The origins of the petrochemical industry can be traced back to the 1920s when simple organic chemicals such as ethanol and isopropanol were first prepared on an industrial scale from by-products (ethylene and propylene) of oil refining. This oil-based petrochemical industry, with lower olefms and aromatics as the key building blocks, rapidly developed into the enormous industry it is today. A multitude of products that are indispensible to modern day society, from plastics to pharmaceuticals, are derived from oil and natural gas-based hydro carbons. The industry had its heyday in the '50s and '60s when predictions of future growth rates tended to be exponential curves. However, two developments that took place in the early '70s disturbed this simplistic and optimistic view of the future. Firstly, the publication of the report for the Cub of Rome on the 'Limits to Growth' emphasized the finite nature of non-renewable fossil fuel resources. Secondly, the Oil Crisis of 1973 emphasized the vulnerability of an energy and chemicals industry that is based largely on a single raw material."

Over the past 20 years aqueous organometallic catalysis has found applications in small- scale organic synthesis in the laboratory, as well as in the industrial production of chemicals with a combined output close to one million tons per year. Aqueous/organic two-phase reactions allow easy product-catalyst separation and full catalyst recovery which mean clear benefits not only in economic but also in environmental and green chemistry contexts. Instead of putting together a series of expert reviews of specialized fields, this book attempts to give a comprehensive yet comprehensible description of the various catalytic transformations in aqueous systems as seen by an author who has been working on aqueous organometallic catalysis since its origin. Emphasis is put on the discussion of differences between related non-aqueous and aqueous processes due to the presence of water. The book will be of interest to experts and students working in catalysis, inorganic chemistry or organic synthesis, and may serve as a basis for advanced courses.

Heterogeneous catalysis provides the backbone of the world's chemical and oil industries. The innate complexity of practical catalytic systems suggests that useful progress should be achievable by investigating key aspects of catalysis by experimental studies on idealised model systems. Thin films and supported clusters are two promising types of model system that can be used for this purpose, since they mimic important aspects of the properties of practical dispersed catalysts. Similarly, appropriate theoretical studies of chemisorption and surface reaction clusters or extended slab systems can provide valuable information on the factors that underlie bonding and catalytic activity. This volume describes such experimental and theoretical approaches to the surface chemistry and catalytic behaviour of metals, metal oxides and metal/metal oxide systems. An introduction to the principles and main themes of heterogeneous catalysis is followed by detailed accounts of the application of modern experimental and theoretical techniques to fundamental problems. The application of advanced experimental methods is complemented by a full description of theoretical procedures, including Hartree-Fock, density functional and similar techniques. The relative merits of the various approaches are considered and directions for future progress are indicated.

The development of "high-tech" materials in contemporary industries is deeply related to a detailed understanding of specific surface properties of catalysts which make particular reactions possible. But this understanding presupposes that there exists a body of theory capable of explaining situations not easily accessible to experimental methods and of relating experimental findings among themselves and with theoretical constructs. For these reasons, theoretical developments in surface physics and surface chemistry of transition metal compounds have been of paramount importance in promoting progress in catalysis, electronic devices, corrosion, etc. Although a great variety of spectroscopic methods for analyzing solids and surfaces at molecular scale have been introduced in recent years, nevertheless, many questions about the adsorption sites and intermediates, the effect of promoters, the poisoning of active sites, the nature of segregation of impurities, the process of surface reconstruction, the mechanisms of reactions, etc. have remained unanswered simply because of the great complexity of surface phenomena. It is in this sense that quantum mechanical method- combined with experimental data - may shed some light on the microscopic properties of new surface materials.

Homogeneous hydrogenation is one of the most thoroughly studied fields of homogeneous catalysis. The results of these studies have proved to be most important for an understanding of the underlying principles of the activation of small molecules by transition metal complexes. During the past three decades homogeneous hydrogenation has found widespread application in organic chemistry, including the production of important pharmaceuticals, especially where a sophisticated degree of selectivity is required. This volume presents a general account of the main principles and applications of homogeneous hydrogenation by transition metal complexes. Special attention is devoted to the mechanisms by which these processes occur, and the role of the recently discovered complexes of molecular hydrogen is described. Sources of hydrogen, other than H2, are also considered (transfer hydrogenation). The latest achievements in highly stereoselective hydrogenations have made possible many new applications in organic synthesis. These applications are documented by giving details of the reduction of important unsaturated substrates (alkenes, alkynes, aldehydes and ketones, nitrocompounds, etc.). Hydrogenation in biphasic and phase transfer catalyzed systems is also described. Finally, a discussion of the biochemical routes of H2 activation highlights the similarities and differences in performing hydrogenation in both natural and synthetic systems. For researchers working in the fields of homogeneous catalysis, especially in areas such as pharmaceuticals, plastics and fine chemicals.

