Porous Silica Support for Immobilizing Chiral Metal Catalyst: Unravelling the Activity of Catalyst on Asymmetric Organic Transformations

The role of chiral metal catalysts in asymmetric reactions has developed a new forte for researchers worldwide to boost chiral synthesis in various sectors. By controlling specific interactions among chiral ligands, metal catalysts and the support material, one can design a more selective and efficient chiral heterogeneous catalytic system. Silica has been extensively used as support material in various heterogeneous systems due to its activity, stability, better recovery, and recyclability. This review details recent advances in preparation of the silica suppported chiral catalysts and their applications for various chiral transformatios such as Aldol reaction, Henry reaction, transfer hydrogenation, epoxidation, Passerini reaction etc. The review also covers different mechanisms of immobilization viz., adsorption, electrostatic and covalent interactions. The interaction mechanism of chiral metal catalyst with silica support and factors like matrix pore size and ligand confinement that influence the catalytic performance of enantioselective transformations have also been discussed.

Automated summary

The role of chiral metal catalysts in asymmetric reactions has opened up new possibilities for researchers in chiral synthesis. By controlling interactions between chiral ligands, metal catalysts, and support materials, more selective and efficient chiral heterogeneous catalytic systems can be designed. Silica, a commonly used support material, offers advantages such as activity, stability, and recyclability. This review highlights recent advances in the preparation of silica-supported chiral catalysts and their applications in various chiral transformations, as well as the mechanisms of immobilization and factors affecting catalytic performance.