Single‐Atom Catalysis in Organic Synthesis

• Published in: Angewandte Chemie 2023-08, Vol.135 (34), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Saptal, Vitthal B., Ruta, Vincenzo, Bajada, Mark A., Vilé, Gianvito
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysis; Catalysts; Chemical synthesis; Chemistry; Green Chemistry; Industrial Organic Chemistry; Reactivity; Single-Atom Catalysts; Synthetic Methods
• ISSN: 0044-8249; 1521-3757
• DOI: 10.1002/ange.202219306

Single‐atom catalysts hold the potential to significantly impact the chemical sector, pushing the boundaries of catalysis in new, uncharted directions. These materials, featuring isolated metal species ligated on solid supports, can exist in many coordination environments, all of which have shown important functions in specific transformations. Their emergence has also provided exciting opportunities for mimicking metalloenzymes and bridging the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. This Review outlines the impressive progress made in recent years regarding the use of single‐atom catalysts in organic synthesis. We also illustrate potential knowledge gaps in the search for more sustainable, earth‐abundant single‐atom catalysts for synthetic applications. Single‐atom catalysts, featuring atomically dispersed metals on solid carriers, offer limitless possibilities for new, sustainable transformations in the chemical sector. These materials bridge the gap between organometallic and nanoparticle catalysis and are opening exciting avenues for mimicking metalloenzymes. This Review summarizes the impressive progress and potential knowledge gaps in the use of single‐atom catalysts in organic synthesis.