Abstract: A process for the complete or partial oxygenation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting a C1-C8 hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of water and a heterogeneous catalyst, under conditions suitable to convert the C1-C8 hydrocarbon to at least one corresponding C1-C8 oxygenate product, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst provides confinement and contains both Brønsted-Lowry acid centers and Lewis acid centers. The reaction may be carried out at a temperature ranging from 2° C. to 90° C. The use of molecular oxygen increases the economic attractiveness of the process while also improving yield.

Abstract: A process for the complete or partial oxygenation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting a C1-C8 hydrocarbon, molecular oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of water and a heterogeneous catalyst, under conditions suitable to convert the C1-C8 hydrocarbon to at least one corresponding C1-C8 oxygenate product, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst provides confinement and contains both Brønsted-Lowry acid centers and Lewis acid centers. The reaction may be carried out at a temperature ranging from 2° C. to 90° C. The use of molecular oxygen increases the economic attractiveness of the process while also improving yield.

Abstract: Methods for using ailylic oxidation catalysts to perform oxidation reactions. In an exemplary method for catalyzing an ailylic oxidation reaction of the present disclosure, the method comprises the step of catalyzing an oxidation of an ailylic compound using an ailylic oxidation catalyst. In at least one embodiment, the ailylic oxidation catalyst comprises palladium, gold, and titanium, In an exemplary embodiment, the ailylic oxidation catalyst comprises 2.5% A?÷2.5% Pd/TiO2.

Abstract: An ion exchange material for the removal of radioisotope cations such as the cations of caesium and strontium from an aqueous environment containing the radioisotope cation comprises a modified clinoptilolite produced by treating a natural clinoptilolite with sodium hydroxide at a concentration of approximately 2M or with hydrochloric acid at a concentration of from 0.1 to 5M for a suitable treatment time and at a suitable treatment temperature. The modified clinoptilolite is especially effective in the removal of radioisotope cations from an aqueous environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a conjugated diene from the corresponding carbonyl compound having the same number of carbon atoms by dehydration at a temperature of 300.degree. to 450.degree. C. using a catalyst comprising aluminium phosphate having the cristobalite structure. This catalyst is superior to aluminium phosphate having the tridymite structure in the dehydration of carbonyl compounds and has advantages over boron phosphate catalysts. Using the process, isoprene may be prepared from 2-methyl butanal and/or methyl isopropyl ketone in high yields. Unexpectedly aluminium phosphate having the cristobalite structure is markedly superior to boron phosphate in converting methyl isopropyl ketone, which is an intermediate product formed in appreciable amounts in the dehydration of 2-methyl butanal to isoprene. This superiority significantly improves the process economics of the conversion reaction of 2-methyl butanal to isoprene.

Abstract: A modified natural clinoptilolite, produced by treating a natural clinoptilolite with a suitable mineral acid or with a suitable alkali and then with a suitable mineral acid, is used as a catalyst in a process for the conversion of propane or butane to give a product containing at least 40% of ethene, propene or C.sub.4 hydrocarbons or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method for the modification of a natural clinoptilolite by acid treatment using a mineral acid at a suitable temperature and for a suitable period of time, followed by calcination, to produce a modified clinoptilolite which may be used as a catalyst in a reaction for the preparation of or transformation of hydrocarbons, e.g. the cracking of hydrocarbon products. There is also disclosed a method of regenerating the deactivated modified catalyst after use by treatment in the presence of nitrous oxide.

Abstract: Maleic anhydride is produced by oxidizing a straight chain C.sub.4 hydrocarbon with oxygen in a stream comprising 25 to 60% by volume of the C.sub.4 hydrocarbon, 20 to 45% by volume of oxygen and optionally inert gases to produce a stream containing at least 21/2% by volume of maleic anhydride and condensing maleic anhydride substantially free from water from this stream.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons, particularly n-butane, are oxidized to acid anhydrides, especially maleic anhydride, by contacting them at concentrations above the flammable limit with oxygen in the presence of a vanadium/phosphorus mixed oxide catalyst having a surface area of at least 10 m.sup.2 /g. The concentration of inert gas is more than 70 molar percent and the oxygen concentration is greater than 13 molar percent.

Abstract: Catalysts for the oxidation of hydrocarbons to acid anhydrides, for example maleic and phthalic anhydrides, are prepared from a vanadium/phosphorus mixed oxide precursor by conditioning it by contact with a strong acid of concentration at least 3N and solvent extraction to remove unwanted phases. The treated precursor is converted to a catalytically active form by heating. Novel catalysts containing phase X are produced. The catalysts may contain rare earth metal promoters.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons, particularly n-butane, are oxidized to acid anhydrides, especially maleic anhydride, by contacting them at concentrations above the flammable limit with oxygen in the presence of a vanadium/phosphorus mixed oxide catalyst having a surface area of at least 10 m.sup.2 /g. The oxygen concentration is greater than 13 molar percent and/or the concentration of inert gas is less than 70 molar percent.

Abstract: Catalysts for the oxidation of hydrocarbons to acid anhydrides, for example maleic and phthalic anhydrides, are prepared from a vanadium/phosphorus mixed oxide precursor by conditioning it by contact with a strong acid of concentration at least 3 N and solvent extraction to remove unwanted phases. The treated precursor is converted to a catalytically active form by heating. Novel catalysts containing phase X are produced. The catalysts may contain rare earth metal promoters.

Abstract: Catalysts for the oxidation of hydrocarbons to maleic anhydride comprise a phosphorus/vanadium mixed oxide promoted by tungsten antimony, niobium, and/or molybdenum, having a surface area of at least 10m.sup.2 /g.