Dendrimers: Solutions For Catalyst Separation and Recycling-A Review

Dendrimers provide new and practical solutions to the complex problem of catalyst separation from the product stream. Dendrimers functionalized with active metal complexes are themselves soluble, nanosized catalysts that are capable of combining the high activity and selectivity of classical homogeneous catalysts with the enhanced separation capabilities added by the macromolecule. This report reviews the recovery and recycling of metallodenchimer catalysts by different separation techniques, such as nanofiltration, precipitation, or catalyst immobilization on solid supports, or by the use of appropriate solvent media, as illustrated by representative examples.