Biosynthesis of palladium nanoparticles as a heterogeneous and reusable nanocatalyst for reduction of nitroarenes and Suzuki coupling reactions

A facile and green route for the synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (Pd‐NPs) was developed utilizing non‐toxic and renewable natural green tea extract as the reducing, stabilizing and capping agent. The as‐prepared Pd‐NPs@Oak Gum catalyst was characterized using UV–visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. The Pd‐NPs@Oak Gum catalyst could be used as an efficient and heterogeneous catalyst for Suzuki coupling reactions between phenylboronic acid and a range of aryl halides containing iodo, bromo and chloro moieties and also for the reduction of nitroarenes using sodium borohydride in an environmental friendly medium. Excellent yields of products were obtained with a wide range of substrates and the catalyst was recycled multiple times without any significant loss of its catalytic activity. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.