Iron(0) Nanoparticle Catalysts in Organic Synthesis

While iron oxide nanoparticles enjoy rich applications as catalysts, solid supports, and magnets, the use of their reduced and much less stable counterparts in the oxidation state zero is still at an infant stage. This minireview summarizes recent developments in the area of such metallic iron(0) nanoparticles. A major emphasis is laid on the controlled synthesis of small particles (mostly < 50 nm) and their application as catalysts to organic synthesis. Initial catalytic studies include hydrogenation and cross-coupling reactions which clearly indicate the great potential of iron nanoparticles to rival the efficiency of nickel and palladium catalysts.