Asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones catalyzed by silica‐supported chitosan‐iron‐nickel complex

A new silica‐supported biopolymer‐metal complex, silica‐supported chitosan‐iron‐nickel complex was prepared by a very simple method. This complex catalyst can be used as a catalyst in the asymmetric hydrogenation of propiophenone to (R)‐(+)‐1‐phenyl‐1‐propanol and acetophenone to (R)‐(+)‐1‐phenyl ethanol in 91.7 and 77.7% optical yields, respectively, at 110°C and under 70 kg/cm² pressure. The catalyst could be reused several times without any remarkable change in the catalytic activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Magnetically recoverable supported ruthenium catalyst for hydrogenation of alkynes and transfer hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds

A ruthenium (Ru) catalyst supported on magnetic nanoparticles (NiFe₂O₄) has been successfully synthesized and used for hydrogenation of alkynes at room temperature as well as transfer hydrogenation of a number of carbonyl compounds under microwave irradiation conditions. The catalyst shows excellent selectivity toward the desired products with very high yield even after five repeated uses.     

Copper‐ and phosphine‐free Sonogashira coupling reaction catalyzed by silica–(acac)‐supported palladium nanoparticles in water

A palladium‐based catalyst supported on acac‐functionalized silica was used as a heterogeneous catalyst for the Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction of various aryl halides and phenylacetylene under copper‐ and phosphine‐free conditions. This catalytic system serves as an efficient and stable catalyst for this cross‐coupling reaction and allows easy separation and recycling of the catalyst. The catalyst could be recycled for five runs without appreciable loss of its catalytic activity. In addition, the reaction was carried out in water as a green solvent. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A highly water‐dispersible and magnetically separable palladium catalyst based on functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)‐supported iminophosphine for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling in water

A magnetically separable Fe₃O₄@poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)–iminophosphine palladium complex was successfully prepared by reacting a palladium complex containing the ligand 2‐(diphenylphosphino)benzaldehyde with amino‐functionalized PEG‐coated iron oxide nanoparticles. The novel catalyst was characterized using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, transmission electron microscopy, vibrating sample magnetometry, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. It showed high activity for the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction in pure water. Furthermore, it was found that the highly water‐dispersible catalyst can be recovered by applying an external magnetic field and used in five consecutive runs without significant decrease in activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Celite‐Polyaniline supported palladium catalyst for chemoselective hydrogenation reactions

Polyaniline coated on particles of celite is used as support to load palladium catalyst. This heterogenized Celite?PANI?Pd system, is used as an efficient catalyst for chemoselective hydrogenation reactions. The catalyst is characterized by usual spectral, analytical techniques and studied for hydrogenation reactions at ambient conditions. The mild reaction conditions allow the control over the reactions and excellent selectivity is achieved in number of conversions. Hydrogenation of a carbon–carbon double bond was favored over other polar π‐bond systems, while labile functional groups such as benzyl ether, benzyl esters, cyano, nitro and halogen remained unaffected. Primary amines were converted to N,N‐dimethyl amines with formaldehyde, the double bond of coumarin was selectively hydrogenated without opening of the lactone functionality.     

Palladium nanoparticles immobilized on Schiff base‐functionalized mesoporous silica as a highly efficient and magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst for Heck coupling reaction

A new magnetically recoverable nanocatalyst was prepared by functionalization of mesoporous silica (SBA‐15) with a Schiff base ligand, and then immobilization of palladium nanoparticles on it using a simple procedure. This heterogeneous catalyst was fully characterized using appropriate analyses and its catalytic efficiency was investigated in Heck reaction using iodo‐, bromo‐ and chlorobenzene derivatives and styrene, with the aim of synthesizing stilbene derivatives, a class of compounds with a variety of pharmacological properties. Some of the characteristics of this nanocatalyst include good dispersion of palladium nanoparticles on the SBA‐15 support, easy separation, catalyses the production of stilbene derivatives in a short time with excellent yields even for bromo‐ and chlorobenzene, and preservation of its catalytic activity after eight reaction cycles.     