Soluble catalysts are used extensively in many branches of chemistry and are indeed a vital constituent of many natural processes. They find wide application throughout the chemical industry where they assist in the production of several million tonnes of chemicals each year. Since homogeneous systems, especially those incorporating transition metals, often function effectively under milder conditions than their heterogeneous counterparts, they are becoming increasingly important at a time when the chemical industry in particular, and society in general, is seeking ways of conserving energy and of making the best possible use of available resources. My principal objective in- writing this book is to engender sufficient enthusiasm for, and knowledge of, the subject in the reader that he or she will be encouraged to begin, or continue, to make their own contribution to advancing our knowledge of homogeneous catalysis. After attempting to acquaint the reader with some of the ground rules I have tried to describe the present scope, and the future potential, of this fascinating field of chemistry by drawing both on academic and on industrial data sources. This approach stems from a personal conviction that future progress could be considerably hastened by a more meaningful dialogue between chemists working both in industrial and in academic research institutions. Wherever possible, examples of the commercial application of homogeneous catalyst systems have been included and no attempt has been made in any way to disguise the many unresolved questions and exciting challenges which still pervade this rapidly developing area.

This volume in the acclaimed series Modern Aspects of Electrochemistry starts with a dedication to the late Professor Brian Conway who for 50 years helped to guide this series to its current prominence. The remainder of the volume is then devoted to the following topics: PEM fuel cells; the use of graphs in electrochemical reaction newtworks; nanomaterials in Lithium-ion batteries; direct methanolf fuel cells (two chapters); fuel cell catalyst layers. The book is for electrochemists, electrochemical engineers, fuel cell workers and energy generation workers.

Since the first application of dendrimers in catalysis in the mid 1990s, this field has advanced rapidly. As a consequence, catalytically active dendrimers have emerged as a class of molecular catalysts that has substantially enriched the field of homogeneous (and in part heterogeneous) catalysis. A general survey of transition metal dendrimer catalysts and the way they have developed is followed by in-depth discussions of dendritic transition metal catalysis based on non-covalent catalyst-support interaction and an overview of the rapidly growing field of stereoselective dendrimer catalysis. The development of dendrimer-encapsulated bimetallic nanoparticles has provided the interface with heterogeneous colloid catalysis. As cheaper and readily accessible alternatives to regular dendrimers, hyperbranched polymers are increasingly being used as catalyst platforms. These topics are complemented by a review of metallodendritic exoreptors for the redox recognition of oxo-anions and halides.

Bioorganometallic Chemistry has become a mature area of science and is comprehensively covered by leading experts in this book. Naturally occuring bioorganometallic complexes, such as vitamin B12 and recently discovered iron and nickel hydrogenases, including a possible role of the latter in the geochemical theory of the origin of life, are considered. The possible formation of carbene complexes of cytochrome P450 enzymes in various metabolisms of xenobiotics is also discussed. The bioorganometallic chemistry is considered to provide not only organometallic receptors such as polynuclear organometallic macrocycles for biologically interesting molecules but also ferrocene-peptide bioconjugates giving a peptidomimetic basis for protein folding. The medicinal properties of organometallic compounds are reviewed, with notable applications in the treatment and diagnosis of cancer and in the treatment of viral, fungal, bacterial and parasitic infections. Therefore the reader will get a balanced view of this rapidly developing and promising area.

Palladium is a remarkable metal. In particular, organopalladium chemistry has made remarkable progress over the last 30 years. That progress is still continuing, without any end in sight. This book presents a number of accounts and reviews on the novel Pd-catalyzed reactions discovered mainly in the last five years. The book covers Pd-catalyzed reactions that are new entirely different from the more standard ones. Topics such as new reactions involving ss-carbon elimination and formation of palladacycles as key reactions, cross-coupling of unactivated alkyl electrophiles with organometallic compounds, arylation via C-H bond cleavage, Pd/norbornene-catalyzed aromatic functionalizations, three-component cyclizations of allenes, use of N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands, asymmetric reactions catalyzed by Pd(II) compounds such as Lewis acids, cycloadditions of arynes and alkynes, and nucleophilic attack by Pd species are surveyed in detail by researchers who have made important contributions to these fields. The book addresses graduate students majoring in organic synthesis and researchers in academic and industrial institutes."

