Heterogeneous catalysis in organic chemistry. Part 1011For Part 9 see [1].. Effect of the catalyst support on the regiochemistry of the heck arylation reaction

Revealing the Structure Evolution of Heterogeneous Pd Catalyst in Suzuki Reaction via the Identical Location Transmission Electron Microscopy

The mechanism of palladium nanoparticles (Pd NPs)-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions has been the subject of intense debate since the recognition of catalytic active sites involving a wide array of dynamic changed Pd species. Here, through the combination of the hot filtration experiment together with the recently developed identical location transmission electron microscopy (IL-TEM) method, the delicate structure evolution of highly dispersed Pd NPs supported on oxygen-functionalized carbon nanotubes (Pd/oCNTs) as well as the kinetics properties of derived dissolved species in liquid phase were systemically investigated in the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. The result indicates that the leached Pd components caused by the strong adsorption of reactants might have a significant contribution to the coupling products, and the degree for different substrates follows the order of iodobenzene > phenylboronic acid > bromobenzene. Meanwhile, the typical three sequential behaviors of supported Pd NPs, including dissolution, deposition, and growth, along with the increase of the conversion throughout the reaction were spatiotemporally observed by tracking the evolution of individually identifiable NPs. The performed work not only provides direct evidence for the interaction between Pd NPs surface with reactants on atomic scale but also gives a valuable reference for fundamentally understanding the mechanism of the heterogeneous Pd-catalyzed Suzuki coupling process as well as rational design of next-generation catalysts with high efficiency and reusability for synthetic applications.

Aggregation of catalytically active Ru nanoparticles to inactive bulk, monitored in situ during an allylic isomerization reaction. Influence of solvent, surfactant and stirring

The exploration of catalytic isomerization reactions of an allylic alcohol to ketone, in the presence of μ-oxo-triruthenium acetate as a precatalyst in alcohol solvents, has established that the catalyst is heterogeneous in nature and proceeds by means of the in situ formed Ru⁰ nanoparticles (Ru⁰NPs). This reaction is used as an indicator for evaluating the kinetics and mechanism for metallic NP formation and self-assembly. In ethanol, complete conversion of the reactant is achieved under all experimental conditions tested. Conversely, in iso-propanol or n-pentanol the catalytic particles swiftly lose activity and the reaction arrests after partial conversion. We conclude that, in ethanol the process of NP self-assembly results in the formation of active and stable NPs of a specific size, named C-particles. Consequently, we propose an additional step for the established mechanism of NP self-assembly, namely the aggregation of C-NPs to inactive bulk-metal, labeled as D (C + C → D). D-particles differ from other NPs present in the catalytic cycle in size and in the catalytic activity. The effect of surfactant and mixing is also explored and the acquired observations strongly support the proposed mechanism of catalyst formation and decay. Addition of surfactants and/or mixing slowed down the reaction rate but dramatically improved the lifetime of the catalyst and the observed conversions. We attribute this phenomenon to the inhibition of the aggregation step of the active C-NPs to inactive D bulk-metal. The aggregation step of C-NPs to inactive D-bulk is assumed for the first time. This assumption prompts all the experimental data to be consistent. Introduction of the new kinetic step enables the use of the proposed mechanism with the reactions, where the catalyst loses its activity in the course of the reaction, and it converts the mechanism of the metal NP self-assembly into the more universal form.

To explain the decay of the activity of Ru-NPs catalysts, that formed in situ during allylic isomerization, we add a new step to a classic mechanism of transition-metal NPs self-assembly: the aggregation of two catalytically active NPs (C) to inactive bulk-metal (D).

Advances in nanoscale alloys and intermetallics: low temperature solution chemistry synthesis and application in catalysis

Based on the bottom-up chemistry techniques, the size, shape, and composition controlled synthesis of nanoparticles can now be achieved uniformly, which is of great importance to the nanoscience community as well as in modern catalysis research. The low-temperature solution-phase synthesis approach represents one of the most attractive strategies and has been utilized to synthesize nanoscale metals, alloys and intermetallics, including a number of new metastable phases. This perspective will highlight the solution-based nanoparticle synthesis techniques, a low-temperature platform, for the synthesis of size and shape-tunable nanoscale transition metals, alloys, and intermetallics from the literature, keeping a focus on the utility of these nanomaterials in understanding the catalysis. For each solution-based nanoparticle synthesis technique, a comprehensive overview has been given for the reported nanoscale metals, alloys, and intermetallics, followed by critical comments. Finally, their enhanced catalytic activity and durability as novel catalysts have been discussed towards several hydrogenation/dehydrogenation reactions and also for different inorganic to organic reactions. Hence, the captivating advantages of this controllable low-temperature solution chemistry approach have several important implications and together with them this approach provides a promising route to the development of next-generation nanostructured metals, alloys, and intermetallics since they possess fascinating properties as well as outstanding catalytic activity.

A new mechanism for allylic alcohol isomerization involving ruthenium nanoparticles as a ‘true catalyst’ generated through the self-assembly of supramolecular triruthenium clusters

A new five step mechanism has been established for allylic alcohol isomerization involving ruthenium nanoparticles as the ‘true catalyst’.

Significant stabilization of palladium by gold in the bimetallic nanocatalyst leading to an enhanced activity in the hydrodechlorination of aryl chlorides

The stabilization of Pd by Au in Au/Pd bimetallic nanoclusters enhanced the reactivity of Pd and changed the reaction mechanism.

