Enhanced catalyst recovery in an aqueous copper-free Sonogashira cross-coupling reactionElectronic supplementary information (ESI) available: Full experimental details for the synthesis of MNP-Pd, compound characterizations and base optimization study (in the frame of the reactivity study of MNP-Pd). See DOI: 10.1039/c0dt01204a

We report the synthesis of a superparamagnetic nanoparticle MNP (γ-Fe2O3/polymer) supported dendritic catalyst based on a bulky electron-rich phosphine Pd(ii) complex. The high reactivity of this catalyst is described in a copper-free Sonogashira C–C cross-coupling reaction in water, and the significant role of surfactant additives is highlighted in the recovery study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]