This book highlights cyclization via carbopalladation and acylpalladation and Heck-pericyclic sequences. They discuss p-allyl palladium-based cascade reactions, Michael-type additions as an entry to transition-metal-promoted cyclizative transformations, and sequential or consecutive palladium-catalyzed processes, and show Pauson-Khand cascades, metal-catalyzed cyclizations of acyclic precursors, as well as cascade and sequential ruthenium-catalyzed transformations. This is a comprehensive overview of an exciting and highly dynamic, and innovative methodological concept.

Carbonylation reactions are of major importance in both organic and industrial chemistry. Due to the availability, price and reactivity pattern, carbon monoxide is becoming a more and more important building block for fine and bulk chemicals. The major reaction types of carbon monoxide are comprehensively discussed by leading experts from academia and industry. The authors highlight important carbonylation reactions such as hydroformylation, alkoxy-carbonylations, co/olefin-copolymerization, Pauson-Khand reactions and others. They illustrate applications in organic synthesis and give industrial examples.
This volume is designed to provide graduate students and researchers with essential information on the use of carbon monoxide in organic synthesis. Therefore, the reader will get a balanced view of this developing and complex subject.

The subject of dioxygen activation and homogeneous catalytic oxidation by metal complexes has been in the focus of attention over the last 20 years. The widespread interest is illustrated by its recurring presence among the sessions and subject areas of important international conferences on various aspects of bioinorganic and coordination chemistry as well as catalysis. The most prominent examples are ICCC, ICBIC, EUROBIC, ISHC, and of course the ADHOC series of meetings focusing on the subject itself. Similarly, the number of original and review papers devoted to various aspects of dioxygen activation are on the rise. This trend is due obviously to the relevance of catalytic oxidation to biological processes such as dioxygen transport, and the action of oxygenase and oxidase enzymes related to metabolism. The structural and functional modeling of metalloenzymes, particularly of those containing iron and copper, by means of low-molecular complexes of iron, copper, ruthenium, cobalt, manganese, etc., have provided a wealth of indirect information helping to understand how the active centers of metalloenzymes may operate. The knowledge gained from the study of metalloenzyme models is also applicable in the design of transition metal complexes as catalytsts for specific reactions. This approach has come to be known as biomimetic or bioinspired catalysis and continues to be a fruitful and expanding area of research.

Biological nitrogen fixation provides more than 50% of the total annual input of the essential element nitrogen to world agriculture. Thus, it is of immense agronomic importance and critical to food supplies, particularly in developing countries.

This book, with chapters authored by internationally renowned experts, provides a comprehensive and detailed account of the fascinating history of the process - including the surprising discoveries of molybdenum-independent nitrogenases and superoxide-dependent nitrogenase; a review of Man's attempts to emulate the biological process - most successfully with the commercially dominant Haber-Bosch process; and the current state of the understanding art with respect to the enzymes - called nitrogenases - responsible for biological nitrogen fixation.

The initial chapters use a historical approach to the biological and industrial processes, followed by an overview of assay methodologies. The next set of chapters focuses on the classical enzyme, the molybdenum nitrogenase, and details its biosynthesis, structure, composition, and mechanism of action as well as detailing both how variants of its two component proteins are constructed by recombinant DNA technology and how computational techniques are being applied. The sophisticated chemical modelling of the metal-containing clusters in the enzyme is reviewed next, followed by a description of the two molybdenum-independent nitrogenases - first, the vanadium-containing enzyme and then the iron-only nitrogenase - together with some thoughts as to why they exist Then follows an up-to-date treatment of the clearly "non-classical" properties of the superoxide-dependent nitrogenase, which more closely resembles molybdenum-containing hydroxylases and related enzymes, like nitrate reductase, that it does the other nitrogenases. Each chapter contains an extensive list of references.

This book is the self-contained first volume of a comprehensive seven-volume series. No other available work provides the up-to-date and in-depth coverage of this series and this volume. This book is intended to serve as an indispensable reference work for all scientists working in this area, including agriculture and the closely related metals-in-biology area; to assist students to enter this challenging area of research; and to provide science administrators easy access to vital relevant information.

This unique book, drawing on the author 's lifetime experience, critically evaluates the extensive literature on the field of Metal-Catalysed Reactions of Hydrocarbons. Emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms involving hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, skeletal and positional isomerisation, and exchange reactions. The motivation for fundamental research in heterogeneous catalysis is to identify the physicochemical characteristics of active centres for the reaction being studied, to learn how these may be modified or manipulated to improve the desired behavior of the catalyst, and to recognize and control those aspects of the catalyst's structure that limit its overall performance. By restricting the subject of the book to hydrocarbons, Bond has progressively developed the subject matter to include areas of importance both to researchers and to those working in the industry.

