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Using various examples throughout the text, this volume describes the potential of solid base catalysis. Readers will find an overview of solid base catalysis and the versatility of the reactions to which solid base catalysts can be utilized.

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The importance of solid base catalysts has come to be recognized for their environmentally benign qualities, and much significant progress has been made over the past two decades in catalytic materials and solid base-catalyzed reactions. The book is focused on the solid base. Because of the advantages over liquid bases, the use of solid base catalysts in organic synthesis is expanding. Solid bases are easier to dispose than liquid bases, separation and recovery of products, catalysts and solvents are less difficult, and they are non-corrosive. Furthermore, base-catalyzed reactions can be performed without using solvents and even in the gas phase, opening up more possibilities for discovering novel reaction systems. Using numerous examples, the present volume describes the remarkable role solid base catalysis can play, given the ever increasing worldwide importance of "green" chemistry. The reader will obtain an overall view of solid base catalysis and gain insight into the versatility of the reactions to which solid base catalysts can be utilized. The concept and significance of solid base catalysis are discussed, followed by descriptions of various methods for the characterization of solid bases, including spectroscopic methods and test reactions. The preparation and properties of base materials are presented in detail, with the two final chapters devoted to surveying the variety of reactions catalyzed by solid bases.

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Introduction.- Characterization of Solid Base Catalysts.- Preparation and Catalytic Properties of Solid Base Catalysts - Metal Oxides.- Preparation and Catalytic Properties of Solid Base Catalysts - Specific Materials for Solid Bases.- Reactions Catalyzed by Solid Bases.- Solid Base Catalysts for Specific Subjects.

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Curriculum Vitae Hideshi Hattori Professor Emeritus, Hokkaido University, Research Promoting Professor, Catalysis Research Center, Hokkaido University Rice University, USA 1983 Visiting Professor, University of North Dakota, USA 2004: Visiting Professor, National University of Singapore 2006: Visiting Professor, University Technology of Malaysia 2007: Research Visiting Professor, KFUPM (Saudi Arabia) Academic activity: President of Catalysis Society of Japan, 2001 Awards: Award of Catalysis Society Japan, 1995 Award of Japan Institute of Petroleum, 1997 Publication: Original papers about 250 (by 2008) . Career Summary of Hideshi Hattori post-doctral work at Rice University 1973: Graduate School of Environmental Earth Science, Hokkaido University 2003: Professor Emeritus, Hokkaido University 2007: Research Promoting Professor at Catalysis Research Center, Hokkaido University 2001: president of the Catalysis Society of Japan for 2001, and chairman of TOCAT 4

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