The use of chitosan-based metal catalysts in organic transformations

Chitosan is an abundant, biodegradable, and renewable green material with diverse functionalities. It is a valuable substance used prolifically in numerous applications, such as catalysis, adsorption, delivery of therapeutic agents, and remediation. This review attempts to collect useful information with respect to the use of chitosan and modified chitosan preparations loaded with metal ions, complexes and metal particles as catalysts in organic transformations. These include coupling reactions, oxidations, hydrogenations and reductions, and multicomponent syntheses. Examples of miscellaneous other transformations and electrochemical reactions are also covered. A few chiral applications and results of recycling studies are also treated together with selected examples about the removal of toxic materials. Data collected and analyzed will indicate the importance and high potential of chitosan-based metal catalysts in sustainable chemistry.