Exploring the latest scientific developments in applied catalysis for organic reactions, this volume describes the use of both heterogeneous and homogeneous catalyst systems and includes original research articles on processes with potential industrial applications. The renowned contributors discuss noteworthy findings that include the award-winning studies by Isamu Yamauchi on metastable precursors to RaneyR catalysts and by Gadi Rothenberg on methods for finding the best homogeneous catalysts. The book covers the synthesis of fine chemicals and pharmaceutical intermediates, solid acid catalysis, selective oxidation, chiral synthesis, combinatorial methods, nanotechnology, and "green" processes.