Abstract: This invention discloses methods and processes for selectively converting hydrocarbons such as methane to materials such as alcohols or other materials containing more reactive functionalities.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for conversion of methane to acetic acid. In one embodiment, the processes are for direct, selective conversion of methane to acetic acid in a single step.

Abstract: This invention is an improved process for the selective oxidation of lower alkane starting materials (such as methane) into esters and, optionally, into various derivatives (such as methanol) in oxidizing acidic media using a stable platinum group metal ligand catalyst complex at elevated temperatures and to a class of novel platinum group metal ligand complexes employed bidiazine ligands, which are sufficiently stable in the oxidizing acidic media at elevated temperatures to be effective catalysts in the alkane conversion reaction.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to the field of chemical synthesis, and more specifically, to the field of oxidative coupling of olefinic compounds and aromatic compounds, to produce olefinically substituted aromatic compounds. More particularly, this invention relates to methods for oxidative coupling of olefinic compounds and aromatic compounds which employ a rhodium(III) acetylacetonate catalyst and a copper(II) redox agent in a reaction medium which does not comprise a carboxylic acid component. In one embodiment, this invention pertains to methods for the preparation of styrene by the oxidative coupling of ethylene (an olefinic compound) and benzene (an aromatic compound), in the presence of Rh(acac).sub.2 Cl(H.sub.2 O), as catalyst, and Cu(II)(CH.sub.3 COO).sub.2, as copper(II) redox agent, in which benzene is both a reactant and the reaction medium.

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.

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.

Abstract: A process for the production of para-oriented dicarboxylic aromatic acids is disclosed in which an aromatic compound, having a tertiary alkyl group, is oxidized with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising a cobalt salt, a minor amount of a manganese salt, and a source of chloride in the presence of a solvent.

Abstract: A process for the production of para-oriented dicarboxylic aromatic acids is disclosed in which an aromatic compound, having a tertiary alkyl group, is oxidized with molecular oxygen in the presence of a catalytic composition comprising a cobalt salt, a minor amount of a manganese salt, and a source of chloride in the presence of a solvent.

Abstract: A process for making 2,6-disubstituted tyrosine by the noble metal coupling of a disubstituted aromatic halide or diazonium salt with an amino-protected 2-aminoacrylic acid to form a (Z)-.beta.-(disubstituted phenyl)-.alpha.-acylaminoacrylate, and asymmetrically hydrogenating the acrylate to produce the 2,6-disubstituted tyrosine.

Abstract: Process for functionalizing saturated hydrocarbons comprising:(a) reacting said saturated hydrocarbons of the formula:R.sub.1 Hwherein H represents a hydrogen atom; and R.sub.1 represents a saturated hydrocarbon radical, with a metal complex of the formula:CpRh[P(R.sub.2).sub.3 ]H.sub.2whereinCp represents a cyclopentadienyl or alkylcyclopentadienyl radical;Rh represents a rhodium atom;P represents a phosphorus atom;R.sub.2 represents a hydrocarbon radical;H represents a hydrogen atom,in the presence of ultraviolet radiation to form a hydridoalkyl complex of the formula:CpRh[P(R.sub.2).sub.3 ](R.sub.1)H(b) reacting said hydridoalkyl complex with an organic halogenating agent such as a tetrahalomethane or a haloform of the formulas:CX'X''X'''X'''' or CHX'X''X'''wherein X', X'', X'", X"" represent halogens selected from bromine, iodine or chlorine atom, at a temperature in the range of about -60.degree. to -17.degree. C. to form the corresponding haloalkyl complex of step (a) having the formula:CpRhPMe.sub.

Abstract: 2-Substituted alkyl (2-substituted alkyl)carbamates useful as intermediates in the preparation of epoxy derivatives of olefins are prepared by reacting 2-oxazolidones with an olefin and an electrophile such as halogen.

Abstract: Process for functionalizing saturated hydrocarbons selectively in the terminal position comprising:(a) reacting said saturated hydrocarbons of the formula:RHwhere:H represents a hydrogen atom, andR represents a saturated hydrocarbon radical,with a metal complex of the formula:CpRhPMe.sub.3 H.sub.2where:Cp represents a pentamethylated cyclopentadienyl radical,Rh represents a rhodium atom,P represents a phosphorous atom,Me represents a methyl group,H represents a hydrogen atom,in the presence of ultraviolet radiation at a temperature maintained at about -60.degree. to -17.degree. C. to form a hydridoalkyl complex of the formula:CpRhPMe.sub.3 RH(b) reacting said hydridoalkyl complex with a haloform of the formula:CHX.sub.3where:X represents a bromine, iodine or chlorine atom,at a temperature in the range of about -60.degree. to -17.degree. C. to form the corresponding haloalkyl complex of step (a) having the formula:CpRhPMe.sub.3 RX; and,(c) reacting said haloalkyl complex formed in (b) with halogen (X.sub.

Abstract: Vicinal epoxides and an alkylene dihalide are prepared by contacting a mixture comprising ethylene carbonate and a .beta.-haloalkyl carbonate with an initiator at a temperature from about 25.degree. C. to about 260.degree. C.

Abstract: The thermal decomposition of a halogenated aliphatic carbonate at about 100.degree. C.-300.degree. C. to produce a cyclic carbonate and an aliphatic halide is accelerated by the presence of chemically combined mercury.

Abstract: The thermal decomposition of a .beta.-halogenated aliphatic carbonate at about 100.degree. C.-300.degree. C. to produce a cyclic alkylene carbonate and an aliphatic halide is accelerated by the presence of a polar solvent, preferably the cyclic carbonate product. Further improvement may be obtained when there is additionally present a mercury compound.