The proceedings of the IVth International Symposium on the ``Scientific Bases for the Preparation of Heterogeneous Catalysts'', are presented in this volume. Since its start in 1975, this series of Symposia has continued to attract increasing scientific attention. An appreciable proportion of the papers presented at this Fourth Symposium stemmed from industrial research laboratories. The symposium dealt with catalysts for selective oxidation, hydrodesulphurization, Fischer-Tropsch catalysis, methanol synthesis, metal supported catalysts and new trends in catalyst preparation.

The organizers of this Sixth Symposium maintained their initial objectives, namely to gather experts from both industries and universities to discuss the scientific problems involved in the preparation of heterogeneous catalysts, and to encourage as much as possible the presentation of research work on catalysts of real industrial significance. Another highlight of these symposia is to reserve a substantial part of the program to new developments in catalyst preparation, new preparation methods and new catalytic systems. The fact that chemical reactions which were hardly conceivable some years ago have become possible today through the development of appropriate catalytic systems proves that catalysis is in constant progress.The papers in this volume deal with preparation of new catalysts and supports, catalyst preparation via sol-gel methods, supported catalysts and synthesis of nanometer size catalysts.

Successful industrial heterogeneous catalysts fulfill several key require ments: in addition to high catalytic activity for the desired reaction, with high selectivity where appropriate, they also have an acceptable commercial life and are rugged enough for transportation and charging into plant reactors. Additional requirements include the need to come online smoothly in a short time and reproducible manufacturing procedures that involve convenient processes at acceptable cost. The development of heterogeneous catalysts that meet these (often mutually exclusive) demands is far from straightforward, and in addition much of the actual manufacturing tech nology is kept secret for commercial reasons-thus there is no modern text that deals with the whole of this important subject. Principles of Catalyst Development, which deals comprehensively with the design, development, and manufacture of practical heterogeneous catalysts, is therefore especially valuable in meeting the long-standing needs of both industrialists and academics. As one who has worked extensively on a variety of catalyst development problems in both industry and academia, James T. Richardson is well placed to write an authoritative book covering both the theory and the practice of catalyst development. Much of the material contained in this book had its origin in a series of widely acclaimed lectures, attended mainly by industrial researchers, given over many years in the United States and Europe. All those in industry who work with catalysts, both beginners and those of considerable experience, should find this volume an essential guide.

This book is based on a symposium held during the 248th American Chemical Society meeting that focused on use of the Fischer-Tropsch process in producing synthetic fuels. Its contents reflect the four dominant subjects of the meeting: catalyst preparation and activation, catalyst activity and reaction mechanisms, catalyst characterization and related reactions, and topics concerning commercializing the Fischer-Tropsch process. It covers recent developments related to renewable resources and green energy and provides a glimpse of the commercial potential of the Fischer-Tropsch process in synthetic fuel production.

In spite of the energy crises and the recession, there has been a global, explosive growth in the amount of motor vehicles. In the past 50 years, the amount has increased from 50 to 700 million vehicles. For economical reasons they will probably continue to be used for a considerable number of years, despite the poor yield of internal combustion engines resulting in the inevitable production of some gaseous pollutants. The subsequent increase of gaseous pollutants in our atmosphere caused by exhaust gas from automobiles has enhanced the problem of the elimination of these pollutants produced by internal combustion engines. Catalysis has proven to be the best solution to lower the content of exhaust gas in pollutants.As its predecessors, CAPoC4 proved to be a suitable platform for discussing technological improvements and developments along with future perspectives and challenges. In the light of new results and further legislative regulations, the following topics were intensely discussed: *low light-off behaviour based on improved catalysts and substrate formulations *efficient adsorber systems for storage of hydrocarbon emissions *electrically heated catalyst systems ahead the main catalyst or, alternatively, close coupled catalysts (at the manifold of the engine) • lean DeNOx catalysts allowing for decomposition of NOx in the oxygen-rich exhaust of direct injection gasoline engines and high speed injection diesel engines or, alternatively, NOx trapping/reduction in a hybrid approach * collection and destruction of dry particulates or soot.There is no doubt that clean vehicle technology is a vital part of improving air quality. Challenges remain and call for technological answers. Catalytic air pollution control is still an area providing a considerable incentive for innovative work.

Solid catalysts play a fundamental role in all areas between basic research and industrial applications. This book offers a large amount of information about the preparation of solid catalysts. All types of solid catalysts and all important aspects of their preparation are discussed. The highly topical contributions are written by leading experts in disciplines ranging from solid state, interface and solution chemistry to industrial engineering. The straightforward presentation of the material and the comprehensive coverage make this book an essential and indispensible tool for every scientist and engineer working with solid catalysts.

Studies in Surface Science and Catalysis is one of the oldest and most cited series in the field. It offers a privileged view of the topic covering the theory, applications and engineering of all topics of catalysis, including Heterogeneous-Homogeneous, Biocatalysis and Catalysis for Polymerization. This volume provides an invaluable source of information for academics and industrialists as well as graduate students.

The Fourth International Natural Gas Conversion Symposium was attended by 180 delegates from 25 countries. Representation was evenly balanced between industry and academia. The opening address was delivered by Mr Roy Pithey, Chairman of South Africa's Central Energy Fund, who dealt with the importance and utilisation of natural gas in sub-Saharan Africa. Plenary lectures were presented by Professors E. Iglesia (Catalyst design and selectivity for F-T synthesis) and E.E. Wolf (Oxidative Coupling Methane). A number of keynote addresses were delivered:- Dr T. Fleisch (Amoco) described the use of DME as a transport fuel and the work which has been carried out in this area in collaboration with Haldor Topsoe- Professor L.D. Schmidt (Univ. of Minnesota) explained his work on the direct conversion of methane at high velocities- Dr B. Jager (SASTECH R & D) reported on the recent developments in slurry and fluidized bed F-T reactors as SASOL- Dr J. Rostrup-Nielsen (Haldor Topsoe) discussed the role of catalysis in the conversion of natural gas for power generation.Areas signalled for further research were: direct conversion of methane to intermediate monomers; methanol conversion to higher alcohols; CO/H2 conversion in a commercially viable route to higher alcohols; and CO/H2 conversion to high quality gasoline. It is obvious that such developments would fit into the energy cycle which has moved from wood, to coal, to oil, to gas, and will most probably move to hydrogen.

Kurti and Czako have produced an indispensable tool for specialists and non-specialists in organic chemistry. This innovative reference work includes 250 organic reactions and their strategic use in the synthesis of complex natural and unnatural products. Reactions are thoroughly discussed in a convenient, two-page layout--using full color. Its comprehensive coverage, superb organization, quality of presentation, and wealth of references, make this a necessity for every organic chemist. - The first reference work on named reactions to present colored schemes for easier understanding - 250 frequently used named reactions are presented in a convenient two-page layout with numerous examples - An opening list of abbreviations includes both structures and chemical names - Contains more than 10,000 references grouped by seminal papers, reviews, modifications, and theoretical works - Appendices list reactions in order of discovery, group by contemporary usage, and provide additional study tools - Extensive index quickly locates information using words found in text and drawings