A major function of a catalyst is to facilitate the transformation of molecules along a desired pathway, such that the desired products are produced with high selectivity at an optimal rate. Over the years, much research has been conducted to achieve the goal of designing such highly selective and active catalysts. Even so, however, most of the selective heterogeneous catalysts are discovered by a trial and error approach, utilizing broad guidance from prior knowledge. In contrast, homogeneous catalysts can be synthesized following a rational approach. It is possible to design and control the type and arrangement of ligands, with somewhat predictable influence on the corresponding catalytic properties. However, homogeneous catalysts have found limited applications because they are less durable and more difficult to handle in general.
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