Use of microencapsulated transition metal reagents for reactions in supercritical fluids

摘要

There is provided processes for metal mediated reactions, particularly cross coupling and carbometallation reactions, wherein the metal is present as a catalyst system comprising a catalyst microencapsulated within a permeable polymer microcapsule shell and the reaction is carried out under super-critical or near super-critical conditions. Preferred metal-mediated cross coupling reactions include Heck, Suzuki, Sonogashira and Stille reactions. Preferred carbometallation reactions include hydroformylations.