CHAPTER 7: Pd Nanoparticles in C–C Coupling Reactions

Transition metal nanoparticles play an exceedingly important role in driving catalytic reactions. The maximization of the surface-to-volume ratio achieved by materials on the nanoscale is critically important toward enhancing reaction rates; however, the ligands bound to the metallic surface to impart particle stabilization can lead to catalytic poisoning. This is especially true for C–C coupling reactions, where current studies have demonstrated remarkable catalytic activity from a variety of Pd nanoparticles. In this chapter, recent advances in the use of ligand-stabilized Pd nanoparticles to drive C–C coupling reactions are reviewed. Particular emphasis is focused on environmentally-friendly and energy efficient coupling reactions using pseudo-homogeneous catalysts, where modern studies have suggested such capabilities could arise for nanocatalytic materials.