Catalysis inside dendrimers

Abstract

Catalytic sites can be placed at the core, at interior positions or at the periphery of a dendrimer. There are many examples of the use of peripherally functionalised dendrimers in catalysis and this subject has been thoroughly reviewed in the recent literature. This review is concerned only with dendrimer based catalysis involving catalytic sites at the core of a dendrimer and within the interior voids. In covering the significant achievements in this area, we have concentrated on examples that highlight key features with respect to positive and/or negative catalytic activity.