Mesoporous Carbon Supporting Pd (0) as a Highly Efficient and Stable Catalyst for Sonogashira Reaction in Aqueous Media

Abstract In this study, palladium (0) nanoparticle supported on mesoporous carbon (Pd/MPC) is prepared by impregnation and H 2 reduction. Characterization by XRD, XPS and TEM reveals the mesoporous structure and a high dispersion of palladium nanoparticles (about 4.8 nm) in the mesopores. The catalyst has excellent catalytic activity and stability for Sonogashira reactions of aryl halide (–I, –Br) in aqueous solution. It is noteworthy that Sonogashira reactions of aryl halide (–Cl) can occur by using the novel Pd/MPC catalyst. Meanwhile, the catalyst can be recovered and reused without loss of efficiency until the fifth cycle in water. The fresh catalyst would be of major significance for industrial applications. Graphical Abstract