Functionalization organic ligands

If a catalyst is to work well in solution, it (and tire reactants) must be sufficiently soluble and stable. Most polar catalysts (e.g., acids and bases) are used in water and most organometallic catalysts (compounds of metals witli organic ligands bonded to tliem) are used in organic solvents. Some enzymes function in aqueous biological solutions, witli tlieir solubilities detennined by the polar functional groups (R groups) on tlieir outer surfaces. 

In summary, we have described our approach towards the synthesis of novel nano-objects consisting of a metal core and a surface that may be functionalized by addition of organic ligands. TEM pictures of the metal core of these nanoparticles appear similar to those of particles commonly used in heterogeneous catalysis or to colloids prepared by well-known reduction methods. However, the organometallic approach displays several specificities which can be summarized as follows ... 

---