A systematic procedure for the design of homogeneous catalytic processes with special emphasis on biphasic reactions was developed. First, the reaction kinetics were determined, and then a genetic stirred cell model for biphasic homogeneous catalytic reactions was used to elucidate the interplay of reaction and mass transfer and the impact of phase equilibria. The optimal range of reactor conditions, as captured by the Damkohler numbers, was then related to reactor attributes. Process alternatives for catalyst recovery and recycle were considered.