Abstract

During the past fifteen years, the use of chemically modified cyclodextrins (CDs) in aqueous organometallic catalysis has significantly contributed to enlarge the application field of biphasic processes in chemistry. In this paper, we describe how these supramolecular receptors became one of the most efficient solutions to solve mass transfer problems in aqueous organometallic catalysis. The scientific gaps that have been cleared to explain the exact role of the CDs in these biphasic systems are especially emphasized. In particular, the impact of supramolecular interactions between chemically modified CDs and substrates, water soluble ligands or organometallic catalysts is addressed for a better understanding of the recognition processes involved in the catalytic reactions.

Keywords: Cyclodextrins, water, organometallic catalysis, water-soluble phosphines, host-guest chemistry, recognition