Abstract:

The Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction is a powerful tool for organic transformations and has been widely used in the synthesis of drugs, natural products, dyes, etc. However, this reaction has not been promoted in undergraduate laboratories due to the expense of the catalyst and the complexity of the reaction. Herein, we present a green organic synthesis experiment utilizing recyclable, commercially available tetraamminepalladium chloride as a catalyst in the Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, significantly reducing experimental costs. Furthermore, this experiment has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, a fast reaction rate, convenient product separation, and the use of water as a solvent, demonstrating the safety benefits of green chemistry and rendering it suitable for integration into an upper-division undergraduate course. While engaging with a Nobel Prize-winning organic synthesis reaction, students will gain an appreciation for green chemistry and catalyst recycling in traditional metal-catalyzed organic reactions, and the advantages in terms of energy savings, emission reduction, and sustainable development.

Key words: Green chemistry, Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling reaction, Water, Recyclable catalyst, Undergraduate laboratory teaching