Zeolite catalysis in organic synthesis: Applications in etherification, formylation, ester hydrolysis and heteroaromatic synthesis

Zeolites occupy an important position in organic catalysis and green chemistry. They can be viewed as reaction vessels with appropriate molecular dimensions and can potentially act as a template, directing synthetic reactions to the desired products. Shape selectivity in zeolite can be manifested in terms of size constraints in the reaction's transition states, or products. The limitation of zeolite catalysis has been investigated in the following areas of organic synthesis: etherification, formylation, ester hydrolysis and heterocyclic synthesis.