Carbocatalysis: Heterogeneous carbons finding utility in synthetic chemistry

In this minireview, we discuss the utility of heterogeneous carbons as catalysts for facilitating a broad range of synthetic transformations. While such materials are commonly used as supports for transition metals that are catalytically active, carbons that are free of metals are also capable of enabling useful chemical reactions. Carbon catalysts hold promise in the development of sustainable alternatives to existing metal-dependent processes, as well as the discovery of mechanisms and transformations that are altogether new. Spanning from the 1930s to the present day, we provide a broad overview of the utility of carbon to facilitate various oxidation, reduction, and bond forming processes. Lastly, we will present some challenges for the future of the field.