Effects of medium and nickel salt source in the synthesis and catalytic performance of nano-sized nickel in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction

Abstract

In this contribution, the influence of the origin of the nickel salts and the applied temperature were investigated on the preparation of Ni nanoparticles by the reduction of hydrazine. The nanoparticles obtained were characterized by X-ray diffractometry, dynamic light scattering as well as transmission and scanning electron microscopies. Several nickel salts proved to be applicable; however, only the bromide and iodide nickel halides could be transformed into metallic nickel form under room temperature. Their catalytic activities were also tested in the cross-coupling reaction between iodobenzene and phenylboronic acid, and it was found that most catalysts performed superbly. An experimentally supported explanation for the varying catalytic activities of Ni nanoparticles derived from various halide salts is offered. Furthermore, an unusual crystal rearrangement was observed during the catalytic tests.