Supported nanosized palladium on superparamagnetic composite microspheres as an efficient catalyst for Heck reaction

A magnetically separable palladium catalyst has been easily synthesized by immobilizing palladium nanoparticles on the surface of superparamagnetic composite microspheres. It can promote Heck cross-coupling reactions efficiently without an inert atmosphere. The novel catalyst can be conveniently recovered by applying a permanent magnet externally and reused at least six times without significant loss of its catalytic activity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.