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Published on: November 9, 2019
Organic small-molecule-catalyzed carbonylation reactions
Mao-Lin Yang1, Le-Cheng Wang1,2, Heifei Yang1,2
1Leibniz-Institut für Katalyse e.V. Albert-Einstein-Str. 29a 18059 Rostock Germany Xiao-Feng.Wu@Catalysis.de xwu2020@dicp.ac.cn.
Organic small molecules, particularly N-heterocyclic carbenes, are emerging as powerful catalysts for carbonylation reactions. This review highlights their potential to advance sustainable chemical synthesis beyond traditional metal catalysts.
Area of Science:
- Organic Chemistry
- Catalysis
- Sustainable Chemistry
Background:
- C1 chemistry is crucial for academic and industrial applications, traditionally relying on metal catalysts.
- Organic small-molecule catalysts offer advantages for carbonylation reactions, presenting an attractive alternative.
- Exploring novel catalytic systems is key to advancing sustainable chemical synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review organic small-molecule-catalyzed carbonylation reactions.
- To emphasize the role of N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysis.
- To explore main-group species-based catalysts for sustainable carbonylation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of organic small-molecule-catalyzed carbonylation.
- Focus on N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalysts.
- Examination of oxygen, sulfur, selenium, nitrogen, and phosphine-based catalysts.
Main Results:
- Organic small molecules, especially NHCs, show significant promise in catalyzing carbonylation.
- Main-group element catalysts expand the scope of sustainable carbonylation.
- Carbonylation reactions can be viewed as catalyst-designed processes.
Conclusions:
- Organic small-molecule catalysis offers a sustainable and versatile approach to carbonylation.
- NHC and main-group catalysts are key players in advancing this field.
- Future developments in organic small molecule catalysis will drive innovation in carbonylation chemistry.
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