Novel Pd(II) complex of Schiff base encapsulated on ferrite–titania core [Pd@SB/Fe3O4–TiO2]: a recyclable nanocatalyst for Suzuki coupling and hydrogenation of aromatic nitro compounds

Developing environmentally benevolent and sustainable approaches is a vital objective of research in any field. By upholding these parameters and strategizing the methodology, herein we report the development of a new heterogeneous nanocatalyst based on Schiff base functionalized Pd(II) complex onto titania-coated magnetic nanoparticles [Pd@SB/Fe₃O₄–TiO₂]. The developed catalytic system is well characterized with various techniques such as FE-SEM, TEM, XPS, XRD, TGA, BET, FTIR, VSM, CHN, EDX, and ICP-AES analysis. The catalytic activity of [Pd@SB/Fe₃O₄–TiO₂] for the Suzuki coupling reaction to synthesize biaryls and for the hydrogenation reaction of aromatic nitro compounds to synthesize aromatic amines under sustainable reaction conditions was tested which revealed excellent results. Pd@SB/Fe₃O₄–TiO₂ showed remarkably higher activity than the homogeneous PdCl₂ and Pd(OAc)₂, which might be due to the presence of electronic synergism between support and Pd. Schiff base functionalization provides excellent support to the palladium as leaching of the metal was not observed. The magnetic core of the catalyst ascertains its easy recoverability, thereby maintaining the sustainability of the reaction. The magnetic catalyst was easily separable with the help of an external magnet and showed very good recyclability for up to six cycles with no appreciable loss in catalytic efficiency. Furthermore, the reported catalyst remains unchanged even after six consecutive runs as established by the FTIR, XPS, and XRD analysis of the recovered catalyst.