Abstract: Methods and compostions produced thereby are provided concerning the preparation and use of high specific surface area carbides and nitrides. The carbides and nitrides can be obtained by thermal reduction of oxides in the presence of a source of carbon and nitrogen respectively, with relatively slow progressive temperature increases prior to completion of the reaction, followed by quenching. Novel metastable carbides can be obtained by carburization of nitrides having high surface area, which nitrides can be prepared by the above-described process.

Abstract: Method and compositions produced thereby concerning high specific surface area carbides and nitrides. The carbides and nitrides are obtained by thermal reduction of oxides in the presence of a source of carbon or nitrogen respectively, with relatively slow progressive temperature increases prior to completion of the reaction, followed by quenching.

Abstract: Novel, high specific surface area molybdenum oxycarbide catalysts are disclosed. They are prepared by the vapor condensation of molybdenum hexacarbonyl and catalyze the reaction of hydrogen and carbon monoxide to form hydrocarbons. Carburization of the molybdenum oxycarbides increases their activity in the carbon monoxide-hydrogen reaction.

Abstract: A highly active catalyst for oxidative dehydrogenation reactions made up of Pd-Au alloy particles containing about 40 to 80 aromatic percent Au and ranging from 15 to 40 A in size, said particles being supported in an amount of from about 1.5 to 10 weight percent on a silica or other suitable carrier. The alloy particles, which have a surface composition similar to the overall composition, are prepared by an ion-exchange method in which a stable AU III compound such as bisethylenediamine Au III chloride and a palladium salt are added to an aqueous ammoniacal dispersion of the carrier material (i.e. silica gel) to form a precursor which is subsequently reduced in dihydrogen.