The Direct use of Metallic Ore Minerals as Catalysts in Organic Syntheses

: Minerals occurring on earth have been used as raw materials by mankind for thousands of years. Currently, more than 6000 mineral species are known, and a few of them are common or abundant. It has long been known that minerals can catalyse chemical processes. The catalytic activity of metallic ore minerals has been investigated primarily in coal liquefaction and prebiotic chemistry and, to a lesser extent, in organic syntheses. This review article discusses organic chemical reactions, in which metallic ore minerals have been used as catalysts.