Heterogeneous Heck catalysis with palladium-grafted molecular sieves

The synthesis and characterization of palladium-grafted mesoporous MCM-41 material, designated Pd-TMS11, are described. The material is investigated for carbon-carbon coupling reactions (Heck catalysis) with activated and nonactivated aryl substrates. For the preparation of the new catalyst, a volatile organometallic precursor is reacted in the gas phase with the surface of the porous framework, generating a highly dispersed metal deposition. The ultrahigh surface area, the large pore opening, and the highly dispersed catalyst species in Pd-TMS11 material create one of the most active heterogeneous catalysts for Heck reactions.