Zeolitic imidazolate frameworks-67 (ZIF-67) supported PdCu nanoparticles for enhanced catalytic activity in Sonogashira-Hagihara and nitro group reduction under mild conditions

A bimetallic PdCu supported on amine functionalized ZIF-67 is shown to be efficient catalyst in Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling reaction of aryl iodides at room temperature and aryl bromides at 40 ºC. In addition, the catalyst is used in the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) at room temperature. The analyses of several experiments are developed in order to demonstrate the existence of synergetic affects between Pd, Cu and Co particles in the named reactions. The stability and reusability of this catalyst are also assessed and its efficiency is compared with other reported catalysts in the same transformations.