Nanotechnology

Organic chemistry

Amphiphile

Transition metal

Micelle

Catalysis

Copolymer

Aqueous solution

Chemistry

Nanoreactor

Materials science

Polymer

Organic synthesis

Chemistry - A European Journal

Recent developments over the past few years in aqueous micellar catalysis are discussed. Applications to problems in synthesis are highlighted, enabled by the use of surfactants that self-aggregate in water into micelles as nanoreactors. These include amphiphiles that have been available for some time, as well as those that have been newly designed. Reactions catalyzed by transition metals, including Pd, Cu, Rh, and Au, are of particular focus.

The Hydrophobic Effect Applied to Organic Synthesis: Recent Synthetic Chemistry “in Water”