Characteristics

Catalysts are substances that accelerate chemical reactions without being consumed, characterized by high efficiency, selectivity, and often the ability to operate under mild conditions.
Ligands are molecules that bind to metal centers in catalysts, precisely tuning their reactivity, stability, and steric/electronic properties. Together, they enable controlled and sustainable transformations with minimized waste.

Uses

They are fundamental in pharmaceuticals (enabling asymmetric synthesis), petrochemicals (cracking, polymerization), fine chemicals production, and environmental catalysis (vehicle exhaust treatment).
Catalysts and ligands are also pivotal in emerging fields like green chemistry, hydrogen energy (water splitting), and carbon dioxide conversion, driving innovation across industrial and research sectors.