Abstract: Carboxylic acid mixtures form unsymmetrical ketones in yields approaching statistical using zirconia catalysts promoted with Group IA and IIA elements. Active catalysts exist in their monoclinic or tetragonal but not cubic form. And the level of promoter loading is generally less than ten percent. The advantages of this catalyst over other ketonization catalysts include its high selectivity to ketones, its low formation of dehydrogenated byproducts, and its stability. The catalyst stability permits its regeneration to remove carbon accumulations by air oxidation. This regeneration restores full catalytic activity.

Abstract: Mixed ketones are prepared from a mixture of carboxylic acids in a process with high selectivity by using an improved catalyst. The catalyst contains zirconium dioxide or zirconium dioxide and titanium dioxide, and a Group 1 or 2 metal silicate or phosphate salt. The new catalyst is more selective toward the formation of the mixed ketone, as opposed to a symmetrical ketone.

Abstract: A catalyst for the preparation of ketones from carboxylic acids is described. The catalyst comprises a mixture of zirconium dioxide, titanium dioxide, and one or more metal oxides from Group 1 or 2 of the Periodic Table of Elements. The catalyst can operate at a lower temperature, reduce coke formation, and provide longer lifetime.

Abstract: In a process for reducing the visible color of a crude aromatic dicarboxylic acid containing colored contaminants, an aqueous ammonia solution of the crude aromatic dicarboxylic acid is prepared and contacted with hydrogen in a reactor in the presence of a heterogeneous metal-containing catalyst that includes a noble metal and a support. The process is carried out under conditions of temperature, pressure, and contact time effective to reduce the visible color of the aromatic dicarboxylic acid.

Abstract: A process for removing metal species from a composition comprising contacting: a. an oligomer mixture stream comprising the monomers of a partially aromatic polyester polymer and at least one metal species, or b. a molten polyester polymer stream comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers and at least one metal species, with a non-catalytic porous material in the presence of hydrogen to produce a treated stream containing a reduced amount of at least one metal species. There is also provided a composition comprising a partially aromatic polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in a direct esterification melt phase process, from greater than 0 to less than 50 ppm antimony, and less than 40 ppm cobalt. There is also provided a composition comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in an ester exchange melt phase process, from greater than zero to less than 5 ppm titanium, and less than 10 ppm manganese.

Abstract: A process comprising contacting a liquid polyester stream with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst comprising a metal supported on the surface of silicon carbide at a metal dispersion of at least 0.5% or graphite at a metal dispersion of at least 10% to produce a treated liquid polyester stream. The treated stream may be polycondensed in the presence of a polycondensation catalyst to produce a polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.55 dL/g. The liquid polyester stream desirably has a composition comprising: a) terephthalic acid residues, isophthalic acid residues, and/or naphthalenedicarboxylic acid residues and b) an average degree of polymerization of 0.5 to 20 and c) an acid number ranging from 5 to 600.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (HOMeTHF) by contacting HOMeTHF with hydrogen in the presence of an acidic, supported catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal.