| This project was aimed at synthesizing self-assembled monolayer protected gold nanoparticles (MPCs) as novel catalyst support materials for the immobilization of catalytic ligands and investigating these functionalized MPCs' catalytic activities by comparing them to those of their parent homogeneous catalysts. In this project, four different ligands that have alpha, o bifunctional groups---one to be used for attachment onto the gold surface in this case while the other one remained available for the demand application, coordination to a transition metal catalyst---have been successfully synthesized. The synthesis of functionalized MPCs was also achieved. Finally, these novel functionalized MPCs, together with Pd(OAc)2 as a heterogeneous catalyst, were employed in the Suzuki coupling reaction. |
