Magnetic Aerogels for Room-Temperature Catalytic Production of Bis(indolyl)methane Derivatives

The potential of aerogels as catalysts for the synthesis of a relevant class of bis-heterocyclic compounds such as bis(indolyl)methanes was investigated. In particular, the studied catalyst was a nanocomposite aerogel based on nanocrystalline nickel ferrite (NiFe2O4) dispersed on amorphous porous silica aerogel obtained by two-step sol-gel synthesis followed by gel drying under supercritical conditions and calcination treatments. It was found that the NiFe2O4/SiO2 aerogel is an active catalyst for the selected reaction, enabling high conversions at room temperature, and it proved to be active for three repeated runs. The catalytic activity can be ascribed to both the textural and acidic features of the silica matrix and of the nanocrystalline ferrite. In addition, ferrite nanocrystals provide functionality for magnetic recovery of the catalyst from the crude mixture, enabling time-effective separation from the reaction environment. Evidence of the retention of species involved in the reaction into the catalyst is also pointed out, likely due to the porosity of the aerogel together with the affinity of some species towards the silica matrix. Our work contributes to the study of aerogels as catalysts for organic reactions by demonstrating their potential as well as limitations for the room-temperature synthesis of bis(indolyl)methanes.

Tuning and enhancement of the Mizoroki–Heck reaction using polarized Pd nanocomposite carbon aerogels

The application of a positive electric field on a Pd(0)–carbon aerogel nanocomposite catalyst enhances the reaction rate of a Mizoroki–Heck reaction.

Dendrimer-encapsulated Pd(0) nanoparticles immobilized on nanosilica as a highly active and recyclable catalyst for the copper- and phosphine-free Sonogashira–Hagihara coupling reactions in water

Recyclable dendrimer-encapsulated Pd(0) nanoparticles immobilized on nanosilica in the Sonogashira–Hagihara reaction under copper(i) and phosphine ligand-free conditions in water.

Palladium complexes with 3-phenylpropylamine ligands: synthesis, structures, theoretical studies and application in the aerobic oxidation of alcohols as heterogeneous catalysts

Palladium complexes with 3-phenylpropylamine ligands were synthesized and characterized. Palladium nanoparticles were supported on cucurbit[6]uril and used as heterogeneous catalysts for the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to corresponding compounds.

Embedded phases: a way to active and stable catalysts

Industrial catalysts are typically made of nanosized metal particles, carried by a solid support. The extremely small size of the particles maximizes the surface area exposed to the reactant, leading to higher reactivity. Moreover, the higher the number of metal atoms in contact with the support, the better the catalyst performance. In addition, peculiar properties have been observed for some metal/metal oxide particles of critical sizes. However, thermal stability of these nanostructures is limited by their size; smaller the particle size, the lower the thermal stability. The ability to fabricate and control the structure of nanoparticles allows to influence the resulting properties and, ultimately, to design stable catalysts with the desired characteristics. Tuning particle sizes provides the possibility to modulate the catalytic activity. Unique and unexpected properties have been observed by confining/embedding metal nanoparticles in inorganic channels or cavities, which indeed offers new opportunities for the design of advanced catalytic systems. Innovation in catalyst design is a powerful tool in realizing the goals of more green, efficient and sustainable industrial processes. The present Review focuses on the catalytic performance of noble metal- and non precious metal-based embedded catalysts with respect to traditional impregnated systems. Emphasis is dedicated to the improved thermal stability of these nanostructures compared to conventional systems.

Mizoroki−Heck Coupling Using Immobilized Molecular Precatalysts: Leaching Active Species from Pd Pincers, Entrapped Pd Salts, and Pd NHC Complexes

The Mizoroki-Heck reaction is a palladium-catalyzed reaction of both practical importance and scientific significance. Two challenges currently faced by practitioners of the Heck and other palladium-catalyzed coupling reactions are (i) minimizing the costs associated with this reaction by developing high TON catalysts or facilitating catalyst recovery and (ii) elucidating the nature of the active species when using various different precatalysts. These two challenges, one practical and one fundamental, served as our motivation in our studies of immobilized molecular palladium(II) complexes as precatalysts in Mizoroki-Heck reactions. This Forum Article describes our investigations in this area, highlighting our approach to the elucidation of the active catalyst by combining kinetic and poisoning studies of several different related precatalysts, our development of new, selective catalyst poisons, and our quest for stable, recyclable supported Heck, Suzuki, and Sonogashira coupling catalysts. Under high-temperature conditions (120 degrees C), all precatalysts studied are conclusively shown to decompose, liberating soluble, active palladium(0) species that are the true catalysts. Techniques for the elucidation of the nature of the truly active Pd species are enumerated.