CuPd nanoparticles as a catalyst in carbon–carbon cross-coupling reactions by a facile oleylamine synthesis

Abstract

CuPd bi-metallic nanoparticles were synthesized in oleylamine without the use of additional surfactants, ligands, or reducing agents. The alloyed nanoparticles showed high catalytic activity in Suzuki cross-coupling reactions with excellent turnover number (6000) and turnover frequency of 72 000 h⁻¹ under microwave irradiation. These nanoparticles were successfully utilized in a Suzuki coupling reaction with a diverse range of functionalized substrates. The catalyst also demonstrated multiple recyclability for Suzuki coupling reactions. The CuPd nanoparticles have also probed the utility in other cross-coupling reactions such as Heck and Sonogashira coupling reactions. According to the XPS data, two oxidation states of each metal exist on the surface of the nanoparticle. This is advantageous especially for Sonogashira cross-coupling reactions because having Cu⁺ present on the surface of the catalyst eliminates the need for a copper salt to stabilize the alkyne during the reaction.