Highly active reduced graphene oxide supported Ni nanoparticles for C-S coupling reactions

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Organic Chemistry
• Catalysis

Background:

• Nickel nanoparticles supported on reduced graphene oxide (Ni(0)@RGO) have been previously established as efficient catalysts for Kumada-Corriu C-C cross-coupling reactions.
• The Ni(0)@RGO catalyst demonstrated excellent yield (92%) and recyclability up to the 5th cycle in C-C coupling reactions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of the air-stable Ni(0)@RGO catalyst in C-S coupling reactions.
• To evaluate the recyclability and structural integrity of the Ni(0)@RGO catalyst after C-S coupling reactions.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of air-stable Ni nanoparticles (∼11 nm) supported on reduced graphene oxide (Ni(0)@RGO).
• Catalytic testing of Ni(0)@RGO in C-S coupling reactions.
• Recycling experiments and structural analysis (HRTEM) of the used catalyst.

Main Results:

• The Ni(0)@RGO catalyst exhibited superior efficacy in C-S coupling reactions, comparable to its performance in C-C coupling.
• The catalyst was successfully recycled up to the 7th cycle for C-S coupling without any loss of activity.
• High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirmed the retention of the original catalyst structure after reuse.

Conclusions:

• The Ni(0)@RGO catalyst is highly effective and reusable for C-S coupling reactions.
• The catalyst's structural stability ensures sustained activity over multiple cycles.
• This study highlights the potential of Ni(0)@RGO as a robust and recyclable catalyst in organic synthesis.