This paper addresses a review of platinum-based hydrosilylation catalysts. The main field of application of these catalysts is the curing of silicone polymers. Since the 1960s, this area has developed rapidly in connection with the emergence of new polymer compositions and new areas of application. Here we describe general mechanisms of the catalyst activity and the structural effects of the ligands on activity and stability of the catalysts together with the methods for their synthesis.

Current research fields of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which are being developed in the last 5-10 years by Russian scientific institutions and universities, are generalized. The review encompasses the design, synthesis, topological description, and prediction of MOF properties, the development of methods for their chemical engineering and modification, their investigation by modern physicochemical techniques, and the creation of functional materials based on porous frameworks (heterogeneous catalysts, highly efficient and highly selective sorbents of the new generation, conducting materials, systems for the target drug delivery).

Linear alpha-olefins are widely used in the petrochemical industry and the world demand for these compounds increases annually. At present, the main method for producing linear alpha-olefins is the homogeneous catalytic ethylene oligomerization. This review presents modern nickel catalysts for this process, mainly systems for obtaining of one of the most demanded oligomer—1-butene—which is used for the production of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE). The dependence of the catalytic performance on the composition and the structure of the used activated complexes, the electronic and coordination states of the nickel center was considered.

α-Diphenylphosphino-N-(pyrazin-2-yl)glycine was synthesized by the three-component condensation of diphenylphosphine, glyoxylic acid hydrate, and 2-aminopyrazine and its structure was confirmed by X-ray diffraction. It reacted with [Ni(COD)₂] (COD is cycloocta-1,5-diene) to give complexes that were tested as catalysts for selective dimerization/oligomerization of ethylene to but-1-ene (main product) and C₆–C₁₄ α-olefins, respectively.

Due to the continuously rising demand for C₃–C₅ olefins it is important to improve the performance of catalysts for dehydrogenation of light alkanes. In this work the effect of modification by SiO₂ on the properties of the alumina support and the chromia-alumina catalyst was studied. SiO₂ was introduced by impregnation of the support with a silica sol. To characterize the supports and the catalysts the following techniques were used: low-temperature nitrogen adsorption; IR-spectroscopy; magic angle spinning ²⁹Si nuclear magnetic resonance; temperature programmed desorption and reduction; UV-Vis-, Raman- and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)-spectroscopy. It was shown that the modifier in amounts of 2.5–7.5 wt % distributed on the support surface in the form of SiO_x-islands diminishes the interaction between the alumina support and the chromate ions (precursor of the active component). As a result, polychromates are the compounds predominantly stabilized on the surface of the modified support; under thermal activation of the catalyst and are reduced to the amorphous Cr₂O₃. This in turn leads to an increase in the activity of the catalyst in the dehydrogenation of isobutane.