Reactions in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2))

The present contribution highlights recent developments in the application of compressed (liquid or supercritical) carbon dioxide as a solvent for che mical reactions. After a brief introduction to the basic physical propertie s of scCO(2), some practical aspects of the use of compressed gases are dis cussed. A survey of successful applications of compressed and particularly supercritical CO2 in organic synthesis is provided with an emphasis on meta l-catalyzed reactions.