Pd/C Catalysis under Microwave Dielectric Heating

Exploring Hydrogen Sources in Catalytic Transfer Hydrogenation: A Review of Unsaturated Compound Reduction

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation has emerged as a pivotal chemical process with transformative potential in various industries. This review highlights the significance of catalytic transfer hydrogenation, a reaction that facilitates the transfer of hydrogen from one molecule to another, using a distinct molecule as the hydrogen source in the presence of a catalyst. Unlike conventional direct hydrogenation, catalytic transfer hydrogenation offers numerous advantages, such as enhanced safety, cost-effective hydrogen donors, byproduct recyclability, catalyst accessibility, and the potential for catalytic asymmetric transfer hydrogenation, particularly with chiral ligands. Moreover, the diverse range of hydrogen donor molecules utilized in this reaction have been explored, shedding light on their unique properties and their impact on catalytic systems and the mechanism elucidation of some reactions. Alcohols such as methanol and isopropanol are prominent hydrogen donors, demonstrating remarkable efficacy in various reductions. Formic acid offers irreversible hydrogenation, preventing the occurrence of reverse reactions, and is extensively utilized in chiral compound synthesis. Unconventional donors such as 1,4-cyclohexadiene and glycerol have shown a good efficiency in reducing unsaturated compounds, with glycerol additionally serving as a green solvent in some transformations. The compatibility of these donors with various catalysts, substrates, and reaction conditions were all discussed. Furthermore, this paper outlines future trends which include the utilization of biomass-derived hydrogen donors, the exploration of hydrogen storage materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), catalyst development for enhanced activity and recyclability, and the utilization of eco-friendly solvents such as glycerol and ionic liquids. Innovative heating methods, diverse base materials, and continued research into catalyst-hydrogen donor interactions are aimed to shape the future of catalytic transfer hydrogenation, enhancing its selectivity and efficiency across various industries and applications.

Precise control of the degree and regioselectivity of functionalization in nitro- and amino-functionalized di(trispyrazolylborato)iron(II) spin crossover complexes

Di(trispyrazolylborato)iron(II) ([Tp₂Fe]) complexes represent one of the most robust classes of spin-crossover complexes. Their stability renders them particularly suitable for integration in nanoscale devices, e.g. as sensors or information storage units. While prior studies of the functionalization of those derivatives have been focused on the electronic and steric effects of alkyl and -CF₃ groups in position 3, a pyrazole exchange reaction between nitropyrazole and either trispyrazolylborate or its iron complex allows the regioselective installation of nitro substituents in positions 3, 4 and 5 of the [Tp₂Fe] complexes. The degree of substitution can be varied from 1 to 4 functionalized pyrazoles per complex. The amine-functionalized analogues are accessed by reduction of the nitro analogues under hydrogen transfer conditions. With the exception of di- and tetra-3-NO₂ substituted complexes, all derivatives display spin crossover properties in the solid state, with transition temperatures ranging from 180 to 380 K and showing different degrees of abruptness but no hysteresis. The Slichter-Drickamer model was used to extract the empirical thermodynamic transition parameters, allowing a systematic investigation of the influence of stoichiometry, position, and electronic nature of the substitution on the magnetic properties of the complexes. The steric effects dominate for substitution in position 3 but the electronic effects are significant for the other positions.

Impact of Microwaves on Organic Synthesis and Strategies toward Flow Processes and Scaling Up

Microwave-assisted organic synthesis has been widely studied and deliberated, opening up some controversial issues as well. Nowadays, microwave chemistry is a mature technology that has been well demonstrated in many cases with numerous advantages in terms of the reaction rate and yield. The strategies toward scaling up find an ally in continuous-flow reactor technology comparing dielectric and conductive heating.

Facile Synthesis and Characterization of Palladium@Carbon Catalyst for the Suzuki-Miyaura and Mizoroki-Heck Coupling Reactions

Palladium-based carbon catalysts (Pd/C) can be potentially applied as an efficient catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura and Mizoroki–Heck coupling reactions. Herein, a variety of catalysts of palladium on activated carbon were prepared by varying the content of ‘Pd’ via an in situ reduction method, using hydrogen as a reducing agent. The as-prepared catalysts (0.5 wt % Pd/C, 1 wt % Pd/C, 2 wt % Pd/C and 3 wt % Pd/C) were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analyses. The catalysts were tested as a coupling catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reactions involving aryl halides and phenyl boronic acid. The optimization of the catalyst by varying the palladium content on the activated carbon yielded Pd/C catalysts with very high catalytic activity for Suzuki reactions of aryl halides and a Mizoroki–Heck cross-coupling reaction of 4-bromoanisol and acrylic acid in an aqueous medium. A high ‘Pd’ content and uniform ‘Pd’ impregnation significantly affected the activity of the catalysts. The catalytic activity of 3% Pd/C was found to make it a more efficient catalyst when compared with the other synthesized Pd/C catalysts. Furthermore, the catalyst reusability was also tested for Suzuki reactions by repeatedly performing the same reaction using the recovered catalyst. The 3% Pd/C catalyst displayed better reusability even after several reactions.

