Micellar Catalysis as a Tool for C-H Bond Functionalization toward C-C Bond Formation

Micelles generated upon dissolving surfactants in water can be employed as nanovessels for catalytic transformations, in the so-called micellar catalysis methodology. This review is focused on the use of micellar catalysis in the context of the catalytic functionalization of carbon-hydrogen bonds. The micelles accumulate catalyst and reactants in their inner volume in such a high local concentration that kinetics are favored. The consequence is that, in most cases, processes that in conventional organic solvents require high temperatures and long reaction times are achieved in milder conditions when micellar catalysis is employed.