Selective catalytic synthesis of fine chemicals: Opportunities and trends

Recent, environmentally-driven trends in the manufacture of fine chemicals are reviewed. Comparison of alternative processes on the basis of their atom utilization and E factor (kg byproducts/kg product) is discussed. The use of chromium-substituted molecular sieves (CrAPO-5 and 11 and Cr silicalite) as recyclable solid catalysts for benzylic and allylic oxidations, the oxidation of secondary alcohols to ketones and the selective decomposition of alkyl hydroperoxides, is described. New developments in the use of zeolite-encapsulated metal complexes as solid catalysts for oxidations and reductions are reviewed. The use of palladium(0) trisulfonated triphenylphosphine complex as a catalyst for carbonylation in water is reported. Finally, the use of supported aqueous phase catalysts in various processes, including enantioselective hydrogenation, is briefly reviewed.