Functionalized β-cyclodextrin as supramolecular ligand and their Pd(OAc)2 complex: highly efficient and reusable catalyst for Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reactions in aqueous medium.

A novel class of water soluble palladium complexes with recognition abilities based on functionalized β-cyclodextrin has been synthesized. The complex demonstrated high catalytic activity and a supramolecular platform for phosphine-free Mizoroki-Heck cross-coupling reactions in water. The efficient arylation of alkenes was carried out using different iodo- and bromo-arenes with good to excellent yields (up to 96%). The advantages, like recyclability of catalysts, operational simplicity and accessibility in aqueous medium, make this protocol eco-friendly.