Pd-Catalysed carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings using Fe(CO)5 under mild conditions: generation of a highly active, recyclable and scalable ‘Pd–Fe’ nanocatalyst

The dual function and role of iron(0) pentacarbonyl [Fe(CO)5] has been identified in gaseous CO-free carbonylative Suzuki–Miyaura cross-couplings, in which Fe(CO)5 supplied CO in situ, leading to the propagation of catalytically active Pd–Fe nanoparticles. Compared with typical carbonylative reaction conditions, CO gas (at high pressures), specialised exogenous ligands and inert reaction conditions were avoided. Our developed reaction conditions are mild, do not require specialised CO high pressure equipment, and exhibit wide functional group tolerance, giving a library of biaryl ketones in good yields.