Quantum mechanics based mechanisms for selective activation of hydrocarbons by mixed metal oxide heterogeneous catalysts – A tribute to Robert Grasselli

This paper is based on the talk given by Goddard at the symposium “New Vistas in Heterogeneous Catalysis: Symposium in honor of Robert Grasselli” sponsored by the CATL division of the ACS held on August 21, 2018 at the ACS national meeting in Boston MA. It tells the story about how Bob Grasselli had a dramatic influence on the research I have carried out on heterogeneous catalysis, particularly on ammoxidation.