Catalytic behavior of silica‐supported chitosan‐platinum‐iron complex for asymmetric hydrogenation of ketones

Silica‐supported chitosan‐platinum‐iron complex (SiO₂‐CS‐Pt‐Fe) is prepared by a simple method from silica, chitosan, H₂PtCl₆ · 6H₂O and FeCl₃. It has been found to be an effective chiral catalyst for the asymmetric hydrogenation of 2‐hexanone to give (S)‐(+)‐2‐hexanol and methyl acetoacetate to give methyl‐(S)‐(+)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate in 85.4 and 75.0% optical yields, respectively, if a proper content of Pt and Fe in SiO₂‐CS‐Pt‐Fe complex and appropriate reaction conditions are selected at room temperature and under 1 atm H₂. The catalyst could be reused several times without any remarkable change in optical catalytic activity. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

An improved preparation of mesoporous silica‐supported Pd as sustainable catalysts for phosphine‐free Suzuki–Miyaura and Heck coupling reactions

An improved and eco‐friendly procedure has been developed to generate mesoporous silica‐supported palladium nanoparticles (SiO₂@PdNP) that could be used as a sustainable heterogeneous Pd catalyst for phosphine‐free Suzuki–Miyaura and Heck coupling reactions with excellent turnover number and turnover frequency. The presence of Pd on the silica surface was detected by X‐ray diffraction and the structural morphology of SiO₂@PdNP was obtained by transmission electron microscopy. The heterogeneous catalytic system is recyclable and leaching of the metal after the reaction is not apparently observed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

N‐heterocyclic carbene–palladium(II) complex supported on magnetic mesoporous silica for Heck cross‐coupling reaction

Magnetic mesoporous silica was prepared via embedding magnetite nanoparticles between channels of mesoporous silica (SBA‐15). The prepared composite (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA) was then reacted with 3‐chloropropyltriethoxysilane, sodium imidazolide and 2‐bromopyridine to give 3‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐imidazol‐3‐iumpropyl‐functionalized Fe₃O₄@SiO₂‐SBA as a supported pincer ligand for Pd(II). The functionalized magnetic mesoporous silica was further reacted with [PdCl₂(SMe₂)₂] to produce a supported N‐heterocyclic carbene–Pd(II) complex. The obtained catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, vibrating sample magnetometry, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area measurement and X‐ray diffraction. The amount of the loaded complex was 80.3 mg g^?1, as calculated through thermogravimetric analysis. The formation of the ordered mesoporous structure of SBA‐15 was confirmed using low‐angle X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Also, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirmed the presence of the Pd(II) complex on the magnetic support. The prepared magnetic catalyst was then effectively used in the coupling reaction of olefins with aryl halides, i.e. the Heck reaction, in the presence of a base. The reaction parameters, such as solvent, base, temperature, amount of catalyst and reactant ratio, were optimized by choosing the coupling reaction of 1‐bromonaphthalene and styrene as a model Heck reaction. N‐Methylpyrrolidone as solvent, 0.25 mol% catalyst, K₂CO₃ as base, reaction temperature of 120°C and ultrasonication of the catalyst for 10 min before use provided the best conditions for the Heck cross‐coupling reaction. The best results were observed for aryl bromides and iodides while aryl chlorides were found to be less reactive. The catalyst exhibited noticeable stability and reusability.     

Periodic mesoporous silica‐supported Ni(II) organometallic complex as an active and reusable nanocatalyst for water‐medium Sonogashira coupling reaction

Phenyl‐bridged periodic mesoporous organosilicas (PMOs) functionalized with diphenylphosphino (PPh₂‐) ligands were synthesized via a surfactant‐directed self‐assembly approach, and were used as a support to immobilize Ni(II) organometallic complex by coordination interaction. In comparison with Ni‐PPh₂‐SBA‐15 and Ni‐PPh₂‐PMOs(Et) catalysts, the as‐prepared Ni‐PPh₂‐PMOs(Ph) exhibited superior catalytic reactivity and selectivity in water‐medium Sonogashira reaction. A control experiment demonstrated that its high activity could be attributed to the high dispersion of Ni(II) active sites and ordered mesopore channels, which effectively diminished diffusion limitation. Meanwhile, the phenyl organic groups in the support wall enhanced surface hydrophobicity, which promoted the adsorption for organic reactant molecules. Moreover, it displayed almost the same catalytic efficiency with the corresponding homogeneous Ni(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ catalyst and could be used repetitively, which was considered as a more environmentally friendly catalytic process since it simultaneously avoided the use of noble metal active species and toxic organic solvents. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Highly dispersed palladium nanoclusters incorporated in amino‐functionalized silica spheres for the selective hydrogenation of succinic acid to γ‐butyrolactone

