Abstract: A process for homologating alcohols and/or acids to a mixture of higher acids by reaction with syngas in the presence of a ruthenium-rhodium-iodide-titanium(IV) catalyst.

Abstract: Syngas is converted to hydrocarbons with a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst contained in a slurry phase wherein additionally dissolved in the slurry phase is a phosphabicycloalkane.

Abstract: Method for the manufacture of ethylidene diacetate by reacting methyl acetate and/or dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal compound and a halogen-containing compound wherein the reaction is carried out in the presence of a sulphur-containing polar solvent.

Abstract: Dimethyl ether is produced from syngas in high yield utilizing a physical mixture of two catalyst components: a first component comprising copper-zinc and alkali metal supported on alumina, and a second component comprising tungsten oxide supported on silica-alumina.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ethanol by catalytic hydration of ethylene in which the crude ethanol is separated by distillation in a first column into a bottom stream consisting of aqueous ethanol and a top stream containing diethyl ether and acetaldehyde, the bottom stream is processed further in a second column, the top stream is hydrogenated and then fractionated in a third column together with an impurities containing stream originating from the second column, and optionally the diethyl ether containing top stream of the third column is recycled to the hydration reactor.

Abstract: Method for the production of branched chain esters comprising contacting methanol and/or dimethyl ether and carbon monoxide with zinc iodide at a temperature of from about 180.degree. C. to 450.degree. C. Improved selectivity to methyl pivalate is obtained by incorporating ethylene, propylene and/or isobutylene into the reaction mixture.

Abstract: 1,5-Dimethyl-1,5-cyclooctadiene and 1,4-dimethyl-4-vinyl-1-cyclohexene are prepared by contacting isoprene with a catalyst obtained by mixing a nickel compound, a reducing agent capable of reducing the nickel to zerovalent nickel, and a trihydrocarbyl phosphite, arsenite or antimonite wherein at least one of the three hydrocarbyl groups is a substituted hydrocarbyl group CF.sub.3 --(CF.sub.2).sub.n C(H)(R)--, in which n.gtoreq.0 and R is an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group. Only very small amounts of the undesired 1,6-dimethyl-1,5-cyclooctadiene are formed.

Abstract: An improved process for the low temperature preparation of ethylene glycol by the catalytic hydration of ethylene oxide using a fluorinated alkyl sulfonic acid ion exchange resin is described.