Catalysts based on palladium dendrimers

Abstract

This report reviews the role of palladium dendrimers in catalysis as (a) soluble macromolecules for the support of catalysts, that are separable by nanofiltration techniques; (b) ligand-modifiers that can create specific metal nanoenvironments and tune the solubility of the catalyst; (c) spacers for the support of molecular catalysts that can proportionate a more homogeneous-like environment to the supported catalytic sites; and (d) precursors for the synthesis of mono- and bimetallic nanoparticles of controlled size and narrow size distribution. Some examples of catalysis with related metal systems, such as star-shaped molecules or hyperbranched polymers, are also given.