Design and Synthesis of Silica Supported Pd Nanoparticles: Application to Cascade Reactions

Transition metal-catalyzed tandem reactions are highly prominent in organic synthesis. Especially, palladium-catalyzed biscarbofuctionalization of alkenes is remarkable. However, enabling this type of tandem reaction through heterogeneous catalysis is the most desirable. In this context, silica-supported Pd nanoparticles catalyzed tandem Heck followed by Suzuki coupling reaction has been developed via a dual C–C bond formation. The significance of silica support has also been examined. Excellent catalytic performance was shown by the designed catalyst and enabled the construction of dihydrobenzofurans and oxindoles in good to excellent yields and with good functional group tolerance. Despite being recycled numerous times, the catalyst maintained its catalytic efficiency. Graphical Abstract