Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene comprising a component A selected from the list consisting of zeolite, silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, or any combination thereof; and a component Bcat comprising a mixed metal oxide, a catalyst precursor for the preparation of a catalyst for the conversion of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene comprising a component A selected from the list consisting of zeolite, silicon dioxide, aluminium oxide, or any combination thereof; and a component Bpre comprising a layered double hydroxide (LDH) as well as a process for the conversion of ethanol to 1,3-butadiene, in which said catalyst is used.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasticizer composition comprising a terephthalic acid di-ester and an ester having the following formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are the same or different and represent a straight chain, branched or cyclic hydrocarbyl group. R1 and R2 in formula (I) have from 1 to 15 carbon atoms. The invention further relates to a polymer composition comprising a plasticizer composition comprising a terephthalic acid di-ester and an ester having the following formula (I).

Abstract: Ethylbenzene can be separated from a C8 aromatics mixture containing ethylbenzene and a close boiling compound by extractive distillation using an extractive agent comprising a mixture of a chlorinated aromatic compound and another compound selected from furandione derivatives and organic nitriles.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting paraffin to olefin comprising the following steps: (a) providing a hydrocarbon feedstock containing at least one paraffin having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and at least one olefin having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; (b) providing a catalyst containing at least one Group VIA and/or Group VIIA transition metal on a solid support; (c) pretreating the catalyst by contacting the catalyst with at least one reducing gas and at least one oxidizing gas; and (d) contacting the hydrocarbon feedstock and the pretreated catalyst at a temperature in the range of 200° C. to 600° C., preferably 320° C. to 450° C. and to a catalyst for use therein.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting paraffin to olefin comprising the following steps: (a) providing a hydrocarbon feedstock containing at least one paraffin having 1 to 12 carbon atoms and at least one olefin having 2 to 12 carbon atoms; (b) providing a catalyst containing at least one Group VIA and/or Group VIIA transition metal on a solid support; (c) pretreating the catalyst by contacting the catalyst with at least one reducing gas and at least one oxidizing gas; and (d) contacting the by hydrocarbon feedstock and the pretreated catalyst at a temperature in the range of 200° C. to 600° C., preferably 320° C. to 450° C. and to a catalyst for use therein.