Biomimetic Catalysis

TLDR

Biomimetic chemistry covers diverse subfields such as biomimetic catalysis, bioinspired self‑assembly, and biomimetic reactions in total synthesis. The review examines biomimetic catalysis examples using macrocycles and polymeric catalysts and discusses their connections to organocatalysis. Biomimetic catalysts have enabled diverse synthetic reactions, notably Diels–Alder cycloadditions, and have spurred advances in organocatalysis.

Abstract

The field of biomimetic chemistry encompasses a wide variety of subfields, including biomimetic catalysis, bioinspired self-assembly, and biomimetic reactions in total synthesis. Reviewed herein are select examples of biomimetic catalysis using macrocycles and polymeric catalysts. Such catalysts have been used in a variety of synthetic reactions, including several examples of Diels–Alder cycloadditions. Moreover, biomimetic catalysis has influenced the development of the highly active research area of organocatalysis. Several examples of the connections between biomimetic catalysis and organocatalysis are also discussed.