Efficient Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction by loading trace Pd nanoparticles onto copper-complex-derived Cu/C-700 solid support.

The development of efficient carbon-carbon cross-coupling catalysts with low noble metal amounts attracts much attention recently. Herein, a Cu/C-700/Pd nanocomposite is obtained by loading trace Pd2+ onto carbon support derived from a novel mononuclear copper complex, {[Cu(POP)2(Phen)2]BF4}. The as-prepared nanomaterial features the facial structure of highly dispersed copper phosphide nanoparticles as well as Pd nanoparticles via neighboring Cu-Pd sites. The Cu/C-700/Pd nanocomposite shows excellent catalytic activity (99.73%) and selectivity in Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, at trace Pd loading (0.43 mol%). Compared with the reported palladium nano catalysts, its advantages are proved. The appealing gateway to this stable, innovative and recyclability, Cu/C-700/Pd nanostructure recommends its beneficial utilization in carbon-carbon coupling and other environmentally friendly processes.