Ligand design in coordination chemistry: approaches to new catalysts, new materials, and a more sustainable environment

An overview of ligand design in the field of coordination chemistry is presented in a perspective format. Four major areas in coordination chemistry, where design and synthesis of ligands are crucial, are reviewed. We show that for successes in research leading towards new catalysts, new materials, insight is biocatalysis and for a sustainable environment, controlled ligand design is a crucial element.