Pd-induced phase separation in poly(methyl methacrylate) telopolymer: synthesis of nanostructured catalytic Pd nanorods

Nanostructured palladium (Pd) is attractive for diverse applications owing to their unique properties compared to their bulk materials. Here, in this study, we have explored Pd-induced phase separation in functional sulfur containing poly(methyl methacrylate) telopolymer, which allowed synthesis of Pd nanorods with specific crystallographic facets. Pd nanorods were applied in water-mediated Suzuki coupling reaction of least reactive aryl chlorides with a quantitative yield of 99% under ambient laboratory conditions, free of phase-transfer agents. The origin of the high activity is ascribed to the highly active sites along the wavy Pd nanorod surface. The catalyst can be recycled and repeated over number of catalytic cycles. Graphical abstract