Versatilities of graphene-based catalysts in organic transformations

The outstanding and unique physical, chemical and mechanical properties of graphene lead to the development of graphene-based catalysts for selective and efficient organic synthesis becoming an active research area in recent years. This critical review summarizes the versatile applications of graphene-based catalysts in organic synthesis. It provides a comprehensive overview of typical reactions including oxidation, carbon–carbon cross-coupling, hydration, esterification, Pechmann condensation, aza-Michael addition, Knoevenagel condensation, Friedel-Crafts addition, ring-opening polymerization, ring opening of epoxides, decarboxylative cycloaddition, amide formation, synthesis of dipyrromethane, hydrogenation and/or reduction. The applications of graphene-based catalysts allow mild, selective and highly effective transformations and synthesis in a facile, regenerable, recyclable and eco-friendly manner.