In general, a catalyst is used to enhance the reaction and to complete the
reaction quickly or accelerate the reaction involving reactants and catalysts. In the
catalysis process, only the chemical structure of reactant changes with time, but the
structure of the catalyst remains unaffected throughout the course of the reaction. The
varieties of chemicals that can be used as a catalyst in numerous chemical reactions are
metals, acids, bases, organic compounds, inorganic complexes, enzymes and polymers.
Some specific polymers have the ability to catalyse reactions with the formation of
carbon-carbon and carbon-non carbon linkages. Polyvinyl pyridine and sulfonated
polystyrene are very useful and simple polymers that can act as catalysts. The catalytic
activity of polymers is pronounced due to modification in polymer chains. Further,
polymers may also be used as a support for another catalyst. Polymer catalysis can be
illustrated with soluble linear polymers, ion exchange resins, polymer-supported phase
transfer catalysts, palladium catalysts on polymer supports, etc. The brief review of
each is explained by citing important examples along with their basic principles.
