strong hydrophobicity of the surface facilitates adsorption and diffusion of organic compounds on the catalyst surface in reactions in aqueous medium. Moreover, it exhibited comparable catalytic activity to dipropylamine homogeneous base catalyst because of the uniform dispersion of imine group active sites. The BA@BE-PMO catalyst could also be recovered and reused in up to five runs without significant loss in activity without any negative environmental impact.

     

Encapsulation of N-heterocyclic carbene–gold (I) catalysts within magnetic core/shell silica gels: A reusable alkyne hydration catalyst

In this study, N-heterocyclic carbene–Au(I) complex, chloro[1,3-bis(2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene]gold (I), was successfully encapsulated within mesopores of a magnetic core/shell (γ-Fe₂O₃@SiO₂) silica gel through post-pore-size reduction by silylation reactions The post-reduction of the pore size not only minimizes the catalyst leaching during the alkyne hydration reactions but also eliminates any need for covalent modification of the catalyst or support surface. The resulting catalyst exhibits high activity in hydration reactions of various alkynes even under low catalytic loadings. The catalyst can be easily recycled from the reaction mixture using a magnet and can be reused in alkyne hydration reactions up to six times with only 52. wt% Au leaching.     

Preparation,characterization and application of silica‐supported palladium complex as a new and heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki and Sonogashira reactions

An efficient heterogeneous Pd catalytic system has been developed, based on immobilization of Pd nanoparticles (PNPs) on a silica‐bonded propylamine–cyanuric–cysteine (SiO₂–pA–Cyan–Cys) substrate. The synthesized catalyst was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, FT‐IR, N₂ adsorption analysis (BET), TGA and inductively coupled plasma/atomic emission spectroscopy, and catalytic activity of this catalyst was investigated in the Suzuki and Sonogashira cross‐coupling reactions. The catalysts showed excellent performance in these two reactions, including various aryl halide derivatives (except aryl chloride derivatives) with phenylboronic acid and phenylacetylene under green conditions. Moreover, the catalyst was recycled for several runs without any significant loss of catalytic activity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Palladium supported on zinc ferrite: an efficient catalyst for ligand free C–C and C–O cross coupling reactions

An efficient superparamagnetic Pd–ZnFe₂O₄ solid catalyst has been synthesized by loading Pd(0) species on zinc ferrite nanoparticles. Sonogashira cross couplings between terminal alkynes and aryl halides were achieved in the absence of any Cu co-catalyst. A Heck–Matsuda coupling reaction of structurally different aryldiazonium tetrafluoroborate substrates was preceded at 40 °C in water. Cyanation of aryl halides was successfully done using K₄[Fe(CN)₆] as the cyanide source over Pd–ZnFe₂O₄. The catalyst was also employed for Ullmann type cross coupling reactions. Excellent yield of the products, reusability, and uncomplicated work-up make this catalyst efficient for C–C and C–O coupling reactions. Good yield of products, easy separation, and negligible leaching of Pd from the catalyst surface confirm the true heterogeneity in these catalytic reactions.     

Highly efficient epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide catalyzed by tungsten hexacarbonyl supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes

The preparation, characterization, and catalytic activity of W(CO)₆ supported on multi-wall carbon nanotubes modified with 4-aminopyridine is reported. The catalyst, [W(CO)₅@Apy-MWCNT], was characterized by physico-chemical and spectroscopic methods and found to be an efficient heterogeneous catalyst for green epoxidation of alkenes with hydrogen peroxide in MeCN solvent. The catalyst showed good stability and reusability properties in the epoxidation reactions.     

Zeolite containing catalytic membranes as interphase contactors

In this study, a catalytic membrane reactor was developed. A titanium silicalite (TS-1) containing polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) catalytic composite membrane was placed at the interface between the two immiscible phases containing respectively n-hexane (organic phase) and a solution of hydrogen peroxide (aqueous phase). This allowed adequate transport of both reactants to the catalyst surface, without using a co-solvent. This concept of zeolite containing catalytic membrane as interphase contactor, which may be applicable to numerous multiphase reactions, has been tested for the oxyfunctionalization of n-hexane to a mixture of hexanols and hexanones using H₂O₂ as the oxidant. It was shown that the oxyfunctionalization products are formed in and separated by the catalytic membrane. The experimental results illustrated the technical advantages of such a catalytic membrane reactor since the observed conversion and selectivity are similar to the ones obtained with the same catalyst in a conventional reactor. The various factors (membrane thickness, catalyst loading and membrane modifications) which may affect the membrane catalytic and permeation performances were investigated.     

Functionalized Ionic Liquid Promoted Aza‐Michael Addition of Aromatic Amines

A functionalized ionic liquid, 3‐(N,N‐dimethyldodecylammonium) propanesulfonic acid hydrogen sulphate ([DDPA][HSO₄]) has been used as catalyst for the aza‐Michael reactions of aromatic amines with α,β‐unsaturated compounds at room temperature to produce β‐amino compounds in good yields. The catalyst can be reused for several times without obvious loss of the catalytic activity.     

Recent advances in the synthetic and mechanistic aspects of the ruthenium-catalyzed carbon-heteroatom bond forming reactions of alkenes and alkynes

The group’s recent advances in catalytic carbon-to-heteroatom bond forming reactions of alkenes and alkynes are described. For the C-O bond formation reaction, a well-defined bifunctional ruthenium-amido catalyst has been successfully employed for the conjugate addition of alcohols to acrylic compounds. The ruthenium-hydride complex (PCy₃)₂(CO)RuHCl was found to be a highly effective catalyst for the regioselective alkyne-to-carboxylic acid coupling reaction in yielding synthetically useful enol ester products. Cationic ruthenium-hydride catalyst generated in-situ from (PCy₃)₂(CO)RuHCl/HBF₄·OEt₂ was successfully utilized for both the hydroamination and related C-N bond forming reactions of alkenes. For the C-Si bond formation reaction, regio- and stereoselective dehydrosilylation of alkenes and hydrosilylation of alkynes have been developed by using a well-defined ruthenium-hydride catalyst. Scope and mechanistic aspects of these carbon-to-heteroatom bond forming reactions are discussed.     

Chitosan-SO3H (CTSA) an efficient and biodegradable polymeric catalyst for the synthesis of 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ol) and α-amidoalkyl-β-naphthol’s

Abstract

An efficient, green procedure for the synthesis of 4,4′-(arylmethylene)bis(1H-pyrazol-5-ol) and α-amidoalkyl-β-naphthol’s using biodegradable polymeric catalyst chitosan-SO₃H (CTSA), is operationally easy to prepare by mixing chitosan and chlorosulfonic acid. This catalyst displays excellent catalytic activity and reusable for five subsequent reactions without significant loss of catalytic activity. This protocol proceeds with short reaction times, at mild temperatures, in a solvent-free reaction, and generally with high yields. We present herein a practical, efficient and simple procedure with a broad substrate scope that allows access to two different reactions 1H-pyrazole-5-ol and α-amidoalkyl-β-naphthol’s core unit.