Volume 55, Issue 40 pp. 12150-12162
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Which Metals are Green for Catalysis? Comparison of the Toxicities of Ni, Cu, Fe, Pd, Pt, Rh, and Au Salts

Dr. Ksenia S. Egorova

Dr. Ksenia S. Egorova

N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow, 119991 Russia

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Prof. Dr. Valentine P. Ananikov

Corresponding Author

Prof. Dr. Valentine P. Ananikov

N. D. Zelinsky Institute of Organic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Leninsky prospect 47, Moscow, 119991 Russia

Department of Chemistry, Saint Petersburg State University, Stary Petergof, 198504 Russia

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First published: 17 August 2016
Citations: 415

Graphical Abstract

Heavy weights versus the light weights: A comparison of available data on biological activity of metals commonly used in catalysis suggests that the assumption of toxic heavy metals and benign lighter metals should be re-evaluated. The available experimental data are insufficient for accurate evaluation of biological activity of these metals. Therefore, without dedicated experimental measurements, toxicity should not be used as a “selling point” when describing new catalysts.

Abstract

Environmental profiles for the selected metals were compiled on the basis of available data on their biological activities. Analysis of the profiles suggests that the concept of toxic heavy metals and safe nontoxic alternatives based on lighter metals should be re-evaluated. Comparison of the toxicological data indicates that palladium, platinum, and gold compounds, often considered heavy and toxic, may in fact be not so dangerous, whereas complexes of nickel and copper, typically assumed to be green and sustainable alternatives, may possess significant toxicities, which is also greatly affected by the solubility in water and biological fluids. It appears that the development of new catalysts and novel applications should not rely on the existing assumptions concerning toxicity/nontoxicity. Overall, the available experimental data seem insufficient for accurate evaluation of biological activity of these metals and its modulation by the ligands. Without dedicated experimental measurements for particular metal/ligand frameworks, toxicity should not be used as a “selling point” when describing new catalysts.

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