Abstract: In a process for the production of hydrogen by the reaction of steam with carbon, a catalyst system is employed comprising a supported Group VIIIA metal and, as modifier for the suppression of methane, an effective amount of an oxide of molybdenum or tungsten.

Abstract: Cyclohexenyl and alkenyl aromatic compounds, such as cyclohexene and styrene, are prepared by a process comprising contacting a corresponding cyclohexyl or alkyl aromatic carboxylic acid, such as cyclohexyl carboxylic acid or 2-phenyl propionic acid, with a decarboxylation catalyst of the formulaM.sub.a M'.sub.b O.sub.xwherem is copper or a combination of copper and molybdenum, andM' is at least one promoter element, such as a Group IA element.

Abstract: 2-phenyl propanal is converted to 2-indanone by contact at conversion conditions, typically vapor-phase conditions, with a catalyst of the formula Mo.sub.12 Cu.sub.0.1-10 V.sub.0.1-5 W.sub.0.1-3 M.sub.0-3 O.sub.x where M is an optional promoter, such as Sn, Sb, Te or a Group VIII element.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them at dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of a complex oxide catalyst comprising molybdenum, copper and tin and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, Th and U. For example, an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. ethylbenzene, can be dehydrogenated to an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. styrene, in the presence of an oxide complex catalyst comprising molybdenum, copper, tin and at least one element selected from the group consisting of K, Cs, Ba, Mg and Ca.

Abstract: Aldehydes, such as isobutyraldehyde, are isomerized to ketones, such as methyl ethyl ketone, by contact at isomerization conditions, typically vapor-phase conditions, with a catalyst of the formula M.sub.0.15-15 M'.sub.0.05-12 O.sub.x where M is at least one of Mo and Cu and M' is a promoter, such as a Group IIB or VIII element.

Abstract: Cyclohexenyl and alkenyl aromatic compounds, such as cyclohexene and styrene, are prepared by a process comprising contacting a corresponding cyclohexyl or alkyl aromatic carboxylic acid, such as cyclohexyl carboxylic acid or 2-phenyl propionic acid, with a decarboxylation catalyst of the formulaM.sub.a M'.sub.b O.sub.xwhereM is copper or a combination of copper and molybdenum, andM' is at least one promoter element, such as a Group IA element.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons are dehydrogenated by contacting them at dehydrogenation conditions in the presence of a complex oxide catalyst comprising molybdenum, copper and tin and at least one element selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, La, Ce, Th and U. For example, an alkyl aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. ethylbenzene, can be dehydrogenated to an alkenyl aromatic hydrocarbon, e.g. styrene, in the presence of an oxide complex catalyst comprising molybdenum, copper, tin and at least one element selected from the group consisting of K, Cs, Ba, Mg and Ca.