Palladium nanoparticles ligated with inexpensive triphenylphosphine and amphiphile PS-750-M are suitable for exploring the reactivity of carbenes in aqueous nanomicelles. Nanocatalyst is highly selective for metal–carbene migratory insertion, and micelle of PS-750-M shields the in situ generated carbene to prevent the dimerization. In addition to a broad substrate scope, the nanocatalyst is thoroughly characterized by NMR, scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The sustainability of the reaction system is demonstrated by the recyclability of both the catalyst and the micellar reaction medium at variable reaction scales. NMR and kinetics studies with the recycled catalyst revealed the retention of catalyst integrity. Control experiments including the dynamic light scattering study demonstrate the importance of PS-750-M.

Upon visible-light irradiation, the heterogeneous polymer of PDI–Cu­(I)–PDI (PDI = perylene diimide) generates charge transfer states that are subsequently quenched by molecular oxygen for their participation in redox activity. This insoluble polymeric Cu­(I) is catalytically active for the oxidation of benzylic alcohols to corresponding aldehydes when suspended in dynamic micelles of PS-750-M. A broad substrate scope, excellent selectivity, and no over-oxidation reveal the catalyst robustness. The catalytic activity, control experiments, and time-dependent DFT calculations show the charge transfer states. The polymeric catalyst is entirely recyclable, as evidenced by the recycle studies using Scott’s recyclability test. The morphology, structure, copper’s oxidation state, and the catalyst’s thermal stability are determined by SEM, XPS, and TGA analysis.

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