Hybrid organic/inorganic effective catalysts with well defined textural and
surface properties are readily prepared by silylation of the surface of me
soporous micelle-templated silicas (MTS, MCM-41 type) in anhydrous non-pola
r solvent followed by functionalisation of the grafted moiety. The role of
the unique hydrophobic/hydrophilic character of the surface of MTS during c
atalyst preparation and use is discussed on the basis of selected examples.
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