Palladium and Copper: Advantageous Nanocatalysts for Multi-Step Transformations

Metal nanoparticles have been deeply studied in the last few decades due to their attractive physical and chemical properties, finding a wide range of applications in several fields. Among them, well-defined nano-structures can combine the main advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. Especially, catalyzed multi-step processes for the production of added-value chemicals represent straightforward synthetic methodologies, including tandem and sequential reactions that avoid the purification of intermediate compounds. In particular, palladium- and copper-based nanocatalysts are often applied, becoming a current strategy in the sustainable synthesis of fine chemicals. The rational tailoring of nanosized materials involving both those immobilized on solid supports and liquid phases and their applications in organic synthesis are herein reviewed.

Automated summary

Metal nanoparticles have attracted significant attention in recent decades due to their attractive physical and chemical properties, finding wide applications in various fields. Well-defined nanostructures can combine the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts, especially in catalyzing multi-step processes for producing added-value chemicals. Palladium- and copper-based nanocatalysts are commonly applied in the sustainable synthesis of fine chemicals, involving both immobilized on solid supports and liquid phases in organic synthesis applications.