Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 9, 2026

Synthesis and Performance Characterizations of Transition Metal Single Atom Catalyst for Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Published on: April 10, 2018
Heterogeneous catalysis with nickel-on-graphite (Ni/Cg)
Tom A Butler1, Elizabeth C Swift, Bruce H Lipshutz
1Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106, USA.
A novel nickel on graphite (Ni/Cg) catalyst facilitates C-H and C-C bond formation in cross-coupling reactions. This inexpensive, reusable catalyst efficiently couples aryl halides with organometallics, yielding diverse aromatic products.
Area of Science:
- Organometallic Chemistry
- Catalysis
Background:
- Aryl halides and pseudo-halides are key substrates in organic synthesis.
- Efficient catalytic methods for C-H and C-C bond formation are crucial for constructing complex molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel, cost-effective, and reusable catalyst for cross-coupling reactions.
- To investigate the catalytic activity of nickel supported on graphite (Ni/Cg) for C-H and C-C bond formations.
Main Methods:
- Impregnation of nickel(II) onto graphite.
- In situ reduction of nickel species to form the active catalyst.
- Catalytic cross-coupling reactions involving aryl halides/pseudo-halides and organometallics.
Main Results:
- The Ni/Cg reagent effectively catalyzes C-H and C-C bond formations.
- Cross-coupling reactions, particularly with tosylates, produce reduced aromatics, biaryls, or styrenes.
- The catalyst demonstrates reusability and is non-pyrophoric.
Conclusions:
- Nickel supported on graphite is an efficient and versatile catalyst for cross-coupling reactions.
- The developed catalyst offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative for organic synthesis.
More Related Videos
08:13Chemical Precipitation Method for the Synthesis of Nb2O5 Modified Bulk Nickel Catalysts with High Specific Surface Area
Published on: February 19, 2018
08:40Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticles Supported on Carbon Nanotube with Doped Co and N Atoms and its Catalytic Applications in Hydrogen Production
Published on: December 6, 2021
Related Concept Videos
Catalysis
Catalysis
Heterogeneous Catalysis
Reduction of Alkenes: Asymmetric Catalytic Hydrogenation
The metal catalyst used can be either heterogeneous or homogeneous. When hydrogenation of an alkene generates a chiral center, a pair of enantiomeric products is expected to form. However, an enantiomeric excess of one of the products can be facilitated using an enantioselective reaction or an...
Precipitation Gravimetry
In determining nickel by gravimetric analysis, a precipitant of ethanolic dimethylglyoxime is added to a hot nickel salt solution. This is quickly followed by the dropwise addition of dilute ammonia solution until precipitation occurs. A...
Reduction of Alkenes: Catalytic Hydrogenation
Metals like palladium, platinum, and nickel are commonly used in their solid forms — fine powder on an inert surface. As these catalysts remain insoluble in the reaction mixture, they are referred to as heterogeneous catalysts.
The hydrogenation process takes place on the surface of...