Abstract: Equimolar amounts of phenol and formaldehyde may be prepared from oxygen and toluene. The catalytic oxidation of toluene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride, forms phenyl acetate and methylene diacetate. Pyrolysis of these two intermediates yields phenol and formaldehyde.Significant improvements in this process are achieved when the first stage of the reaction is carried out in the presence of MoO.sub.3.In a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that Group VIII dithiosemibenzil compounds, particularly nickel dithiosemibenzil, serves as a superior promoter for the toluene oxidation reaction.In still a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that persulfate promoters such as potassium persulfate, persulfuric acid, or Caro's dry acid are particularly effective promoters for the toluene oxidation reaction.In a like manner, hydroquinone or resorcinol may be obtained from cresyl acetates.

Abstract: A process for converting Udex raffinate to a high octane fuel component by mild, liquid phase oxidation to a product of moderate to low acidity, distilling off a neutral oxidate, esterifying the acidic residue to a neutral product and combining the neutral oxidate and the esterified portion.

Abstract: Equimolar amounts of phenol and formaldehyde may be prepared from oxygen and toluene. The catalytic oxidation of toluene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride, forms phenyl acetate and methylene diacetate. Pyrolysis of these two intermediates yields phenol and formaldehyde.Significant improvements in this process are achieved when the first stage of the reaction is carried out in the presence of MoO.sub.3.In a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that Group VIII dithiosemibenzil compounds, particularly nickel dithiosemibenzil, serves as a superior promoter for the toluene oxidation reaction.In still a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that persulfate promoters such as potassium persulfate, persulfuric acid, or Caro's dry acid are particularly effective promoters for the toluene oxidation reaction.In a like manner, hydroquinone or resorcinol may be obtained from cresyl acetates.

Abstract: The oxidation of methyl benzenes, such as toluene, with air or oxygen in the presence of acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid catalyst to form a phenolic acetate and methylene diacetate may be carried out under mild conditions when small amounts of benzaldehyde are added to the reaction.The resulting acetates may then be pyrolyzed to yield phenolic compounds and formaldehyde, respectively.

Abstract: The oxidation of methyl benzenes with air or oxygen in the presence of acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde and an acid catalyst under mild reaction conditions yields a phenolic acetate and formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde when the ratio of acetic anhydride to methyl benzene is adjusted to provide the selective formation of the phenolic acetate and formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde. In this process, it is essential that the flow of air or oxygen through the reaction medium be maintained at a sufficient rate to provide for the continuous removal of formaldehyde as it is formed. The formaldehyde may then be recovered in the form of paraformaldehyde.

Abstract: Oxidation of methyl benzenes with air or oxygen to form a phenolic acetate and formaldehyde or methylene diacetate may be carried out in the presence of acetic acid, phosphorus pentoxide, benzaldehyde and an acid catalyst. The resulting acetates may then be pyrolyzed to yield phenolic compounds and formaldehyde, respectively.

Abstract: Equimolar amounts of vinyl acetate and phenol may be prepared by oxidation of ethyl benzene. The catalytic oxidation, of ethyl benzene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride, forms phenyl acetate and ethylidene diacetate. Pyrolysis of these two intermediates yields vinyl acetate and phenol.In a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that persulfate promoters such as potassium persulfate, persulfuric acid, or Caro's dry acid are particularly effective promoters for this oxidation reaction.

Abstract: A highly selective, one-step conversion of toluene to benzylidene diacetate is provided by the reaction of toluene with O.sub.2 and acetic anhydride in the presence of an acid catalyst. No metal catalysts are required.

Abstract: Benzylidene diacetate may be converted to phenyl acetate and methylene diacetate by an acid-catalyzed reaction in the presence of oxygen or air, and acetic anhydride, at elevated temperatures and pressures.