From the grafting of NHC-based Pd(II) complexes onto TiO2 to the in situ generation of Mott-Schottky heterojunctions: The boosting effect in the Suzuki-Miyaura reaction. Do the evolved Pd NPs act as reservoirs?

The assumption that the real active species involved in Suzuki-Miyaura reaction are homogeneous, heterogeneous or both is often proposed. However a lack of characterization true catalytic entities and their monitoring makes assumptions somewhat elusive. Here, with aim getting new insights into formation reaction, family palladium(II) complexes bearing bis(NHC) ligands was synthesized for immobilization at surface TiO2. studies reveal once anchored onto TiO2, mechanism governing different from observed non-anchored complexes. All evolved to Pd NPs TiO2 under conditions released liquid phase. Also, this reactivity boosted by situ generation Mott-Schottky heterojunctions, opening routes towards design heterogenized catalysts further implementation reverse-flow reactors.