Application of Variable Frequency Microwaves in Microwave-Assisted Chemistry: Relevance and Suppression of Arc Discharges on Conductive Catalysts

The application and advantages of variable frequency microwaves (VFM; range, 5.85–6.65 GHz) are reported for the first time in microwave chemistry, particularly when carrying out reactions catalyzed by metallic conductive catalysts so as to avoid the formation of arc discharges, and especially when using a strong microwave absorber such as activated carbon (AC) particulates as supports of metal-based catalysts. Two model reactions performed in low boiling point nonpolar solvents are described wherein arc discharges easily occur under the more conventional fixed frequency microwave (FFM) approach: (i) the synthesis of 4-methylbiphenyl (4MBP) by the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling process catalyzed by Pd particles supported on AC particulates (Pd/AC), and (ii) the synthesis of toluene via the dehydrogenation of methylcyclohexane (MCH) catalyzed by Pt particles dispersed on AC particulates (Pt/AC). Contrary to the usage of fixed frequency microwaves (5.85 GHz and 6.65 GHz), the use of VFM microwaves increased the chemical yields of 4MBP {49% versus 5–8% after 60 min} and toluene {89% versus 24% after 10 min} by suppressing the formation of discharges that otherwise occur on the catalyst/AC surface with FFM microwaves. Consequently, relative to the latter approach, the VFM technology is significantly advantageous, especially in reactions with solid conductive catalysts, not least of which are the reduction in power consumption, thus energy savings, and the prevention of potential mishaps.

Functionalization of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring in α-phosphonoacrylates and α-phosphonopropionates via microwave-assisted Mizoroki-Heck reaction

A series of new phosphonocarboxylates containing an imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring has been synthesized via the microwave-assisted Mizoroki–Heck reaction. The efficient modification of the imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine ring has been achieved as late-stage functionalization, enabling and accelerating the generation of a library of compounds from a common precursor.

Preparation of aromatic γ-hydroxyketones by means of Heck coupling of aryl halides and 2,3-dihydrofuran, catalyzed by a palladium(ii) glycine complex under microwave irradiation

The synthesis of phenyl-γ-hydroxyketones through Heck coupling and subsequent opening of the tetrahydrofuran ring by the nucleophilic attack of a water molecule catalyzed by PdCl₂·Gly₂ under microwave irradiation.

Microwave-Assisted Catalytic Degradation of Brilliant Green by Spinel Zinc Ferrite Sheets

Microwave (MW)-assisted catalytic degradation, being an emerging technique, can potentially fill in the technological gap which promises on-demand, prompt, and efficient catalysis, and therefore, suitable MW catalysts are curiously being hunted. Candidature of spinel zinc ferrite (SZFO) atomic sheets as a MW catalyst has thoroughly been investigated in this article. Analytical techniques prove SZFO atomic sheets to be highly crystalline, thermally stable, good dielectric, and superparamagnetic, which render it a potentially strong MW catalyst. Brilliant green (BG) has been demonstrated to be chemisorbed on the SZFO atomic sheets, which upon MW irradiation gets mineralized within 5 min, and the overall efficiency has been observed to be >99%. Total organic carbon removal of ∼80% has been obtained. Ionic chromatography proves the formation of SO₄ ^2- and NO₃ ^- anions which increase with MW exposure time. Liquid chromatography mass spectroscopy studies have established intermediate formations during catalysis. SZFO, established as a uniquely suited and highly efficient MW catalyst for BG, is expected to broaden the horizons of MW-assisted catalytic degradation and lead it toward its broader applications.

Avoiding hot-spots in Microwave-assisted Pd/C catalysed reactions by using the biomass derived solvent γ-Valerolactone

Herein, we report the use of γ-valerolactone as a new biomass-derived reaction medium for microwave assisted organic synthesis. The interaction of this solvent with microwaves and its heating profile under microwave irradiation has been fully characterized for the first time, demonstrating its stability and the applicability in microwave assisted Pd/C catalysed reactions avoiding the arcing phenomena frequently observed in these conditions. The use of γ-valerolactone demonstrated to be compatible with aliphatic and aromatic amines in the hydrogen transfer Pd/C mediated synthesis of benzimidazoles.

The Current Status of Heterogeneous Palladium Catalysed Heck and Suzuki Cross-Coupling Reactions

In the last 30 years, C–C cross coupling reactions have become a reliable technique in organic synthesis due their versatility and efficiency. While drawbacks have been experienced on an industrial scale with the use of homogenous systems, many attempts have been made to facilitate a heterogeneous renaissance. Thus, this review gives an overview of the current status of the use of heterogeneous catalysts particularly in Suzuki and Heck reactions. Most recent developments focus on palladium immobilised or supported on various classes of supports, thus this review highlights and discuss contributions of the last decade.