3d transition metal-based single-atom catalyst as an emerging field for environmentally benign organic transformation reactions

Abstract

Single-atom catalysts (SACs) show potential applications for various organic transformation reactions due to their easy recyclability, high exposure to active sites, and unique electronic structures. Owing to highly exposed active sites, SACs exhibit superior catalytic activity and chemoselectivity compared to metal nanoparticles. This mini-review comprehensively outlines the recent progress in chemoselective hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, C–C and C–N cross-coupling reactions, peroxymonosulfate activation, production of hydrogen and ammonia by employing 3d transition metals such as Co, Cu, Fe, Ni-based SACs. These reactions are key steps in organic synthetic chemistry and pharmaceutical industries, and utilizing earth-abundant 3d-metal SACs without compromising the selectivity and activity made these reactions cost-effective, sustainable, and industrially applicable. We also illustrate the mechanistic pathways for these reactions and highlight the key challenges and future opportunities to improve the existing SACs. Moreover, we believe that this review may help to address the existing issues of chemoselectivity in organic synthesis as well as promote the development of SACs. © 2024 Elsevier B.V.