Reversible Immobilization of a Molecular Catalyst and Challenges of Catalyst Characterization

Abstract

The immobilization of molecular catalysts on support materials enables the combination of easy separation of solid catalysts with the high activity and selectivity of molecular catalysts. We have been able to apply a cross-metathesis reaction between terminal olefins, as versatile tool with which to reversibly immobilize ligands and complexes on a support material. Diphosphine ligands and corresponding complexes can be covalently immobilized and then split again from the support material after use in catalytic reactions, and subsequently be reused by repeated immobilization. The method is widely applicable and offers, therefore, an interesting approach to a covalent, but reversible immobilization of various molecular catalysts.