Catalysis in the Industrial Production of Pharmaceuticals and Fine Chemicals

Abstract

The history of catalysis at Roche and its present relevance for the company is described. The main focus is on catalytic hydrogenation, which serves as an example to show the historic background of catalysis at Roche and to demonstrate the importance of a transdisciplinary approach used in industry – in particular in the Roche group – for the design and development of catalytic processes. The article concludes with the statement that catalysis will maintain or even strengthen its position in fine chemicals production.