Heterogeneous catalysis is a fascinating and complex subject of utmost importance in the present day. Its immense technological and economical importance and the inherent complexity of the catalytic phenomena have stimulated theoretical and experimental studies by a broad spectrum of scientists, including chemists, physicists, chemical engineers, and material scientists. Computational and theoretical techniques are now having a major impact in this field. This book aims to illustrate and discuss the subject of heterogeneous catalysis and to show the current capabilities of the theoretical and computational methods for studying the various steps (diffusion, adsorption, chemical reaction) of heterogeneous catalytic process involving zeolites, metal oxides, and transition metal surfaces. The book covers: the use of techniques of computational chemistry to simulate zeolites, metallic and bimetallic surfaces, and oxide-supported metals; the impact of simulation methods on the understanding of the diffusion and adsorption of molecules and cations within the pores of zeolites, and also on the adsorption of molecules on metal and metal-oxide surfaces; and the applications of quantum-mechanical methods to the study of the reaction mechanism and pathways of the adsorbed molecules. This book is recommended primarily to scientists and graduate students conducting research in the fields of heterogeneous catalysis and surface science. It will also be valuable to advanced undergraduate students wishing to become acquainted with the latest developments in these exciting fields of research, and to experimentalists seeking theoretical support for interpreting their results.

Computational Modelling of Homogeneous Catalysis is an extensive collection of recent results on a wide array of catalytic processes. The chapters are, in most cases, authored by the researchers who have performed the calculations. The book illustrates the importance of computational modelling in homogeneous catalysis by providing up-to-date reviews of its application to a variety of reactions of industrial interest, including:

-olefin polymerization;
-hydrogenation;
-alkene/alkyne isomerization;
-hydroformylation;
-hydroboration; hydrosylation;
-dihydroxylation;
-benzannulation;
-epoxidation;
-N-N triple bond activation.

This book facilitates understanding by experimental chemists in the field on what has already been accomplished and what can be expected from calculations in the near future. In addition, the book provides computational chemists with a first-hand knowledge on the state of the art in this exciting field.

In 2001 Wyn Roberts celebrated both his 70th birthday and 50 years of working in surface science, to use the term "surface science" in its broadest meaning. This book aims to mark the anniversary with a contribution of lasting value, something more than the usual festschrift issue of a relevant journal. The book is divided into three sections: Surface Science, Model Catalysts and Catalysis, topics in which Wyn has always had interests. The authors for each chapter were chosen from some of the many eminent scientists who have worked with Wyn in various ways and are all internationally acknowledged as leaders in their field. The authors have produced authoritative reviews of their own specialties which together result in a book with an unrivalled combination of breadth and depth exploring the most recent developments in surface chemistry and catalysis.

Photosensitization and photocatalysis refer to processes by which permanent chemical transformations are induced on substrates (organic/inorganic) by radiation to which the substrates themselves are transparent. Such transformations can be highly specific, very efficient, and occur under mild conditions. Herein lies the power of photochemical methods for possible applications in the field of conversion and storage of solar energy. This book provides a recent survey of the progress in this important area in catalysis, with an emphasis on inorganic complexes and organometallic compounds as the key light aborbers. The book is organized in three parts: fundamentals, followed by applications. Discussions cover a wide variety of photosensitized or photocatalyzed reactions: decomposition of water, reduction of CO2 and CO; spectral sensitization in photoelectrochemical cells; transformations (oxidation, reduction, isomerization, hydrogenation, dehydrogenation, carbonylation, etc.) of organics such as alkanes, alkenes, alcohols, etc. In view of the variety of systems (sensitizers, substrates) and the topics covered, the volume is unique in the field of photochemistry and will appeal to academic and industrial researchers in various subdisciplines of chemistry, material science and catalysis.

Hydrotreating catalysis with transition metal sulphides is one of the most important areas of industrial heterogeneous catalysis. The present book deals with the chemical and catalytic aspects of transition metal sulphides, focusing on their use in hydrotreating catalysis. The book?'s 12 chapters present reviews of solid-state, coordination and organometallic chemistry, surface science and spectroscopic studies, quantum chemical calculations, catalytic studies with model and real catalysts, as well as refinery processes. A presentation of state-of-the-art background to pertinent work in the field. Can be used as an introduction to the chemical and catalytic properties of transition metal sulphides as well as an advanced level reference.

