ISSN:
1572-9028
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Chemistry and Pharmacology
Notes:
Abstract Interest in the diverse aspects of the catalysis of organic reactions for fine chemicals applications has been growingworldwide in both academic and industrial research. Fine Chemicals Catalysis may be defined as the catalysis of complexorganic reactions for application in the production of pharmaceuticals, pharmaceutical intermediates, agrochemicals, andspecialty chemicals such as perfumes and flavorings. Traditionally, high product selectivity has been the paramountconcern rather than high production efficiency in the commercial organic synthesis of fine chemicals. However, bothmarket and environmental pressures are increasingly motivating a movement towards efficient catalytic alternatives tostoichiometric organic transformations. Industrial research and development in fine chemicals has long been the realm of synthetic organic chemists, withlittle contribution being made from scientists specifically trained in catalysis. The academic community in heterogeneouscatalysis, with its traditional focus on petrochemical and bulk chemical catalytic applications, is just beginning to playa significant role in fine chemicals research. By contrast, academic research in homogeneous catalysis, and especiallyasymmetric catalysis, has been prolific and boasts a number of important successful links to commercial processes.There has been, regrettably, scant communication between the research communities in heterogeneous and homogeneouscatalysis in either industry or academia. An issue of Topics in Catalysis devoted to the broad area of fine chemicals seems timely since it allows us to focus oncurrent pioneering work, both in heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysis, both in academic and industrial research, tohighlight the connections between seemingly diverse work, and to help to spark new ideas and draw in new researchersto the field. All of the contributions are invited papers.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1019154020332
