Page 16 - Catalysts for Fine Chemical Synthesis Vol 1 - Robert & Poignant

xvi preface for volume 1

using the catalysts described herein; we approached the experiments carried out
in Liverpool as newcomers in the field.
Thus for the first volume in this series we have performed a selection of
oxidation and reduction reactions, arguably some of the most important trans-
formations of these two types, mainly employing non-natural catalysts. In
other volumes of this work other catalysts for oxidation and reduction will be
featured and, of equal importance, the use of preferred catalysts for carbon±
carbon bond formation will be described. In the first phase, therefore, this
series will seek to explore the `pros and cons' of using many, if not most, well-
documented catalysts and we will endeavour to report our findings in a non-
partisan manner.
We truly hope these procedures will be really valuable for fellow chemists
trying out a new catalyst system for the first time. Feedback and further hints
and tips would be most welcome.

G. POIGNANT
S.M. ROBERTS
LIVERPOOL, 2002