Patents by Inventor Eric R. Evitt

Eric R. Evitt has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Catalytic process for converting lower alkanes to esters, alcohols, and to hydrocarbons
    Patent number: 5306855
    Abstract: This invention is a process for converting lower alkanes into their corresponding esters and optionally into various intermediates (such as alcohols) and other liquid hydrocarbons. The alkanes are oxidatively converted to oxy-esters at high selectivity and conversion and at practical reaction rates using at least catalytic amounts of certain class "B" metals and/or metal ions defined by the Pearson definition as "soft" or "borderline". Desirable catalysts comprise such metals as Pd, Tl, Pt, Hg, and Au. If so desired, the alkyl oxy-esters may be converted to alcohols or other intermediates such as alkyl halides. The oxy-esters, alcohols, and other intermediates may optionally be converted to liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 1991
    Date of Patent: April 26, 1994
    Assignee: Catalytica, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy A. Periana, Douglas J. Taube, Henry Taube, Eric R. Evitt
  • Process for converting lower alkanes to esters
    Patent number: 5233113
    Abstract: This invention is a process for converting lower alkanes into their corresponding esters and optionally into various intermediates (such as methanol) and other liquid hydrocarbons. The alkanes are oxidatively converted to oxy-esters at high selectivity using catalytic amounts of a Group VIII noble metal. If so desired, the alkyl oxy-esters may be converted to alcohols or other intermediates such as alkyl halides. The oxy-esters, alcohols, and other intermediates may optionally be converted to liquid hydrocarbons such as gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: August 3, 1993
    Assignee: Catalytica, Inc.
    Inventors: Roy A. Periana, Eric R. Evitt, Henry Taube
  • Palladium-nitrile ligand catalyst system and oxidation processes
    Patent number: 4847421
    Abstract: A substantially chloride-free palladium oxidation system, comprising a palladium component, a copper component, and a ligand is described. The Wacker system, consisting of palladium and copper chlorides is also improved by the addition of a ligand. The palladium and copper counterion are independently selected from BF.sub.4.sup.--, CF.sub.3 COO.sup.--, CH.sub.3 COO.sup.--, SO.sub.4.sup..dbd., and NO.sub.3.sup.--. The ligand is preferably a nitrile-containing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Catalytica, Associates
    Inventors: Janis Vasilevskis, Paul L. Ridgway, Eric R. Evitt
  • Palladium-nitrile ligand catalyst system and oxidation process
    Patent number: 4738943
    Abstract: A substantially chloride-free palladium oxidation system, comprising a palladium component, a copper component, and a ligand is described. The Wacker system, consisting of palladium and copper chlorides is also improved by the addition of a ligand. The palladium and copper counterion are independently selected from BF.sub.4.sup.-, CF.sub.3 COO.sup.-, SO.sub.4.sup.=, and NO.sub.3.sup.-. The ligand is preferably a nitrile-containing compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Catalytica Associates
    Inventors: Janis Vasilevskis, Paul L. Ridgway, Eric R. Evitt