Solvothermal single‐pot synthesis of Pd‐Fe3O4@GO catalyst: Enhanced catalytic performance in Sonogashira coupling reactions

Abstract

In this study, we present a new approach to synthesizing a magnetically separable Pd‐Fe3O4@GO catalyst using a simple single‐pot method. The catalyst was employed in Sonogashira coupling reactions, demonstrating excellent results. The catalyst was studied using a various characterization method, including X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscope–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) mapping, TEM, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR, and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS). Pd‐Fe3O4@GO exhibited superior catalytic activity compared with its conventional counterparts in phenylacetylene‐iodobenzene coupling reactions under copper co‐catalyzed‐free and ligand‐free conditions, with a higher turnover frequency (TOF) of 118.3 h−1. Optimized conditions yielded high yields for various substrates, including inactive aryl chloride and bromide substrates, emphasizing its versatility. Also, a reaction mechanism was proposed and a kinetic model was developed. The catalyst's green chemistry potential was highlighted because of its high efficiency, purity of products, recoverability, and ease of preparation. Moreover, Pd‐Fe3O4@GO demonstrated impressive stability through multiple recycling rounds without loss of functionality, making it a promising tool for sustainable chemical processes.