ISSN print edition: 0366-6352 ISSN electronic edition: 1336-9075 Registr. No.: MK SR 9/7 Published monthly

Palladium oxide nanofibers: an efficient catalyst for cross-coupling of challenging aromatic nitriles

S. Thenmozhi, N. Dharmaraj, and K. Kadirvelu

Defence Research and Development Organisation-Bharathiar University Centre for Life Sciences, Bharathiar University Campus, Coimbatore, India

E-mail: kadirvelukrishna@yahoo.com

Received: 17 September 2022  Accepted: 20 February 2023

Abstract:

Heterogeneous catalysis is a promising method in industry to synthesis bioactive molecules, fine chemicals and pharmaceuticals. Particularly, cross-coupling reactions using transition metal catalyst are the hot topic of research in recent period due to its efficiency. Nanofibers are most preferred for this purpose due to its huge surface area, easy separation and minimum catalyst loading. Herein, we are reporting palladium oxide nanofibers (PdO NF) of 75 nm, prepared by electrospinning technique, as catalyst for the cross-coupling of challenging bromo, chloro and fluoro benzonitriles. The successfulness of the present catalytic system was evidenced from the coupling products (confirmed by ¹H&¹³C NMR) of the most reluctant fluoro benzonitriles. Furthermore, possible mechanism for the rapid formation was proposed based on the products and literature reports. In addition to the above, heterogeneity and metal leaching was verified (by GC-MS and ICP-MS) with the aim to scale up the process.

Graphical abstract

Keywords: Palladium oxide; Electrospun nanofibers; Catalysis; C-C coupling; Mechanism

Full paper is available at www.springerlink.com.

DOI: 10.1007/s11696-023-02751-1

Chemical Papers 77 (7) 3911–3920 (2023)