Design of Heterogeneous Organosilica-Based Catalytic Systems for Efficient and Selective Catalysis

Orit Cohen, Organic and Organometalic Chemistry, The hebrew University of Jerusalem , Jerusalem, Israel

Regio- and enantioselective catalysis is indispensable for the efficient and atom-economical organic synthesis. Therefore, many chemical industries seek to replace classical organic transformations with catalytic ones. The criteria of ideal industrial catalysts are: i) lifetime and stability against heat, poisoning and variation of reaction parameters; ii) low cost and recoverability; iii) reproducibility, efficiency and selectivity.

While homogenous catalysts are normally more efficient and selective than the heterogeneous ones, only heterogeneous catalysts are practically attractive for large scale syntheses as they are stable in greater extent, recoverable and sustainable. Of course, enhancement of their activity is still an important issue.

In this research we wish to focus on the design and synthesis of new organosilicas as functional heterogeneous supports for molecular or nano-catalysts. According to our hypothesis, the functional framework can play an active role in catalysis thus enhancing their activity and selectivity.