The uses of polynuclear metal complexes to develop designed dispersions of supported metal oxides .2. Catalytic properties

In many catalytic reactions, the configuration, dispersion and ensemble size of the supported catalytic species have a significant impact on the activity, selectivity and product distribution of the catalyst. By using the method of molecular design, it becomes possible to fundamentally optimize these catalytic reactions, eliminating side reactions and improving the activity or selectivity of the catalyst, provided that the detailed reaction mechanisms and the structural dependencies are known. In this manuscript, several examples are presented that illustrate the dramatic effect of the ensemble size of the supported catalytic species on the catalytic behavior. It is evidenced how supported metal oxides may be prepared to have quite different catalytic properties.