Role of transition metal nanocomposites in organic reactions: A state of art as an alternative to conventional catalysts

Abstract

Nanocomposites play vital role as catalyst during organic reactions because of high aspect ratio and greater surface area of nanostructured materials. The strong interfacial interaction of reactant with the surface of nanocomposites during reaction gives an enhancement in rate and yield of the product. The present review reveals a critical analysis regarding the function of transition metal based nanocomposites during catalytic action in various organic reactions. Catalytic action of transition metal based nanocomposites in combination with other carbon based nanomaterials, polymeric materials as well as with other metals or metal oxides are extensively elaborated in this review. The change in yields, duration of reaction, atom economy, and effect of solvent along with selectivity of organic reactions are monitored by various transition metal based nanocomposites. Reduction, oxidation, epoxidation, hydrogenation, halogenation and coupling reactions are appreciably reviewed considering the catalytic effect of these nanocomposites. The role of different nanocatalysts in various known name reactions in organic chemistry is also studied. Hence, present review explores new methods of using transition metal based nanostructured catalysts following the principle of green chemistry by replacing the traditional catalysts and reagents in organic synthesis.