Synthesis of rhodium colloidal nano-coating grafted mesoporous silica composite and its application as efficient environmentally benign catalyst for heck-type reaction of arylboronic acids

The synthesis and characterization of rhodium colloidal layer grafted mesoporous SBA-15 material, designated as SBA-Rh, are presented. In the preparation of this new catalyst, SBA-15 mesoporous material was used as support without any pretreatment. The Si-H functional groups were introduced onto the surface which resulted in highly dispersed metal colloid layer both on the outer and inner surface of the supporting material. The material was investigated for Heck-type coupling reactions of alkenes with ayboronic in organic/water solvent. The ultrahigh specific area, large pore opening, and highly dispersed catalyst species in SBARh material created one of the most active heterogeneous catalysts for such reactions. Rhodium element was not detected in the final mixture by ICP after reaction. The catalyst species showed very high stability against leaching from the matrix and can be recycled for repeated use.