On the role of surfactants: rethinking “aqueous” chemistry

Abstract

Some of the latest technological developments involving chemistry in water are discussed.

Micelles Enabled Nickel-Catalyzed P-Arylation of Aromatic Phosphine Oxide in Water Under Mild Conditions

“…A controlled experiment was carried out in the presence of 3-fluoro phenylboronic acid, and we observed multiple signals from −116.2 to −116.9 ppm (Figure 6e). Similarly, we observed three distinct signals at 33.2, 23.2, and 16.4 ppm in 31 P NMR due to the presence of different intermediates (Figure 6f).…”

“…The Ni(0) complex IM4 is oxidized to Ni(II) in the presence of air to continue the catalytic cycle. 65 However, when we performed the standard reaction in nitrogen (N 2 ) atmosphere using freshly degassed aq CNSL-1000-M solution, we noticed an 80% conversion in 31 P NMR. These results indicate that there may be an alternative mechanism in operation under a nitrogen atmosphere.…”

“…b Percent of conversion is based on31 P NMR analysis of the reaction mixture. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering pubs.acs.org/journal/ascecg Letter https://doi.org/10.1021/acssuschemeng.4c03527 ACS Sustainable Chem.…”

Ligand-free ultrasmall palladium nanoparticle catalysis for the Mizoroki–Heck reaction in aqueous micelles

“…40,41 The main factors include (i) the chelation effect between NPs and micelles, (ii) the size effect of NPs, and (iii) the isolation effect of micelles on substrates. 42–47 Due to their high surface-to-volume ratio, the reactivity of NPs increases, while it would affect the stability of NPs. 48,49 The chelation of ultrasmall metal NPs with micelles can prevent the agglomeration of NPs to enhance their stability and ensure more active centers.…”

Photochemical cyclopropanation in aqueous micellar media – experimental and theoretical studies

“…They have been known for many years for their remarkable properties as solubilisers to dissolve compounds under aqueous conditions, 1 enabling organic synthesis in water that may not be possible otherwise. 7–14 With the reagents encapsulated inside of the micelle, the components of the reaction pre-organise themselves, which can also lead to increased selectivies. 15 Moreover, the lifetimes of short-lived species, such as carbenes and radicals, are prolonged in micelles.…”