Transition Metal Compounds

This chapter provides an overview of the most important transition metal precursors (‘pre-catalysts’). The metals of group 3–scandium, yttrium and lanthanum, together with the lanthanides cerium to lutetium – referred to as rare earth metals have found some niche applications in homogeneous catalysis. The metals iron, cobalt and nickel are referred to as the ‘iron metals;’ the most important compounds of these metals and their applications in homogeneous catalysis are listed. The noble metals of group 8 (ruthenium, osmium), group 9 (rhodium, iridium) and group 10 (palladium, platinum) play outstanding roles in homogeneous catalysis. The amount of catalyst required to produce a chemical product of the desired…