Several types of reaction media are commonly used in catalysis:
Solvents: These are the most common reaction media in liquid-phase catalysis. Solvents can be organic (e.g., alcohols, ethers) or inorganic (e.g., water, ionic liquids). The choice of solvent can affect the solubility of reactants and the stability of the catalyst. Solid Supports: In heterogeneous catalysis, solid supports like silica, alumina, and zeolites are often used to disperse the catalyst and provide a large surface area for the reaction. Supercritical Fluids: These are substances at conditions above their critical temperature and pressure, offering unique properties that can enhance catalytic reactions. Supercritical CO2 is a commonly used supercritical fluid. Phase Transfer Catalysts: These are used to facilitate reactions between reactants in different phases (e.g., liquid-liquid or liquid-solid). They help to transfer one reactant across the phase boundary to interact with the other reactant.
