Scaling relationships and volcano plots of homogeneous transition metal catalysis

Abstract

Linear scaling relationships and volcano plots have served as powerful tools for catalyst design and screening in heterogeneous catalysis. Recently, this approach has been introduced in homogeneous catalysis. Seminal reports found that the complicated thermodynamic and kinetic energy profiles of homogeneous catalysis can be successfully described by using very limited energetic descriptors based on linear scaling relationships. This is demonstrated in a number of important catalytic transformations including C–C cross-coupling, N₂ reduction, CO₂ hydrogenation and alkene hydroformylation. This Frontier highlights the noteworthy impact of scaling relationships and volcano plots on the understanding and design of homogeneous catalysis and discusses the perspectives on the future development of this area.