A magnetic palladium nickel carbon nanocomposite as a heterogeneous catalyst for the synthesis of distyrylbenzene and biphenyl derivatives

A magnetic palladium nickel carbon (Fe3O4@Pd@Ni/C) nanocomposite has been synthesized using a simple one-pot procedure via a hydrothermal approach. Ferric nitrate, palladium acetate, and nickel nitrate were dissolved in water together with glucose, and the mixture was heated in an autoclave. The Fe3O4@Pd@Ni/C nanocomposite was characterized via XRD, TEM, FE-SEM, VSM, EDS, and XPS studies. The catalytic abilities of the Fe3O4@Pd@Ni/C nanocomposite were investigated for the synthesis of distyrylbenzene and 9,10-distyrylanthracene derivatives. This method shows obvious advantages, such as the recyclability of the catalyst, simple experimental operation, and the obtaining of good to excellent yields.