Inorganic micelles as efficient and recyclable micellar catalysts.

An "inorganic micelle" structure that has a hydrophilic cavity and hydrophobic surface has been synthesized. The inorganic micelles possess large surface area and controllable hydrophobic/hydrophilic interface. It shows high catalytic efficiency and great recyclability in the bromination of alcohols. This work suggests that inorganic micelles may be suitable for selective organic syntheses as well as industrial applications and demonstrates the value of translating nanostructure design from organic to inorganic.