New and ecofriendly options for the production of speciality and fine chemicals

Abstract

Earlier research efforts in the area of catalysis have focused on large volume, low value products of petroleum and petrochemical industry since the benefits of catalytic processes are enormous in terms of simplification of process technology, atom economy, effluents and finally economy. Fine and specialty chemicals industry with its massive profits realized through huge value addition had endeavored on product innovation. The emerging global competitiveness and public outcry against large amounts of effluents prompted to translate the knowledge of catalytic processes to the fine chemicals industries. In this article, multidirectional efforts towards atom economy, zero emission of effluents and simplification of the processes in the oxidation of olefins, alkenes, alcohols and amines are discussed. Various options encompassing both homogeneous and heterogeneous systems have been explored in the said reactions. The application of microporous and mesoporous heterogeneous catalysts for various oxidations seems to be ideal.