Practical aspects concerning catalysis with molecularly doped metals

Ranging from silver-entrapped dyes and gold-entrapped enzymes through palladium-entrapped graphene oxide, molecularly doped metals (or metal organic alloys, MORALs) are active, stable and uniquely versatile catalysts in a number of reactions of relevance to the chemical industry. Reactions successfully catalyzed by MORALs concern both industry’s main sectors, producing bulk and fine chemicals. Though first reported in 2005, and clearly holding a great applicative potential, their use in catalysis is still surprisingly limited. This study investigates a number of practical aspects concerning molecularly doped metals as heterogeneous catalysts.