Proof of Concept: Interface of Recyclable Organogels with Embedded Palladium Nanoparticles Catalyzing Suzuki–Miyaura Coupling in Water at Room Temperature

[Image: see text] A sustainable approach for C–C cross-coupling reaction at room temperature in water has been developed to avoid tedious Pd separation, reduce the carbon footprint, and save energy. Another important aspect is the catalyst recycling and easy product separation. α,γ-Hybrid peptides were designed to selectively use as a ligand for C–C cross-coupling catalysts as well as to form organogels. The peptides form antiparallel sheet-like structures in the solid state. The peptide containing m-aminobenzoic acid, glycine, and dimethylamine forms a whitish gel in toluene, and co-gelation with Pd(OAc)(2) results in light brown gel, which acts as a biphasic catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling at room temperature in water by mild shaking. The organic–inorganic hybrid gel was characterized by rheology, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray analyses. On completion of the cross-coupling reaction, the basic aqueous layer (containing products) above the gel can be simply decanted and the intact organic–inorganic hybrid gel can be recycled by topping-up fresh reactants multiple times. The reaction permitted a range of different substitution patterns for aryl and heterocyclic halides with acid or phenol functional groups. Both electron-donating- and electron-withdrawing-substituted substrates exhibited good results for this transformation. The findings inspire toward a holistic green technology for Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction and an innovative avenue for catalyst recycling and product isolation.