Dear Colleagues,

When a researcher embarks on chemical processes for the production of fine chemicals, the main goal to pursue is the development of hazard-free, waste-free, and energy-efficient synthetic routes. This “minimalist” approach has become particularly urgent during the 21^th century, in consideration of the essential need to protect human health as well as our environment. 

Solid catalysts, such as zeolites, can represent a good alternative to establish cleaner and less polluting processes because of their remarkable properties. They offer shape selectivity as the dimensional constraints of their channels or pores discriminate between molecules with different sizes for both the reactant (transition state) and the product. In addition, they are easily recovered and can be reused with the great advantage of making the chemical process simpler and more economical, reducing the production of waste and/or by-products.

The employment of solid catalysts characterized by tailored active sites, such as zeolites and/or other kinds of solid material that can successfully replace the conventional liquid catalyst, has to be considered as a challenge and an opportunity to promote the catalysis of sustainable chemical processes.

This Special Issue gathers topics concerning the development of chemical reactions catalyzed to be more eco-friendly processes. At the same time, it will also emphasize standard reactions for producing fine chemicals and promoted by solid catalysts, which result in more environmentally acceptable processes, avoiding harsh conditions and the potential undesired degradation of organic molecules to toxic products. 

Kind regards

Dr. Stefania De Luca
Guest Editor

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