Micellar Catalysis as a Tool for C-H Bond Functionalization To-ward C-C Bond Formation

Abstract

Micelles generated upon dissolving surfactants in water can be employed as nano-vessels for catalytic transformations, in the so-called micellar catalysis methodology. This review is focused onto the use of micellar catalysis in the context of the catalytic functionalization of carbon-hydrogen bonds. The micelles accumulate catalyst and reactants in their inner volume in such a high local concentration that kinetics are favored. The consequence is that in most cases, processes that in conventional organic solvents require high temperatures and long reaction times are achieved in milder conditions when micellar catalysis is employed.