Low temperature recyclable catalyst for Heck reactions using ultrasound

The Heck reaction of iodobenzene with methyl acrylate in NMP as a solvent has been studied using Pd/C as a catalyst in the presence of ultrasound at room temperature. The ultrasound increased the rate of the reaction. The effect of base, solvent and recyclability of catalyst were studied in the presence of ultrasound and without ultrasound. The reaction only takes place in the presence of ultrasound. The catalyst could be recycled using HCOONa-ultrasound. (c) 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.