Heterogeneous Catalysis in Liquid Phase Transformations of Importance in the Industrial Preparation of Fine Chemicals

Abstract

This review focuses on the use of heterogeneous catalysts in the production of fine and speciality chemicals. The major emphasis is on those systems which have been commercialised already and those which are close to commercialisation. These include the use of TS-1 for oxidation reactions including the production of hydroquinone, caprolactam, and alkene oxides, and clay-supported catalysts such as clayzic, which are commercially available for acid-catalysed reactions, in particular Friedel−Crafts reactions. Base catalysis and acid-catalysed halogenation and nitration are also covered.