An efficient Pd-NHC catalyst system in situ generated from Na(2)PdCl(4) and PEG-functionalized imidazolium salts for Mizoroki-Heck reactions in water.

Three PEG-functionalized imidazolium salts L1-L3 were designed and prepared from commercially available materials via a simple method. Their corresponding water soluble Pd-NHC catalysts, in situ generated from the imidazolium salts L1-L3 and Na(2)PdCl(4) in water, showed impressive catalytic activity for aqueous Mizoroki-Heck reactions. The kinetic study revealed that the Pd catalyst derived from the imidazolium salt L1, bearing a pyridine-2-methyl substituent at the N3 atom of the imidazole ring, showed the best catalytic activity. Under the optimal conditions, a wide range of substituted alkenes were achieved in good to excellent yields from various aryl bromides and alkenes with the catalyst TON of up to 10,000.