Highly dispersed palladium nanoclusters incorporated on amino‐functionalized silica sphere surfaces (Pd/SiO₂‐NH₂) were fabricated by a simple one‐pot synthesis utilizing 3‐(2‐aminoethylamino)propyltrimethoxysilane (AAPTS) as coordinating agent. Uniform palladium nanoclusters with an average size of 1.1 nm can be obtained during the co‐condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate and AAPTS owing to the strong interaction between palladium species and amino groups in AAPTS. The palladium particle size can be controlled by addition of AAPTS and plays a significant role in the catalytic performance. The Pd/SiO₂‐NH₂ catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity for succinic acid hydrogenation with 100% conversion and 94% selectivity towards γ‐butyrolactone using 1,4‐dioxane as solvent at 240°C and 60 bar for 4 h. Moreover, the Pd/SiO₂‐NH₂ catalyst is robust and readily reusable without loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Silica‐coated nano‐Fe3O4‐supported iminopyridine palladium complex as an active,phosphine‐free and magnetically separable catalyst for Heck reactions

A novel magnetic nanoparticle‐supported iminopyridine palladium complex was successfully prepared by attaching palladium acetate to iminopyridine ligand‐functionalized silica‐coated nano‐Fe₃O₄. The as‐prepared catalyst was well characterized and was evaluated in Heck reactions in terms of activity and recyclability. It was found to be highly efficient for the reactions of various aryl iodides and aryl bromides having electron‐withdrawing groups with olefins under phosphine‐free and inert atmosphere‐free conditions. Moreover, the catalyst could be conveniently recovered using an external magnet, and the recyclability was influenced by the base in the Heck reaction. The catalyst could be reused at least six times with no significant loss in activity when triethylamine acted as the base.     

Carbon nanofiber supported palladium catalyst for liquid-phase reactions: An active and selective catalyst for hydrogenation of cinnamaldehyde into hydrocinnamaldehyde

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) prepared by decomposition of ethane over a Ni/alumina catalyst, are used as support for palladium clusters. The carbon support displays a mean diameter of 40–50 nm, lengths up to several tens of micrometers, as highlighted by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations and a specific surface area of about 50 m²/g. The spheroidal palladium particles have a relatively homogeneous and sharp size distribution, centered at around 4 nm. This novel Pd/carbon nanofiber catalyst displays unusual catalytic properties and is successfully used in the selective hydrogenation of the C=C bond in cinnamaldehyde at a reaction temperature of around 80°C, under continuous hydrogen flowing at atmospheric pressure. The high performances of this novel catalyst in terms of efficiency and selectivity are, respectively, related to the inhibition of the mass-transfer processes over this non-porous material and to peculiar palladium–carbon interactions. It is concluded that the absence of microporosity in the carbon nanofibers favours both the high activity and selectivity which is confirmed by comparison with the commercially available high surface area charcoal supported palladium catalyst.     

Periodic mesoporous organosilica grafted palladium organometallic complex: efficient heterogeneous catalyst for water‐medium organic reactions

Water‐medium organic reactions were studied over periodic mesoporous silica (PMO) containing Pd(II) organometallic complex. This heterogeneous catalyst was achieved by Pd(II) compound coordinated with the PPh₂‐ligand onto the pore surface of phenylene‐bridged PMO support. This catalyst displayed ordered mesoporous channels, which ensured the high dispersion of Pd(II) active sites and the convenient diffusion of reactant molecules into the pore channels. Meanwhile, the phenyl group in the pore wall of PMO could enhance the surface hydrophobicity which promoted the adsorption of organic reactant molecules on the catalyst in aqueous environment. As a result, this elaborated catalyst exhibited comparable activity and selectivity with the corresponding PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂ homogeneous catalyst in the water‐medium organic reactions, and could be used repeatedly, showing a good potential in industrial applications. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Solvent‐free ring‐opening polymerization of cyclohexene oxide catalyzed by palladium chloride

In this study, we have for the first time demonstrated that palladium chloride (PdCl₂) is an efficient catalyst for ring‐opening polymerization of cyclohexene oxide in a solvent‐free condition. The polymerization product was in atactic structure, and reaction conditions, such as reaction temperature, time, and catalyst amount, showed effects on polymerization conversion yield, turnover number, and number‐average molecular weight of the resulting poly(cyclohexene oxide). PdCl₂ catalysis follows a cationic ring‐opening mechanism. The polymerization result is highly determined by the chemical structure of the monomers.     

