Structure-Defined 3D Nanocomposite Polymer Networks: Versatile Heterogeneous Catalytic Platforms in Organic Synthesis

Colloidal polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized Pd nanoparticles were embedded within 1,2-bis(2-iodoethoxy) ethane (BIEE)-crosslinked poly(2-dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate homopolymer networks with defined structural characteristics. In the presented synthetic approach, the crosslinking step is realised in ambient conditions, thus avoiding nanoparticle agglomeration phenomena. These 3D polymer-based nanocomposite networks were evaluated as heterogeneous catalysts for Heck, Suzuki-Miyaura and Sonogashira coupling reactions. High catalytic activity and reusability was demonstrated in Heck reactions, substrate-specific outcomes were observed in Sonogashira couplings, while poor reactivity was observed in Suzuki-Miyaura couplings. The existing diversity in material structure and composition allows for further improvements leading to highly stable and robust 3D polymer-based nanocomposite heterogeneous catalysts that could find use in a wide range of transition metal-catalysed organic reactions.