In industrial systems, strict thermodynamic coupling (as it is formally defined) is unlikely, particularly where catalysis is used. Equilibrium shifts may still be possible due to coupling between sequential reactions, and recognition of this suggests a wider range of application of the technique than is traditionally considered. Guidelines for synthesis of coupled systems are given. Because of the complexity of coupled systems it is important to incorporate knowledge of kinetics at the earliest stages of process development. Experimental studies are usually necessary to assess catalyst and by-product behaviour. A promising application of reaction coupling is improving the equilibrium of high-temperature, gas-phase dehydrogenation reactions by coupling with CO2 via the water-gas-shift reaction. In the case of hydrogen sulphide this has led to the development of a process with considerable advantages over the existing technology. Dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to styrene and cracking of light alkanes also have considerable potential, although further kinetics studies are necessary.