Abstract: An olefin metathesis catalyst consists essentially of a transition metal or oxide thereof supported on a high purity silica support possessing low amounts of acidic or basic sites such that in the reaction of pure butene-1 over said catalyst under metathesis reaction conditions the reaction possesses a weight selectivity to hexene-3 of at least 55 wt %.

Abstract: An olefin metathesis catalyst consists essentially of a transition metal or oxide thereof supported on a high purity silica support possessing low amounts of acidic or basic sites such that in the reaction of pure butene-1 over said catalyst under metathesis reaction conditions the reaction possesses a weight selectivity to hexene-3 of at least 55 wt %.

Abstract: An olefin metathesis catalyst consists essentially of a transition metal or oxide thereof supported on a high purity silica support possessing low amounts of acidic or basic sites such that in the reaction of pure butene-1 over said catalyst under metathesis reaction conditions the reaction possesses a weight selectivity to hexene-3 of at least 55 wt %.

Abstract: A porous composite product comprised of a network of fibers is produced by forming an unsintered preformed network of fibers and a gasifiable structure forming agent, followed by gasification of the structure forming agent prior to sintering of the fibers at appropriate junction points. The preferred structure forming agent is a cellulosic material.

Abstract: Catalyst particles are prepared by coating a core particle, which is usually catalytically inert with respect to the intended chemical reaction, in a fluidized bed coating apparatus. The coating technique involves repeatedly applying and drying small quantities of an atomized slurry containing the coating material in the form of a colloidal dispersion or in the form of very fine, non-colloidal particles preferably mixed with colloidal particles. In this way, incremental layers are formed to produce a final thin shell which has a highly uniform thickness, which is formed on the surface of the core and which does not penetrate porous cores. Various methods are disclosed for converting the coated particles to the desired catalyst form.

Abstract: A process for reactivating alkylation catalyst which comprises contacting alkylation catalyst with hydrogen and benzene in the essential absence of olefin. The reactivation process may be conducted under conditions (eg., temperature, pressure) similar to that employed in an alkylation reaction. This process enables one to reactivate the catalyst in situ in a relatively short time, thus minimizing disruption of the alkylation operation.

Abstract: Crude phenol containing methyl benzofuran and other impurities is distilled in the presence of water to recover a phenol bottoms having a reduced quantity of impurities. The water-phenol overhead is cooled to separate a water phase essentially free of methyl benzofuran, which is recycled to the distillation. The organic phase may then be further distilled, in the presence of water, as previously described, to eventually recover a reduced quantity of phenol in which impurities are concentrated.

Abstract: Crude phenol, containing AMS by-product, and MBF impurity, is distilled in the presence of water to separate MBF impurity.

Abstract: Phenol feed to a steam distilling column, containing alpha-methylstyrene and mesityl oxide, is treated with a base, without acidification, and the heavy phenol product is acidified and distilled in a high purity column to recover high purity phenol as a sidestream and lighter components as overhead. Acidification after steam distilling, rather than prior to steam distilling, increases phenol recovery by reducing the overhead pasteurizing cut from the high purity column.

Abstract: Phenol containing MBF impurity is distilled in the presence of water and an extraction solvent for MBF (preferably AMS and/or cumene) to recover a phenol bottoms having reduced impurities. The use of solvent permits a reduction in the amount of water used, which reduces the amount of phenol in the overhead, thereby lowering costs.

Abstract: In the production of high purity phenol, a water-phenol mixture recovered from the top of a distillation column is contacted with a water immiscible solvent to extract methyl benzofuran and other by-products and impurities in phenol production therefrom, with the extraction being accomplished at a temperature at which the water-phenol mixture is present as a single phase liquid. The remaining mixture of phenol and water is recycled to the distillation.

Abstract: A catalyst comprised of oxidized copper, zirconium and an alkali metal is employed for oxidizing an aromatic carboxylic acid to the corresponding phenol; e.g., benzoic acid to phenol.