Synthesis of chitosan-supported imine palladacycles and their catalytic performances

Chitosan-supported imine palladacycle catalysts were synthesized from chitosan and benzaldehyde or its derivatives via grafting to form chitosan Schiff base, followed by treatment with Li₂PdCl₄ in methanol. These natural polymeric palladacycle catalysts are stable to air and moisture, and can catalyze the cross coupling reaction of aryl iodide with PhCH=CH₂ in high activity and selectivity. It can be reused several times by the simple filtration separation from the reaction mixture. It can provide an easy prepared and green catalytic system that is practical and highly active to synthesize stilbene and its derivatives.