Studies on the catalytic ability of palladium wire, foil and sponge in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling

Different forms of metallic palladium (wire, foil and sponge) have been tested as potential catalysts in the Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling. All samples showed to be catalytically active for both electron-poor and electron-rich aryl bromides combined with a variety of arylboronic acids. Palladium wire has been recycled six times without decrease of activity. A series of poisoning experiments demonstrated that the true catalyst is a soluble form of palladium arising from a leaching process. Interestingly, metal leaching from palladium foil has been clearly evidenced by SEM.