Abstract
Development of reactions and processes using homogeneous, late metal catalysts are summarized. Homogeneous catalyst shows unique reactivity and selectivity, but its application to industrial process is still limited. Industrial process requires not only high reaction yields, but also high catalyst stability, easy separation and small amount of by-products. Two types of general processes of homogeneous catalyst are presented in this article. One is a process with highly stable catalyst and that process recycles the stable catalyst. The other is a process uses highly active catalyst without catalyst recycle. Ruthenium-catalyzed dehydrogenation of 1,4-butanediol to produce γ-lactone is developed as the process of highly stable catalyst. Development of the process using highly active palladium-catalyst for isomerization of allylic esters without catalyst recycle is also developed.
