Suzuki cross-coupling reaction over a palladium–pyridine complex immobilized on hydrotalcite

A catalyst consisting of a Pd(II) complex immobilized on the surface of a layered double hydroxide (LDH) was prepared. The Pd–LDH complex proved effective in the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction under very mild conditions (viz. a temperature of 55 °C and atmospheric pressure); in fact, it provided conversion and selectivity results surpassing those of existing heterogeneous phase catalysts and most homogeneous phase catalysts for the same purpose. The support and the active phase of the catalyst were characterized by using various instrumental techniques including X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy. Of the inorganic bases used in combination with the catalyst, potassium carbonate was found to provide the best results in the reaction.