Magnetically recyclable palladium nanoparticles (Fe3O4-Pd) for oxidative coupling between amides and olefins at room temperature

A convenient method for the synthesis of magnetically recyclable palladium nanoparticles (Fe3O4-Pd) is described. The catalytic application of the Fe3O4-Pd nanoparticles was explored for the first time in oxidative coupling between amides and olefins. p-Toluenesulfonic acid plays a significant role in the oxidative amidation reaction. The reaction proceeds at room temperature, resulting in (Z)-enamides under ambient air in the absence of co-catalyst and ligand. The superparamagnetic nature of Fe3O4-Pd facilitates easy, quantitative recovery of the catalyst from a reaction mixture, and it can be reused for up to three consecutive cycles with a slight decrease in catalytic activity.