A new palladium complex Schiff-base on functionalized nanoboehmite as a reusable and practical catalyst for selective Suzuki C–C bond formation

The surface of boehmite nanoparticles (γ-AlOOH NPs) consists of hydroxy groups that enable their surface modification and functionalization. Based on this fact, we first functionalized the AlOOH NP surface with a Schiff-base ligand in this work. The Schiff-base ligand was synthesized from the reaction of <i>o</i>-formylphenol and (3,4-diaminophenyl)(phenyl)methanone. Then, palladium nanoparticles were immobilized on it, denoted as Pd@boehmite. Next, Pd@boehmite was investigated using TGA, DSC, SEM, TEM, and BET instrumental methods. Then, Pd@boehmite was used as a powerful catalyst for carbon-carbon bond formation in the Suzuki coupling reaction. Various aryl halide and aryl boronic acid derivatives were investigated using the Pd@boehmite nanocatalyst and all biphenyl products were obtained with high yield and rapid reaction rate. Pd@boehmite showed good selectivity in synthesising biphenyls, when diaryl halide was used. Finally, the recyclability of Pd@boehmite was also examined, and this catalyst showed good reusability.