Biomimetic synthesis of Pd nanocatalysts for the Stille coupling reaction

Here we report on the biomimetic synthesis of Pd nanoparticles for use as models of green catalytic systems. The nanomaterials are synthesized using peptides isolated via phage-display techniques that are specific to Pd surfaces. Using this synthetic strategy, peptide-functionalized Pd nanoparticles of 1.9 +/- 0.3 nm in diameter are produced, which are soluble and stable in aqueous solutions. Once characterized, these biobased materials were then used as catalysts to drive the formation of C-C bonds using the Stille coupling reaction. Under the conditions of an aqueous solvent at room temperature, quantitative product yields were achieved within 24.0 h employing catalyst loadings of > or = 0.005 mol % of Pd. Additionally, high TOF values of 3207 +/- 269 mol product x (mol Pd x h)(-1) have been determined for these materials. The catalytic reactivity was then examined over a set of substrates with substitutions for both functional group and halide substituents, demonstrating that the peptide-based Pd nanoparticles are reactive toward a variety of functionalities. Taken together, these bioinspired materials represent unique model systems for catalytic studies to elucidate ecologically friendly reactive species and conditions.