Highly active reduced graphene oxide supported Ni nanoparticles for C–S coupling reactions

Air-stable Ni nanoparticles (with particle size ∼ 11 nm) supported on reduced graphene oxide [Ni(0)@RGO] was prepared by a simple and easy procedure. We previously described the Kumada–Corriu C–C cross-coupling reaction between iodo-arenes and Grignard reagents with Ni(0)RGO as a stable and efficient catalyst. This Ni(0)RGO catalyst gave an excellent yield (92%) and good recyclability (up to the 5(th) cycle). This communication confirms that the catalyst shows superior efficacy for the C–S coupling reaction, similar to that for the Kumada–Corriu C–C cross-coupling reaction. A catalytic experiment with the Ni(0)@RGO recycled material was also performed. HRTEM study of the reused material after the C–S coupling reaction confirmed the retention of the original (fresh) catalyst structure. It is reusable up to the 7(th) cycle without any activity loss.