Introduction to Industrial Catalysis

Students will be able to...

• ... name the elementary steps in a transition metal catalyzed catalytic cycle and describe their detailed mechanisms.
• ... discuss the main catalyst and ligand influences on the different elementary steps.
• ... describe and quantify the ligand and catalyst properties using common concepts and models.
• ... identify the rate-determining step for important catalytic reactions.
• ... make predictions about activity and selectivity.
• ... explain the principle of asymmetric catalysis.
• ... name catalyst and process variants for important industrial processes and name and discuss variables influencing activity and selectivity.
• ... list methods for recycling homogeneous catalysts and explain their principles.
• ... suggest a suitable catalyst and reaction system for an unknown reaction.

The students can...

• ... explain the importance of catalysis for controlling material flows in the chemical industry.
• ... differentiate between heterogeneous and homogeneous catalysts and compare their advantages and disadvantages.
• ... describe the use of heterogeneous catalysts in the synthesis of large basic chemicals and intermediates (in refineries, in waste gas treatment and in the food industry) with regard to the physicochemical processes and the applied reactor technology on the basis of relevant examples and name generally applicable approaches to heterogeneous catalysis.