This unique book, drawing on the author’s lifetime experience, critically evaluates the extensive literature on the field of Metal-Catalysed Reactions of Hydrocarbons. Emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms involving hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, skeletal and positional isomerisation, and exchange reactions. The motivation for fundamental research in heterogeneous catalysis is to identify the physicochemical characteristics of active centres for the reaction being studied, to learn how these may be modified or manipulated to improve the desired behavior of the catalyst, and to recognize and control those aspects of the catalyst's structure that limit its overall performance. By restricting the subject of the book to hydrocarbons, Bond has progressively developed the subject matter to include areas of importance both to researchers and to those working in the industry.
From the reviews: "It is ... a real pleasure to see a current, readable book that is devoted to the metal-catalyzed reactions of hydrocarbons ... . the comprehensive treatment given in this text will undoubtedly give its readers a deeper appreciation of the mechanisms that lie at the heart of many important industrial processes. The material is presented in a very clear and well-paced style ... . This book will be a significant aid for those wishing to gain a working knowledge of catalysis on metal surfaces." (Colin D. Abernethy, Journal of the American Chemical Society, Vol. 128 (4), 2006)