Newly emerging multiphase catalytic processes for pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals are briefly reviewed. Examples of homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic reactions, including tandem reactions, asymmetric catalysis, encapsulated metal complex catalysts, and biphasic reactions have been discussed. The classification of these reactions as gas-liquid, gas-liquid-solid, gas-liquid-liquid and gas-liquid-liquid-solid reactions and related reaction engineering issues are also summarized. The importance of the catalytic routes in developing environmentally clean processes has been highlighted. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.