Homogeneous Catalysis: Understanding the Art

A practical guide filled with techniques and examples of classroom-based assessments

Homogeneous catalysis using transition metal complexes is an area of research that has grown enormously in recent years. Many amazing catalytic discoveries have been reported by researchers both in industry and in academia.

Homogeneous Catalysis: Understanding the Art gives real insight into the many new and old reactions of importance. It is based on the author’s extensive experience in both teaching and industrial practice. Each chapter starts with the basic knowledge and ends with up-to-date concepts.

The focus of this book is on concepts, but many key industrial processes and applications that are important in the laboratory synthesis of organic chemicals are used as examples. The full range of topics is covered, such as fine chemicals, bulk chemicals, polymers, high-tech polymers, pharmaceuticals, but also important techniques and reaction types among other aspects. For a few reactions the process schemes, environmental concerns and safety aspects are included, to encourage catalyst researchers to think about these topics at an early stage of their projects and to communicate with chemical engineers, customers and the end-users. There is no other book available that gives insight into so many reactions of importance. Such a resource is critical as the field of homogeneous catalysis becomes ever more central to the interests of organic chemists and academia. This book provides the background for chemists trained in different disciplines and for graduate and masters students who take catalysis as a main or secondary topic.

Piet W.N.M. van Leeuwen is Professor of Homogeneous Catalysis, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.