Surface Chemistry for Enantioselective Catalysis

Abstract

Abstract A Perspective is offered on the lessons learned from surface-science studies on enantioselective chemistry on solid surfaces performed by the author’s groups. Our emphasis is on studies on model systems, mainly metal single-crystal surfaces under controlled environments, but extension of such research to more realistic samples relevant to heterogeneous catalysis is also briefly discussed. Enantioselective chemistry on surfaces is here divided into three guiding modalities, depending on the underlying mechanism. First, enantioselective chemistry resulting from the use of intrinsically chiral surfaces, which can be made from achiral solids such as metals by exposing the appropriate planes, is discussed. Next, the imparting of enantioselectivity to achiral surfaces by modifying them with adsorbates is classified in terms of two operating mechanisms: first, via the formation of supramolecular surface ensembles with chiral adsorption sites, and second, by relying on the effect of the local chiral environment intrinsically provided by the chiral modifiers through a one-to-one interaction between the modifier and the reactant. A discussion is then provided on studies with more complex samples involving metal nanoparticles and high-surface-area porous oxides. Finally, the present state of our understanding of enantioselective surface chemistry and the prognosis for the future are provided. Graphical Abstract