Catalytic selective oxidation: the forefront in the challenge for a more sustainable industrial chemistry

Oxidations account for a large part of industrial chemical processes. There may be various key factors for the development of a successful catalytic oxidation reaction. Some examples will be illustrated with the aim of defining the most promising research paths in this field: a) the use of both alternative oxidants - in liquid-phase and gas-phase oxidations - and alternative modes for contacting the reagents; b) the development of catalytic systems characterized by multifunctional properties; c) the control and optimization of reaction conditions on the basis of both the catalyst characteristics and the dynamic behavior in the reaction environment of the catalytically active surface.