On silsesquioxanes’ accuracy as molecular models for silica-grafted complexes in heterogeneous catalysis

The achievement of a structure–activity relationship for heterogeneous catalysts is a desirable step for improving existing catalysts or for predicting new catalytic reactions. This article reviews the use of silsesquioxanes (POSS) organometallic complexes as molecular models for silica-grafted catalytic centers. It will show that POSS complexes, within some limits, have substantially contributed to gaining better molecular-level understanding of surface reactions and catalysts activity.