Salens are among the most widely studied ligands in chemistry. They are primarily applied in homogeneous catalysis, a use that helps to increase our knowledge of environmentally benign and cost-attractive chemical and/or pharmaceutical processes. Lately, the interest in salen chemistry has shifted to the use of these scaffolds in various other applications in which the immense versatility of the salen framework as a molecular building block can be exploited. Herein, we highlight the most recent research involving the incorporation of salen motifs in new materials and sophisticated catalysts.

(Mini-review)