Green synthesis of Pd nanoparticles mediated by Euphorbia thymifolia L. leaf extract: Catalytic activity for cyanation of aryl iodides under ligand-free conditions

Pd nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized by using aqueous extract of leaves of Euphorbia thymifolia L., a non-toxic ecofriendly material. The catalytic activity of the Pd NPs was investigated in the cyanation of aryl iodides using K4Fe(CN)(6) as the cyanating agent under ligand-free conditions. The nitriles were obtained in good to excellent yield and the catalyst can be recovered and reused for five times without significant loss of catalytic activity. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.