Pd on porous glass: a versatile and easily recyclable catalyst for Suzuki and Heck reactions

The catalytic activity of Pd supported on porous glass was studied for both Suzuki and Heck reactions under aerobic conditions, with particular focus on the Suzuki coupling. The reactions were carried out in water under microwave irradiation. The effects of the catalyst preparation process (calcination time and temperature), as well as the base, substrate, and boron compound used on the coupling reaction were investigated in relation to the reusability of the catalyst. Various bases promote the Suzuki coupling of phenylboronic acid with bromophenol very effectively resulting in quantitative conversion and excellent selectivity for the coupling product. However, most bases lead to deactivation of the catalyst after the first reaction cycle and the catalyst must be reactivated before reuse. Therefore, excellent conversions and selectivities for individual reactions are not sufficient to conclude if the chosen conditions are suitable for a given reaction, but resuits from recycling studies have to be considered also.