Abstract: A nitrile-containing mixture, which includes a nitrile dissolved in a higher alcohol solvent, and hydrogen are fed to a reactor containing a catalyst. An amine is produced by hydrogenating the nitrile that is dissolved in the higher alcohol solvent. In a preferred embodiment, the reactor also contains a caustic solution. The preferred nitrile-containing mixture includes octadecaneditrile (ODDN) and hexanol to produce a preferred octadecanediamine (ODDA) through hydrogenation.

Abstract: A cyclic ketone/alcohol mixture is prepared by catalytic oxidation of the corresponding cycloalkane or catalytic decomposition of the corresponding cycloalkyl hydroperoxide. Gold supported on a porous crystalline silicate containing less than about 2 wt. % aluminum or a crystalline phosphate is used as a catalyst. The support material optionally contains one or more heteroatoms.

Abstract: A cycloalkane, such as cyclohexane, is catalytically oxidized to form a ketone/alcohol mixture. A cycloalkane-containing reaction mixture is contacted with a source of oxygen in the presence of a catalytic effective amount of gold supported on a crystalline zeolite-like support. The zeolite-like support optionally contains one or more heteroatoms.

Abstract: A process for producing a calcium carboxylate comprising contacting a nitrile compound, a calcium compound selected from calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide or mixtures thereof, and water at a temperature of about 90° C. to about 250° C. at a sufficient pressure and for a sufficient time to produce a reaction mixture comprising calcium carboxylate.

Abstract: A process for producing a calcium carboxylate comprising contacting a nitrile compound, a calcium compound selected from calcium hydroxide, calcium oxide or mixtures thereof, and water at a temperature of about 90° C. to about 250° C. at a sufficient pressure and for a sufficient time to produce a reaction mixture comprising calcium carboxylate.

Abstract: Inert gas additive is utilized in the catalytic oxidation of benzene with nitrous oxide to produce phenol in order to prevent excessive exothermic temperature increases and to render gaseous mixtures throughout the process non-flammable.

Abstract: A process for hydroxylating an aromatic compound comprises the steps of: (a) contacting an aromatic compound with a catalyst having an average concentration of .alpha.-sites of at least about 1.multidot.10.sup.16 per gram of catalyst, the catalyst having .alpha.-oxygen loaded thereon, whereby an hydroxylated derivative of the aromatic compound is produced; and (b) regenerating the catalyst when the concentration of .alpha.-sites falls below a predetermined value. The predetermined value will depend on the process design, but can suitably be about 1.multidot.10.sup.16 per gram of catalyst or higher.Another embodiment of the process comprises: (a) contacting an aromatic compound with a catalyst having an average concentration of .alpha.-sites of at least about 1.multidot.10.sup.16 per gram of catalyst, the catalyst having .alpha.-oxygen loaded thereon, whereby an hydroxylated derivative of the aromatic compound is produced; and (b) reloading the catalyst with .alpha.

Abstract: A continuous process for converting benzene or a derivative thereof to phenol or a derivative thereof comprises continuously activating .alpha.-sites on a zeolite catalyst by contacting the catalyst with a free oxidant activator, thereby producing an activated zeolite hydroxylation catalyst, and separately and continuously contacting benzene or a derivative thereof with the activated zeolite catalyst, thereby producing phenol or a derivative thereof.

Abstract: Tetrabromoethylene is produced by oxybrominating butane with free oxygen and bromine. The reaction is conducted in the gaseous phase, in the presence of a cupric bromide catalyst and the tetrabromoethylene is recovered by selective condensation of the reaction medium.

Abstract: 1,1,4,4-Tetrabromobutadiene is produced by oxybrominating butane with free oxygen and bromine, the reaction being conducted in gaseous phase; and the butadiene is recovered by selective condensation of an effluent of the reaction medium.