Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for converting light hydrocarbon feedstocks such as methane, ethane and/or natural gas, to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products that are more readily handleable and transportable. The process comprises heating a gaseous mixture comprising said light hydrocarbon feedstocks and at least one oxide initiator selected from the group consisting of nitrogen oxides, sulfur trioxide and mixtures thereof at a temperature of at least about 600.degree. C. for a period of time effective to provide said higher molecular weight hydrocarbon product. In one embodiment, the invention provides for a process for converting the feedstocks, to unsaturated compounds such as ethylene. The invention also relates to the higher molecular weight products obtained by the process of the invention.

Abstract: Attrition resistant bismuth-containing metal/oxygen compositions comprising the infusion and reaction product of an alumina existing in a crystal form selected from the group consisting of .gamma., .delta., .eta., and .chi. crystal forms, and mixtures thereof or that can be transformed by heat to such crystal forms, and characterized by a mean particle size from about 10 .mu.m to about 200 .mu.m, a fractional porosity of at least 0.2, a surface area of at least 150 m.sup.2 /g, and a pore diameter such that at least 10 percent of the pores are less than 55 .ANG., and at least one bismuth oxide, or compound convertible by heat to such bismuth oxide, having a maximum mean particle size of about 100 .mu.m, with the proviso that the alumina/bismuth oxide mean particle size ratio is at least 2, which bismuth oxide is susceptible of undergoing infusion and reaction with the alumina upon being subjected to temperatures of at least 0.4 T.sub.