Vesicles: a supramolecular tool to achieve organic reactions in aqueous media

Vesicles are fascinating supramolecular aggregates that can provide an interface-rich microenvironment and confined space. They can incorporate hydrophilic materials in their aqueous core and hydrophobic materials in their bilayer membrane. Thus, they can be utilized to perform organic reactions in water. Using water as a solvent for organic reactions instead of hazardous organic solvents is one of the important strategies of green chemistry. Several factors, including aggregate structure and composition, nature of the substrate, and reaction conditions, determine whether an organic reaction will be catalyzed or inhibited. Enzyme-containing vesicles can also be used as nanoreactors for organic reactions in water. Reactions in vesicles have been extensively studied over the past few decades, and their applications have been explored. A better understanding of the effect of vesicles on organic reactions will make the design of green organic reactions easier. In this study, related research works have been discussed.