ABSTRACT
Catalytic reactions can be run in either a batch mode or as a continuous process. A properly designed reactor will provide an environment in which mass and temperature transport problems are minimized so control over the different facets of a catalytic reaction is more easily attained. Most synthetically useful heterogeneously catalyzed reactions involve the hydrogenation of functional groups, a reaction that is typically run as a batch process. As with any catalytic reactor, the catalyst is first placed in the reaction bottle and the liquid substrate or solution carefully added to it. The progress of the reaction is monitored by the drop in the pressure of the system. Because of the need to keep the catalyst suspended as uniformly as possible in the reaction mixture, the catalytic material is usually in the form of a fine powder.
