Dendrimers in Catalysis

Abstract

Thanks to variable structures and properties, dendrimers are attractive for catalytic applications. They can act as catalytically active species, as well as, soluble supports onto which catalytically active species can be attached. Different sorts of dendrimer-encapsulated nanoparticles are used both in homogeneous and in heterogeneous catalysis. Examples of dendrimeric catalysts and their applications in many sorts of reactions, including chiral dendrimer catalysts and enantioselectivity in catalysis are given. Chiral dendrimer catalysts with a high level of molecular monodispersity, well-defined catalytic sites, and structural regularity, can be prepared either by attachment of achiral complexes to chiral dendrimer structures or by immobilization of chiral catalysts to achiral dendrimers.