HETEROGENEOUS CATALYSIS IN LIQUID-PHASE TRANSFORMATIONS OF IMPORTANCEIN THE INDUSTRIAL PREPARATION OF FINE CHEMICALS

This review focuses on the use of heterogeneous catalysts in the produ ction of fine and speciality chemicals., The major emphasis is on thos e systems which have been commercialised already and those which are c lose 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 Fr iedel-Crafts reactions, Base catalysis and acid-catalysed halogenation and nitration are also covered.