Abstract: The use of microcrystalline cellulose as an extrusion aid/combustible filler for rehydratable alumina allows the production of low density alumina substrates.

Abstract: For making supported copper catalyst, useful in hydration of nitriles to produce amides, a cuprous compound e.g. cuprous chloride is impregnated into a support material, e.g. alumina, using acrylonitrile or acetonitrile as the imbibing solvent which is then removed by evaporation. The cuprous compound in the support is reduced to copper in situ, by contact with a reducing agent e.g. sodium borohydride.

Abstract: Hydration of nitriles, e.g. acrylonitrile, with water in presence of a catalyst comprising catalytic elemental copper prepared by reduction of a copper compound, e.g. copper sulfate, by means of a solution of soluble strong reducing agent, e.g. aqueous solution of sodium borohydride, is described. The copper is thus produced in very fine particulate form having unusually high catalytic activity by comparison with other copper catalyst. Improvements in the reduction are accomplished in alkaline, (e.g. NaOH), solutions and even further in alkaline solution comprising a reducing sugar, e.g. dextrose, in the solution with the strong reducing agent.

Abstract: For making supported copper catalyst, useful in hydration of nitriles to produce amides, a cuprous compound e.g. cuprous chloride is impregnated into a support material, e.g. alumina, using acrylonitrile or acetonitrile as the imbibing solvent which is then removed by evaporation. The cuprous compound in the support is reduced to copper in situ, by contact with a reducing agent e.g. sodium borohydride.

Abstract: Hydration of nitriles to amides by reaction of a selected nitrile with water in presence of a solid catalyst selected from copper acetylide or copper nitride is described. The reaction is carried out with the reaction mixture in liquid state contacting the solid catalyst which is preferably in finely divided particulate form. The specific examples describe catalytic hydration of acrylonitrile to make acrylamide.