Design to Refine for Homogeneous Catalysts

Introduction
Platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts, referring to platinum, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium and iridium complexes, have become a staple of active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) synthesis. Favoured for their high activity and selectivity, they have found routine application as homogeneous catalysts. With stringent regulatory guidelines in place to limit residual metal levels within APIs, process chemists are often presented with challenges of identifying and implementing techniques to remove contaminant metals from synthetic products during process development.

In addition to this, the high value of PGMs and a greater focus on sustainability have led to a heightened interest in the extraction and refining of waste streams that contain these metals for reuse in catalysis. This has been further driven by a growing demand for homogeneous catalysts across the pharma, agrochemical, and fine chemicals industries. By taking a circular approach, chemists can significantly reduce carbon emissions and capital expenditure associated with PGM catalysis in industrial processes.