Multifunctional Polyoxometalates as Catalysts for Environmentally Benign Processes

Abstract

In the face of declining natural resources and growing environmental deterioration, the coming generations of catalysts, and in particular oxidation catalysts, will need to address not only the conventional limitations of selectivity, rate and stability but also the emerging limitations imposed by the changing reality regarding resources and environment. An approach to develop flexible (modifiable) catalytic methodologies that addresses all these potential difficulties simultaneously will be presented. The use of multifunctional polyoxometalates as catalysts themselves or polyoxometalate fragments as catalytic components will be outlined.

Key Words:

• environmentally benign catalysis
• selective oxidation
• aerobic oxidations
• multifunctional polyoxometalates