Research in catalysis by coordination complexes has resulted in the discovery of many new reactions and the development of several important industrial processes. Close parallels to heterogeneous and biocatalysis are indicated. Progress in reaching a detailed understanding of homogeneous catalytic reactions has been slower. Problems encountered are that nonisolable catalytic species may form in situ, kinetic studies often provide only limited mechanistic information, observed rates and products are affected strongly by media and catalyst compositions, and analogies between apparently closely related systems are frequently invalid. Difficulties in commercialization include containment of corrosive systems and product isolation from liquid media. These problems appear resolvable by currently available means. It is expected that continued research will lead to new applications and will contribute substantially to improved understanding of catalytic phenomena in general."p\uring the past decade homogeneous catalysis has progressed from an interesting novelty to its present status as a recognized field. In the interval a great deal has been said and written concerning the subject, much of it well beyond the scope of this discussion which is limited to an indication of what has been accomplished, an outline of the problems which have been encountered, and a forecast of future prospects.In the strictest sense, homogeneous catalysis involves catalytic reactions occurring in a single phase. However, as currently used, the term implies only that at least a portion of a particular reaction is known or suspected strongly to occur in the coordination sphere of a metal (most frequently a transition metal). Activation of substrates and likely the steric course of the reaction are then consequences of bonding in an in-
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