We demonstrate that Pd/C without added ligands catalyzes the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction with aryl chlorides. The ability of heterogeneous Pd to activate the C−Cl bond is explained in terms of a synergistic anchimeric and electronic effect that occurs between the Pd surface and the aryl chloride. Furthermore, the importance of selectivity control following C−Cl bond activation is illustrated by the striking role that solvents play in determining homo- vs cross-coupling pathways of the aryl chlorides.

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The Suzuki±Miyaura cross-coupling reaction using heterogeneous Pd/C has a homogeneous component. The soluble palladium concentration increases during the reaction reaching a maximum at ca. 90% conversion before falling to < 4 ppm.

The diffusion of molecular hydrogen (H2) on a layer of graphene and in the interlayer space between the layers of graphite is studied using molecular dynamics computer simulations. The interatomic interactions were modeled by an Adaptive Intermolecular Reactive Empirical Bond Order (AIREBO) potential. Molecular statics calculations of H2 on graphene indicate binding energies ranging from 41 meV to 54 meV and migration barriers ranging from 3 meV to 12 meV. The potential energy surface of an H2 molecule on graphene, with the full relaxations of molecular hydrogen and carbon atoms is calculated. Barriers for the formation of H2 through the Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism are calculated. Molecular dynamics calculations of mean square displacements and average surface lifetimes of H2 on graphene at various temperatures indicate a diffusion barrier of 9.8 meV and a desorption barrier of 28.7 meV. Similar calculations for the diffusion of H2 in the interlayer space between the graphite sheets indicate high and low temperature regimes for the diffusion with barriers of 51.2 meV and 11.5 meV. Our results are compared with those of first principles.

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