Toward the Ideal Catalyst: From Atomic Centers to a “Cocktail” of Catalysts

The current state of the art and perspectives of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis are discussed for C–C and C–heteroatom bond formation in organic synthesis. The relationship between catalyst centers represented by a single metal atom and by multiple metal atoms is considered for reactions taking place in solution. The influence of leaching and catalyst evolution in the liquid phase on the activity, selectivity, and stability of the catalyst is highlighted from a mechanistic point of view. Metal nanoparticle and “nanosalt” types of catalysts are compared for constructing new C–C and C–heteroatom bonds.