This volume of the A&uun~.s records vigorous progress in both the science and technology of catalysis, illustrating how fundamental understanding is paving the way to new technology. Bohnen and Cornils trace more than six decades of the development of the venerable hydroformylation process. The technology has improved steadily Lvith a deepening understanding of the chemistry of metal complexes, the discovery of new metal-ligand combinations for selective hydroformylation, and the mastery of a two-phase (liquid — liquid) process that facilitates efficient productPcatalyst separation and recycling of the catalyst.
Rostrup-Nielsen, Sehested, and Nurskov provide an update of catalytic technology for synthesis gas manufacture by steam reforming. The chapter is a compelling illustration of the value of a well-managed interplay between fundamental and applied research. The authors integrate industrial practice with laboratory measurements of catalytic kinetics. surface science investigations of model catalysts, characterization of fresh and aged catalysts by transmission electron microscopy, and modern theory. Advances in the technology of steam reforming rest on a solid foundation of fundamental understanding of the complex phenomena occurring in the process.