Synthesis of palladium nanoparticles with leaf extract of Chrysophyllum cainito (Star apple) and their applications as efficient catalyst for C-C coupling and reduction reactions

A simple green chemical method for the one-step synthesis of palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) has been described by reducing palladium (II) chloride with the leaf extract of Chrysophyllum cainito in aqueous medium. The synthesis of the palladium nanoparticles completed within 2-3 h at room temperature, whereas on heat treatment (70-80 degrees C), the synthesis of colloidal PdNPs completed almost instantly. The stabilized PdNPs have been characterized in detail by spectroscopic, electron microscopic and light scattering measurements. The synthesized PdNPs have been utilized as a green catalyst for C-C coupling reactions under aerobic and phosphine-free conditions in aqueous medium. In addition, the synthesized PdNPs have also been utilized as a catalyst for a very efficient sodium borohydride reduction of 3- and 4-nitrophenols. The synthesized PdNPs can retain their catalytic activity for several months.