INNOVATION:  The highlight of the catalyst is its generation and stabilization in water, which enables large-scale organic syntheses to be carried out in water. The reaction products can then be extracted with a minimal volume of an organic solvent. This not only leads to a more environmentally friendly process, but the products can be separated from the catalyst with a simple organic workup. Furthermore, the reaction doesn't require an inert environment.

In reactions incorporating the catalyst, the catalyst was found to be very active. In other words, less expensive and less reactive reagents worked as well as more expensive and more reactive agents.

As little as 1 mole percent catalyst could be used without affecting the reaction rate or yield. In fact, 0.01 mole percent of the catalyst could drive the reaction, although the reaction occurred more slowly. Furthermore, the catalyst could be recovered and recycled at least six times while still producing a high yield.

POTENTIAL APPLICATIONS 

• The catalyst can be used to synthesize pharmaceutical compounds much more cheaply and efficiently.
• Large-scale processes can be made to be more environmentally friendly.

ADVANTAGES

• Water can be used as the reaction medium; there is no need for an organic solvent. This can lead to "greener" reactions that are more environmentally friendly.
• The overall cost of large-scale reactions will decrease since water can be used as the reaction medium, in lieu of an organic solvent.
• Separating the product from the catalyst is easily achieved with a simple organic workup.
• The catalyst is cheap to synthesize and is recyclable and recoverable.
• The catalyst also allows for the use of more cost effective reagents and ligands.

DEVELOPMENT-TO-DATE:  The research team is looking to further reduce the cost of the catalyst. They are also planning to test the catalyst in more reactions of practical interest.

Reference: UCLA Case No. 2007-192