Homogeneously-catalyzed syntheses in supercritical fluids

Supercritical fluids (SCFs) differ from liquid solvents in a number of important properties, any of which could potentially alter the performance of a chemical reaction performed in a supercritical medium. Although rate, yield and selectivity improvements as well as environmental, health and engineering benefits are all possible, little research has been reported on homogeneously-catalyzed syntheses in SCFs. Several notable successes plus new techniques for solubilizing hydrophilic reagents in SCFs are encouraging further research in this growing field.