Homogeneous Catalysis in Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

The utilization of SCFs as reaction media for metal-complex-catalyzed reactions has received growing attention in the last decade [1]. In fact, the peculiar properties of SCFs (high diffusivity, low viscosity, compressibility, tuneable solvent properties, etc) can make advantageous the use of SCFs as media for metal-complex catalyzed reactions in place of conventional solvents. Possible benefits are: a) enhanced reaction rates and selectivities, as a result of the high solubility of gaseous reactants in SCFs, fast diffusion of solutes, weakening of solvation effects; b) easier separation of reactants, catalyst, and products, after reaction; c) elimination of solvent residues and wastes.