Introduction

For the typical synthetic chemist the use of a heterogeneously catalyzed reaction usually involves the finding of a seemingly appropriate “recipe” to follow and the resignation to settle for whatever yield may be obtained. With other synthetically viable reactions a basic mechanistic understanding can frequently be used to modify the reaction conditions in order to optimize product formation. At present the most important synthetic use of heterogeneous catalysis is for the hydrogenation and hydrogenolysis of various organic functional groups. Other reactions, such as catalytic oxidation and C-C bond formations using surface-promoted organometallic reactions, are used only infrequently. To develop these reactions as viable synthetic procedures, though, will require that all of the facets of heterogeneous catalysis be more fully understood by the practicing chemist.