Cationic ruthenium(II) complexes supported on mesoporous silica as catalyst precursors in the selective oxidative cleavage of 1‐octene

The selective oxidative cleavage of 1‐octene to heptanal and heptanoic acid is reported. A range of model and silica‐immobilized ruthenium(II) systems were evaluated. The MCM‐41 and SBA‐15 immobilized systems were found to show superior activity when compared to their homogeneous counterparts and were found to exert control over the selective formation of aldehydes or carboxylic acids. This could be achieved by varying the reaction times with very high yields being achieved at relatively short reaction times and low metal concentrations. The immobilized catalysts were characterized using nitrogen sorption, powder X‐ray diffraction, transmission and scanning electron microscopies, solid‐state NMR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.     

Highly efficient and green oxidation of alkanes and alkylaromatics with hydrogen peroxide catalysed by silver and vanadyl on mesoporous silica‐coated magnetite

A heterogeneous catalyst (FeSi/Ag/VO) based on silver and vanadyl as active sites and mesoporous silica‐coated nanospheres of magnetite (Fe₃O₄@m‐SiO₂) as support was successfully prepared by deposition of Ag nanoparticles and the covalent grafting of vanadyl(IV) acetylacetonate on Fe₃O₄@m‐SiO₂. The catalyst exhibited excellent activity for the oxidation of alkanes, benzene and alkylaromatics using green oxidant H₂O₂ and oxalic acid in acetonitrile at 60 °C.     

Catalytic behaviors of silica‐supported natural biopolymer–oxalic acid–Pt complexes in hydrogenation

Three kinds of natural biopolymers, gelatin, alginic acid and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (NaCMC), were reacted with oxalic acid in the presence of silica to yield complexes on the surface of silica, followed by reaction with H₂PtCl₆ 6H₂O to form Pt complexes, SiO₂–gelatin–(COOH)₂–Pt, SiO₂–alginic acid–(COOH)₂–Pt, and SiO₂–NaCMC–(COOH)₂–Pt, respectively. These complexes were able to catalyze the hydrogenation of 1‐heptene to give n‐heptane and that of nitrobenzene to give aniline at 25 °C and under 1 atm H₂ in 100% yields. Experimental data show that the catalysts were very stable and could be reused without any remarkable change in catalytic activity. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inclusion of sulfamethoxazole in a novel CuFe2O4 nanoparticles/mesoporous silica‐based nanocomposite: Release kinetics and antibacterial activity

In this work, we aimed to improve the antibacterial activity of sulfamethoxazole (SMX) via its inclusion in a newly synthesized nanocomposite composed of CuFe₂O₄ nanoparticles and poly(vinyl alcohol)/silica‐based mesoporous materials. Characterization of this formulation using different techniques confirmed the correct synthesis and showed that this mesoporous nanocomposite had an amorphous structure with relatively high surface area of 1,620.7 m² g^?1 and mean pore diameter of 1.6576 nm. Zeta potential of the formulation was obtained to be zero which led to its higher bioavailability in comparison to pure SMX with negative zeta potential. Antibacterial property of the prepared formulation against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was evaluated. Minimum inhibitory concentration of the SMX‐loaded mesoporous nanocomposite was considerably lower than those of pure SMX, indicating the efficient function of the mesoporous material as a delivery system. Kinetics of SMX release was also studied using zero‐order, first‐order, Higuchi, and Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics models. According to the obtained results, the release kinetics was found to obey zero‐order model. So the possibility of sustained release of SMX from the synthesized carrier may be suggested.     

Green synthesis of polyhydroquinolines catalyzed by silica‐supported ionic liquid Si–[SbSipim][PF6]

Silica‐supported ionic liquid Si–[SbSipim][PF₆] as a catalyst was used first in the synthesis of polyhydroquinolines. The catalyst exhibits high catalytic activity in the reaction, and can be easily recovered and reused without significant loss of its activity for six runs. This green method offers several advantages, including high yield, short reaction time, simple work‐up procedure, ease of separation, and recyclability of the catalyst.