Theory in heterogeneous catalysis -: An experimentalist's view

This is a report of an inorganic chemist on the status of theoretical efforts in heterogeneous catalysis. It is intended to highlight trends and opportunities in the area. Only theories aiming at an atomistic description of reactions are considered. The examples are taken from the areas of interest of the author and are used to illustrate some of the general statements. No effort is made to enter into technical details of theoretical concepts or to give an account on current literature.