Springer Immobilized Catalysts: Solid Phases, Immobilization and Applications: 242 (Topics in Current Chemistry, 242)

Over the last decade the environmental setup has changed for synthetic organ ic chemists to a considerable degree. So far synthetic organic chemistry had focussed on methodology development which mainly deals with the develop ment of new reactions as well as new reagents and catalysts. These ought to be able to perform preferentially highly selective (chemo-, regio-and stereose lective) synthetic transformations, often applied in the context of complex and highly functionalized molecules. Except for the synthesis of peptides and oligonucleic acids, little attention has been spent on the question of how synthesis can be carried out in an envi ronment of sophisticated technologies which includes improved hardware. While peptides and oligonucleotides are conveniently prepared by Merrifield's solid phase technique, solution phase synthesis of most other synthetic targets have not been substantially replaced by this solid phase approach. Without discussing this aspect in detail it is obvious that today a renaissance of sophis ticated solution phase synthesis can be noted. Immobilization of reagents and particularly catalysts, an old concept indeed, recently returned back onto the stage and this is addressed in this volume of Topics in Current Chemistry in a broader sense. Review Journal of the American Chemical Society, 127/2005: This volume contains eight chapters, written by leading experts in their fields, that cover a variety of different aspects of immobilized catalysts. Although it would be impossible for this book to be fully comprehensive, the authors have done an excellent job of covering the most recent key developments in the field. Topics covered include polymeric supports, noncovalently bound catalysts, immobilized palladium catalysts for organic synthesis, applications of catalysts on soluble supports, microwave-assisted synthesis, continuous flow processes, industrial applications, and immobilized biocatalysts in industrial research and production. This will prove to be a valuable reference work for those already involved in the field and also for those contemplating entering it. It should be on the shelves of every good chemistry library.