Heterogeneous Pd catalysts supported on silica matrices

Features, advantages and limitations associated with palladium catalysts deposited over various siliceous supports in different types of practically useful organic transformations are reviewed.

Dipalladium(I) terphenyl diphosphine complexes as models for two-site adsorption and activation of organic molecules

A para-terphenyl diphosphine was employed to support a dipalladium(I) moiety. Unlike previously reported dipalladium(I) species, the present system provides a single molecular hemisphere for binding of ligands across two metal centers, enabling the characterization and comparison of the binding of a wide variety of saturated and unsaturated organic molecules. The dipalladium(I) terphenyl diphosphine toluene-capped complex was synthesized from a dipalladium(I) hexaacetonitrile precursor in the presence of toluene. The palladium centers display interactions with the π-systems of the central ring of the terphenyl unit and that of the toluene. Exchange of toluene for anisole, 1,3-butadiene, 1,3-cyclohexadiene, thiophenes, pyrroles, or furans resulted in well-defined π-bound complexes which were studied by crystallography, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and density functional theory. Structural characterization shows that the interactions of the dipalladium unit with the central arene of the diphosphine does not vary significantly in this series allowing for a systematic comparison of the binding of the incoming ligands to the dipalladium moiety. Several of the complexes exhibit rare μ-η(2):η(2) or μ-η(2):η(1)(O or S) bridging motifs. Hydrogenation of the thiophene and benzothiophene adducts was demonstrated to proceed at room temperature. The relative binding strength of the neutral ligands was determined by competition experiments monitored by NMR spectroscopy. The relative equilibrium constants for ligand substitution span over 13 orders of magnitude. This represents the most comprehensive analysis to date of the relative binding of heterocycles and unsaturated ligands to bimetallic sites. Binding interactions were computationally studied with electrostatic potentials and molecular orbital analysis. Anionic ligands were also demonstrated to form π-bound complexes.

Piperazine-Derived Palladium Complexes Immobilised on a Merrifield Resin as a Catalyst for the Heck Reaction

A palladium catalyst supported on a Merrifield resin was prepared by a simple procedure and exhibited high activity and stability for the phosphine-free Heck reaction of activated and non-activated aryl or heteroaryl substrates with olefins to afford substituted cinnamic acids, stilbenes and their hetero-aromatic relatives.

Ion- and Atom-Leaching Mechanisms from Palladium Nanoparticles in Cross-Coupling Reactions

Leaching of palladium species from Pd nanoparticles under C--C coupling conditions was observed for both Heck and Suzuki reactions by using a special membrane reactor. The membrane allows the passage of palladium atoms and ions, but not of species larger than 5 nm. Three possible mechanistic scenarios for palladium leaching were investigated with the aim of identifying the true catalytic species. Firstly, we examined whether or not palladium(0) atoms could leach from clusters under non-oxidising conditions. By using our membrane reactor, we proved that this indeed happens. We then investigated whether or not small palladium(0) clusters could in fact be the active catalytic species by analysing the reaction composition and the palladium species that diffused through the membrane. Neither TEM nor ICP analysis supported this scenario. Finally, we tested whether or not palladium(II) ions could be leached in the presence of PhI by oxidative addition and the formation of [Pd(II)ArI] complexes. Using mass spectrometry, UV-visible spectroscopy and 13C NMR spectroscopy, we observed and monitored the formation and diffusion of these complexes, which showed that the first and the third mechanistic scenarios were both possible, and were likely to occur simultaneously. Based on these findings, we maintain that palladium nanoparticles are not the true catalysts in C--C coupling reactions. Instead, catalysis is carried out by either palladium(0) atoms or palladium(II) ions that leach into solution.

One-pot Pd/C catalysed ‘domino’ HALEX and Sonogashira reactions: a ligand- and Cu-free alternative

The advantages of combining heterogeneous catalysis and aryl chloride substrates for cross-coupling are introduced. A heterogeneous Pd/C catalyst is used for activating aryl bromides and electron withdrawing aryl chlorides via a one-pot 'domino' HALEX-Sonogashira reaction. No ligand or co-catalyst is required, and the cross-coupling products are obtained in moderate to good yields. The influence of the solvent, base, iodide source and catalyst is evaluated. The catalyst is reusable for at least six consecutive reaction cycles. A variation on this reaction using catalytic amounts of KI is also proposed.

A unifying mechanism for all high-temperature Heck reactions. The role of palladium colloids and anionic species

The Heck reaction has been the subject of intense investigation in the past decade. Many new types of catalysts have been developed in addition to the existing palladium/phosphine complexes. Prominent among these are palladacycles, pincers, several types of heterogeneous palladium catalysts, colloids and ligand-free palladium, usually in the form of Pd(OAc)2. Most of the newer types function only at higher temperatures, typically between 120 and 160 degrees C. It has been shown that irrespective of the catalyst precursor, none of these catalysts are stable at these high temperatures. They all have a tendency to form soluble palladium(0) colloids or nanoparticles, certainly with less reactive substrates such as aryl bromides or chlorides. The Heck reaction takes place by attack of the arylating agent on the palladium atoms in the outer rim of the nanoparticles. This leads to formation of monomeric or dimeric anionic palladium complexes that undergo the usual steps of the Heck mechanism as described by Amatore and Jutand.