Functionalization of mesoporous silicas as powders for support and immobilization of Pd catalysts and as monolithic framework for building strong lightweight materials

Immobilization of catalysts is a promising approach to combine the advantages of heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts. Pd(PPh₃)₂Cl₂ known as an extremely active homogeneous catalyst for the Sonogashira coupling reaction has been immobilized on high surface area MCF (mesocellular foams)-type mesoporous silica powder modified with 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The functionalized MCF-type silica and supported catalysts have been characterized by FTIR, BET, and Elemental Analysis. Such supported Pd catalysts have proven to be useful reagents for copper-, and amine-free Sonogashira reactions for the coupling of haloaromatic compounds and alkynes --Abstract, page iv