Continuous homogeneous catalysis

This review article illustrates possible aspects for molecular-weight enlargement and immobilisation of transition-metal complexes that have been developed for bridging the gap between homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis. The recycling of homogeneous catalysts can be performed using different types of supports, such as dendrimers, hyper-branched polymers, nanostructured materials or stabilized nanoparticles in combination with suitable filtration methods and equipments. Continuous homogeneous catalysis is ideally performed in a continuously operated membrane reactor. A general overview of molecular-weight enlargement along with selected examples and recent developments in continuous homogeneous catalysis is provided. (c) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005.