Catalysis for fine chemicals: who needs (will use) new solvents?

The need for new solvents for catalysis in the production of fine chemicals is discussed. After a short description of the different needs of fine chemicals and bulk chemicals manufacture, the role of the solvent in catalytic processes is shown, illustrated by examples from Solvias' process development. It is concluded that for the catalytic production of fine chemicals, new types of solvents such as supercritical CO2, ionic liquids, aqueous or fluorous media will be applied only under special circumstances and that much more information on scope and limitations (chemical, ecological, economical) is required.