Emergence of Stimuli-Controlled Switchable Bifunctional Catalysts

Can a single catalyst perform more than one ‘type’ of reaction? If we consider traditional design of catalysts, then the answer would probably be ‘no’. However, with the advancement of catalyst design concepts, chemists have been able to demonstrate the above task, thanks to ‘stimuli-switchable bifunctional catalysts’. Within the nascent research area of ‘artificial switchable catalysis’, this new type of system offers the potential to achieve complex functions which are otherwise difficult or impossible. This Synpacts article highlights the rise of these new-generation catalysts. 1 Introduction 2 Key Advances 3 Conclusion