Advancing Heterogeneous Organic Synthesis With Coordination Chemistry‐Empowered Single‐Atom Catalysts

• Published in: Advanced materials (Weinheim) 2024-11, Vol.36 (45), p.e2402747-n/a
• Main Authors: Ye, Bo‐Chao, Li, Wen‐Hao, Zhang, Xia, Chen, Jian, Gao, Yong, Wang, Dingsheng, Pan, Hongge
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Catalysts; Chemical reactions; Chemical synthesis; coordination chemistry; Coordination compounds; coordination structure‐efficacy relationships; Effectiveness; organic synthesis; Reaction mechanisms; single‐atom catalysts; Steric hindrance; Surface stability
• ISSN: 0935-9648; 1521-4095; 1521-4095
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.202402747

For traditional metal complexes, intricate chemistry is required to acquire appropriate ligands for controlling the electron and steric hindrance of metal active centers. Comparatively, the preparation of single‐atom catalysts is much easier with more straightforward and effective accesses for the arrangement and control of metal active centers. The presence of coordination atoms or neighboring functional atoms on the supports' surface ensures the stability of metal single‐atoms and their interactions with individual metal atoms substantially regulate the performance of metal active centers. Therefore, the collaborative interaction between metal and the surrounding coordination environment enhances the initiation of reaction substrates and the formation and transformation of crucial intermediate compounds, which imparts single‐atom catalysts with significant catalytic efficacy, rendering them a valuable framework for investigating the correlation between structure and activity, as well as the reaction mechanism of catalysts in organic reactions. Herein, comprehensive overviews of the coordination interaction for both homogeneous metal complexes and single‐atom catalysts in organic reactions are provided. Additionally, reflective conjectures about the advancement of single‐atom catalysts in organic synthesis are also proposed to present as a reference for later development. Evolution of coordination chemistry makes all the difference for single‐atom catalytic organic synthesis. The relationship between the coordination structure and coordination effect of SACs and their action mode in organic synthesis is clarified. Current challenges and outlook are also described for potentially leading to the emergence of new catalytic insights.