1. Introduction. There is much interest in the general subject of porous inorganic materials with respect to their use as sorbents or catalysts. Such inorganic solids may be microporous, mesoporous or macroporous according to the sizes of the pores within the solid. Often there is a range of pore sizes within any given solid and so there is special interest in the synthesis, characterisation and application of porous inorganic solids with well defined pores. Pores of diameter larger than 50 nm are generally termed macropores. Those with diameters of less than 2 nm are micropores and pores of intermediate size are called mesopores. Solids, which contain only mesopores, are correctly called mesoporous but very often there is a combination of different types of porosities within one given solid. The synthesis, characterisation and application of microporous solids is much more advanced than is the case with mesoporous substances. Moreover, the synthesis of crystalline mesoporous materials is one clear goal for the future but which has not been attained so far. Consequently, it is of interest to examine the current state of our knowledge of microporous materials and to examine how this may apply to mesoporous materials. Both catalytic and sorption processes could benefit from studies of mesoporous solids because the mesopores could permit diffusion of larger reactants or products than is the case in microporous materials. 2.

Chemical Kinetics and Reaction Dynamics brings together the major facts and theories relating to the rates with which chemical reactions occur from both the macroscopic and microscopic point of view. This book helps the reader achieve a thorough understanding of the principles of chemical kinetics and includes:

• Detailed stereochemical discussions of reaction steps
• Classical theory based calculations of state-to-state rate constants
• A collection of matters on kinetics of various special reactions such as micellar catalysis, phase transfer catalysis, inhibition processes, oscillatory reactions, solid-state reactions, and polymerization reactions at a single source.

The growth of the chemical industry greatly depends on the application of chemical kinetics, catalysts and catalytic processes. This volume is therefore an invaluable resource for all academics, industrial researchers and students interested in kinetics, molecular reaction dynamics, and the mechanisms of chemical reactions.

Polyolefin is a major industry that is important for our economy and impacts every aspect of our lives. The discovery of new transition metal-based catalysts is one of the driving forces for the further advancement of this field. Whereas the classical heterogeneous Ziegler-Natta catalysts and homogeneous early transition metal metallocene catalysts remain the workhorses of the polyolefin industry, in roughly the last decade, tremendous progress has been made in developing non-metallocene-based olefin polymerization catalysts. Particularly, the discovery of late transition metal-based olefin polymerization catalysts heralds a new era for this field. These late transition metal complexes not only exhibit high activities rivaling their early metal counterparts, but more importantly they offer unique properties for polymer architectural control and copolymerization with polar olefins. In this book, the most recent major breakthroughs in the development of new olefin polymerization catalysts, including early metal metallocene and non-metallocene complexes and late transition metal complexes, are discussed by leading experts. The authors highlight the most important discoveries in catalysts and their applications in designing new polyolefin-based functional materials.

The design of efficient syntheses of medicinal agents is one of the prime goals of the process chemist in the pharmaceutical industry. The expanding list of metal-mediated reactions has had a major impact on this endeavor over the last two decades. This volume will highlight some of the areas of organometallic chemistry that have played a particularly important role in development. The chapters are written by chemists who work in the process groups of major pharmaceutical companies and fine chemical manufacturers. Having demonstrated the power of organometallics in their processes the authors herein expand upon their experiences with examples from the literature as reported by process groups within the industry. The chapters are organized either by the application of a particular metal or reaction class. Removal of the residual metal(s) from the isolated active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) is key to the release of the material for human consumption, and hence, is reviewed here as well. This volume of Topics in Organometallic Chemistry is presented to offer a representative cross section of organometallic applications in the pharmaceutical industry as well as to give an appreciation for the creativity possible in process chemistry.

It was only in the early 1990s that carbenes with the carbene carbon being incorporated in a nitrogen containing heterocycle (N-heterocyclic carbenes or NHCs) were found to be stable enough to be isolated. Since the first report on the application of NHCs as ligands in transition metal catalysis in 1995, NHC have found numerous applications and have been established as a versatile and indispensable class of ligands. For many reactions like metathesis or cross-coupling reactions NHCs have often become the ligands of choice, allowing otherwise difficult transformations. In this book leading experts have surveyed major areas of application of NHC metal complexes in catalysis. The authors have placed a special focus on nickel- and palladium-catalyzed reactions, on applications in metathesis reactions, on oxidation reactions and on the use of chiral NHC-based catalysts. This compilation is rounded out by an introductory chapter and a chapter dealing with synthetic routes to NHC metal complexes. The use of NHC as ligands in catalysis has reached a certain level of maturity and this book allows the reader to get a balanced view of this increasingly important ligand class.