ABSTRACT
Catalyst activity and selectivity are controlled by many factors, including, but not limited to, preparation techniques and reaction conditions Selectivity is usually defined as a quantity of desired product(s) per unit of conversion. Catalytically induced reactions may take any number of pathways leading to the formation of many thermodynamically favored products. One goal of the catalyst scientist is to optimize those products of interest and minimize those of lesser value. Besides the choice of catalyst, the way to accomplish this is to rigorously control the reaction conditions. Reaction conditions would include consideration of at least the following: temperature, pressure, catalyst loading level, solvent system, reactant purity, etc. Data are presented to show the effect of each of these parameters on selectivity using a variety of classical reactions. Practical ways of testing catalyst formulations for selectivity changes will be reviewed.
