Dendrimers in catalysis

Dendrimers are well-defined hyperbranched macromolecules, with the larger ones having characteristic globular structures. These novel materials have been investigated intensively in recent decades, and among other potential applications, they are suitable as soluble supports for homogeneous transition metal complex catalysts. These catalysts offer the advantage of easy separation from products and recycling as well as the potential advantages of unique catalytic properties, including high activity, selectivity, and stability. In this chapter, the current state of research in dendrimer catalysis is reviewed, with emphasis on the importance of the location of the catalyst in the dendritic framework (e.g., at the core or at the periphery). Several approaches to the separation of dendrimer catalysts are evaluated, and unique dendritic effects in catalysis are discussed.