Striding the threshold of an atom era of organic synthesis by single-atom catalysis

In the history of synthesis, people applied heat, electricity, and other means to expand the synthesis field, thus promoting the construction of the magnificent material world. However, with the time passing, beyond the synthetic methods used in a laboratory, are there other solutions? The arising concept of single-atom catalysts (SACs) expands synthesis to the atomic scale. Through the finetuned and atom-level methods, people can obtain a catalytic scheme completely different from homogeneous catalysis, ultimately realizing the high-efficient, economical, and precise catalysis of synthesis. In this review, we focus on the latest development of synthesis involving SACs in the past 10 years. By discussing the reaction mechanism and combining the advantages of SACs, the structure-activity relationship is clarified, and the catalytic nature and general uses of SACs in the synthesis are summarized. Finally, we propose the opportunities, challenges, and development directions of SACs in organic synthesis in the next step.

Automated summary

This review focuses on the latest developments in synthesis involving single-atom catalysts (SACs) in the past 10 years, including reaction mechanisms, structure-activity relationships, and the catalytic nature and general uses of SACs in synthesis.