This work presents a compilation of technical papers and poster synopses delivered at the 14th Conference on Catalysis of Organic Reactions. The book investigates current developments in the study of catalysis as it relates to organic synthesis, detailing industrial applications. It suggests cost-effective routes for the synthesis of valuable industrial and pharmaceutical chemicals.

This work delineates the effect of different reaction variables on the outcome of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions, and explains how to optimize the product yield of specific compounds. Metal catalysis, simple and complex oxides, zeolites and clays are discussed, both as catalysts and as potential supports for catalytically active metals.

Heterogeneous catalysis plays a major role in the organic synthesis of specialty and fine chemicals. However, as the interaction between surface sites and functional groups is complex, more investigations are necessary into the effects of catalysts on the reaction mechanisms. The Third International Symposium on Heterogeneous Catalysis and Fine Chemicals provided an opportunity for discussions on the basic and practical aspects of this subject between researchers, manufacturers and users of solid catalysts for synthesis of fine chemicals.The present volume comprises the invited plenary lectures and research papers classified under the three main headings, hydrogenation, oxidation and acid-catalysis. All papers were refereed. A large variety of reactions are described, the emphasis being on selectivity, taking into account all aspects: chemo-, regio-, and stereoselectivity (including enantioselectivity) and on the change of these selectivities as a function of the characteristics of the catalysts and operating conditions.

The collection of contributions in this volume presents the most up-to-date findings in catalytic hydrogenation. The individual chapters have been written by 36 top specialists each of whom has achieved a remarkable depth of coverage when dealing with his particular topic. In addition to detailed treatment of the most recent problems connected with catalytic hydrogenations, the book also contains a number of previously unpublished results obtained either by the authors themselves or within the organizations to which they are affiliated.Because of its topical and original character, the book provides a wealth of information which will be invaluable not only to researchers and technicians dealing with hydrogenation, but also to all those concerned with homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, organic technology, petrochemistry and chemical engineering.