Ligand-free Suzuki coupling reaction with highly recyclable ionic palladium catalyst, Ti1-xPdxO2-x (x = 0.03)

[Display omitted] •We have developed a highly recyclable, non-toxic, catalyst Ti0.97Pd0.03O1.97 and demonstrated its utility in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction.•The catalyst Ti0.97Pd0.03O1.97, is very efficient and compatible with water and aerobic conditions.•The utility of this catalyst has been enhanced in designing a coated catalyst on monolith and shown the coated monolith can be successfully used for several cycles.•We have showcased the application of the methodology in synthesizing 4′-methyl-1,1′-biphenyl-2-carbonitrile, which is an intermediate for synthesizing angiostein II antagonists.•The salient feature of using these catalysts in Suzuki reaction is, they are non-toxic, easy to handle, and show high TOF as compared to other Pd-catalysts. We synthesized a recyclable palladium ionic catalyst, Ti0.97Pd0.03O1.97, using a solution combustion method (SCM), and characterized by XRD and Rietveld refinement. The synthesized Pd ionic catalyst is stable, insensitive to moisture and air, and easy to handle. The new catalyst has exhibited a phenomenal result for the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction with a broad substrate scope, and the reaction proceeds in an aqueous medium. The new catalyst proved beneficial and produced excellent yields irrespective of aryl halide used in the reaction (electron-rich or electron-poor or heterocyclic compounds) and shown a turnover frequency (TOF) of 14–25 h−1 for different reactions. The catalyst was coated on a cordierite monolith (Mg2Al4Si5O18), which enhanced the applicability of the catalyst, and made the handling and recycling of the catalyst very easy. Suzuki Miyaura reaction was carried out using both Pd-powder catalysts as well as the Pd-coated honeycomb, which gave almost similar results. We have demonstrated the recyclability of Pd coated cordierite monolith and shown the superiority of the catalyst over the other Pd catalysts for the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction.