Bifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles as cooperative catalysts for the Tsuji-Trost reaction--tuning the reactivity of silica nanoparticles.

Bifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) bearing Pd-complexes and additional basic sites were prepared and tested as cooperative active catalysts in the Tsuji-Trost allylation of ethyl acetoacetate. Functionalization of the MSNs was realized by postmodification using click-chemistry. The selectivity of mono versus double allylation was achieved by control of reaction temperature and the nature of the catalyst.

Preparation of bifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles by orthogonal click reactions and their application in cooperative catalysis.

The synthesis of bifunctional mesoporous silica nanoparticles is described. Two chemically orthogonal functionalities are incorporated into mesoporous silica by co-condensation of tetraethoxysilane with two orthogonally functionalized triethoxyalkylsilanes. Post-functionalization is achieved by orthogonal surface chemistry.