ABSTRACT
Reactions used in organic synthesis fall into two general categories. They cither modify a functional group on a given molecule or they change the carbon skeleton of the starting material by making or breaking C–C bonds. This chapter covers a number of heterogeneously catalyzed reactions that are used to make C–C bonds. These reactions are promoted by solid acids and solid bases as well as by some metals and oxides. Acid catalyzed reactions have played a significant role in the synthesis of a variety of compounds. While most such reactions were initially run with simple protic or Lewis acids, the use of such materials now presents serious environmental problems concerning the disposal of the unused acids and their salts. Solid acids also catalyze the reaction of epoxides with nucleophiles. Solid base catalyzed reactions are not as commonly used in synthetic processes as are those reactions promoted by solid acids.
