This unique book, drawing on the author¿s lifetime experience, critically evaluates the extensive literature on the field of Metal-Catalysed Reactions of Hydrocarbons. Emphasis is placed on reaction mechanisms involving hydrogenation, hydrogenolysis, skeletal and positional isomerisation, and exchange reactions. The motivation for fundamental research in heterogeneous catalysis is to identify the physicochemical characteristics of active centres for the reaction being studied, to learn how these may be modified or manipulated to improve the desired behavior of the catalyst, and to recognize and control those aspects of the catalyst's structure that limit its overall performance. By restricting the subject of the book to hydrocarbons, Bond has progressively developed the subject matter to include areas of importance both to researchers and to those working in the industry.

Metals and Alloys.- Small Metal Particles and Supported Metal Catalysts.- Chemisorption and Reactions of Hydrogen.- The Chemisorption of Hydrocarbons.- Introduction to the Catalysis of Hydrocarbon Reactions.- Exchange of Alkanes with Deuterium.- Hydrogenation of Alkenes and Related Processes.- Hydrogenation of Alkadienes and Polyenes.- Hydrogenation of Alkynes.- Hydrogenation of the Aromatic Ring.- Hydrogenation of Small Alicyclic Rings.- Dehydrogenation of Alkanes.- Reactions of the Lower Alkanes with Hydrogen.- Reactions of Higher Alkanes with Hydrogen.- Index.