Abstract: Catalyst for dehydrogenating amino alcohols to aminocarboxylic acids or ethylene glycol (derivatives) to oxycarboxylic acids, said catalyst containing zirconium, copper and possibly an additional metal, whereby the cited metals are precipitated as hydroxides, washed, dried, calcined, and reduced, preparable in that zirconium hydroxide is precipitated from an aqueous zirconium salt solution using a base until a pH of 4 to 10 is attained, the aqueous solution of a copper salt and possibly of an additional salt is added to the zirconium hydroxide suspension, and by adding further base copper hydroxide and possibly the hydroxide of the metal contained in the additional salt is precipitated until a pH of 8 to 14 is attained, the suspension obtained is filtered, washed, dried, calcined in air at 450 to 600.degree. C. for 2 to 4 hours and finally reduced at 200 to 250.degree. C. in a hydrogen stream for 2 to 4 hours.

Abstract: A mixed metal oxide catalytic system consisting of molybdenum, vanadium, palladium, lanthanum, niobium and X, wherein X is copper and/or chromium, providing higher yields of acrylic acid and acrolein in the low temperature oxidation of propylene with a molecular oxygen-containing gas without the production of side products such as CO.

Abstract: The present invention relates to amorphous microporous mixed oxides, characterized by having, in dried form, a narrow pore size distribution (half width <.+-.10% of the pore diameter) of micropores with diameters in the range of <3 nm and a total surface area of between 20 and 1000 m.sup.2 /g, containing a fraction of from 0.1 to 20% by weight of non-hydrolyzable organic groups, and to a process for the preparation of such oxides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a copper-based catalyst with high activity and a long catalyst life and to a method of producing the catalyst. This catalyst essentially comprises copper oxide, zinc oxide, aluminum oxide, and silicon oxide and optionally containing zirconium oxide, gallium oxide, and palladium oxide, wherein with the total weight of the catalyst being taken as 100%, the above oxides account for, in the order mentioned, 20-60 weight %, 10-50 weight %, 2-10 weight %, 0.3-0.9 weight %, 0-40 weight %, 0-10 weight %, and 0-10 weight %, respectively, and the silicon oxide mentioned above has been derived from colloidal silica or dissolved silica in water, which catalyst has been subjected to calcination at 480-690.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the direct oxidation of sulphur compounds into elemental sulphur and/or into sulphates at a temperature below 200.degree. C., in which a supported catalyst whose catalytically active phase comprises copper is used, the copper element being present in a content of at least 2% by weight relative to the catalyst and of at least 15 by weight relative to the sum of the elements of the catalytically active phase.The use of a catalyst of this type ensures a high conversion of the H.sub.2 S while at the same time minimizing the conversion into SO.sub.2.

Abstract: Shaped catalyst compositions are disclosed comprising (i) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of copper, manganese, zinc, nickel, cobalt and iron, (ii) calcium silicate and (iii) at least one clay material. Also disclosed are a process for preparing the foregoing shaped compositions and a process for hydrogenating aldehydes, ketone, carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid esters and nitro aroniate compounds using these shaped catalysts.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons, e.g., ethylene, are steady-state catalytically oxychlorinated into chlorocarbons, e.g., 1,2-dichloroethane, by fluidizing a fluidizable charge by directing a gaseous feedstream containing a hydrocarbon therethrough and therein oxychlorinating such hydrocarbon, the gaseous feedstream further comprising an oxygen-containing gas and gaseous hydrochloric acid and the fluidizable charge comprising immixture of a catalytically effective amount of an oxychlorination catalyst and particles of a catalytically and chemically inert solid substance, and which further comprises introducing a solution or suspension of a catalytically active copper compound into such fluidized charge during the oxychlorination reaction.

Abstract: A catalyst for the production of vinyl acetate by reaction of ethylene, oxygen and acetic acid comprising a porous support on the porous surfaces of which is deposited metallic copper in a zone surrounded by deposits of catalytically effective amounts of metallic palladium and gold, neither of which is substantially intermingled with said copper. Methods for preparing the catalyst and for synthesizing vinyl acetate utilizing the catalyst are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an adsorbent and/or catalyst and binder system comprising I) mixing components comprising (a) a binder comprising a colloidal metal oxide or colloidal metalloid oxide, (b) an oxide adsorbent and/or catalyst particle, and (c) an acid, (ii) removing a sufficient amount of water from the mixture to cross-link components a and b to form an adsorbent and/or catalyst and binder system. The invention also relates to particles made by the process, binders, and methods for remediating contaminants in a stream.

Abstract: Catalyst for controlling emissions of the present invention is comprised of at least one kind of transition metal atoms and at least one of Al or Si, wherein said transition metal atoms form a part of the surface of the catalyst for purifying exhaust gas. Accordingly, the catalyst for purifying exhaust gas has both high performance for purifying NO.sub.x and high heat resistance, because monoatomic active metal disperses in the catalyst structure, active metal is taken firmly in the structure, and said transition metal forms a part of the surface of the surface.

Abstract: A material effective for adsorbing NO.sub.x from an exhaust stream of a combustion process, such as from an internal combustion engine operating under lean burn conditions, is disclosed. The material comprises an alkali metal-doped and copper-doped hydrous metal oxide material that has been calcined. The alkali metal is selected from potassium and sodium. The material is coated onto a substrate, such as ceramic beads or pellets, or a honeycomb cordierite monolith, and placed in contact with the exhaust stream.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalytic fuel composition capable of reducing pollutants in the combustion gasses generated upon combustion of the same. A catalytic material is combined with a liquid, petroleum-based fuel, mixed and solid particles are separated out to give the catalytic fuel product. The catalytic material predominantly comprises a plagioclase feldspar belonging mainly to the albite-anorthite series, and contains small amount of mica, kaolinite and serpentine, and optionally contains magnetite. An alloy material is also disclosed, comprising a mixture of the above-described catalytic material and a metal. The alloy material exhibits unique properties relative to the metal component alone, such as increased tensile strength, improved heat resistance, improved acid resistance, improved corrosion resistance, as well as exhibiting unusual conductive properties.

Abstract: A method is provided for improving the catalytic activity of an alcohol synthesis catalyst. In this method, the catalyst, after activation by exposure to a reducing atmosphere, is improved by contacting with a carbon dioxide-containing gas to convert the zinc oxide in the catalyst to zinc carbonate. This improvement step occurs in situ preferably in the same reactor as used for the synthesizing of the alcohol.

Abstract: A formed copper catalyst for the hydrogenation of organic compounds is disclosed, especially for the selective hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol. The catalyst contains an intimate mixture of a pyrogenic silica, reduced copper and, optionally, a basic oxide as promotor. The catalyst is distinguished by a high specific catalytic activity, selectivities and yields.

Abstract: A process for preparing a metal catalyst for the hydrogenation of oils and ats comprises causing a soluble Ni salt to react with an alkylsilane and an organic orthosilicate, so as to generate the catalyst support in Situ.

Abstract: A process for preparing a supported catalyst comprising a transition metal selected from palladium, platinum, nickel, cobalt or copper on an aerogel support, which includes the steps of providing a mixture containing an alkoxide precursor of the aerogel, a chelate complex of the transition metal with a chelating agent having Si(OR).sub.3 anchor groups, and an organic solvent in which the chelate complex is soluble; hydrolyzing the mixture by admixing it with water to form a gel; and converting the gel under supercritical conditions into the transition metal aerogel-supported catalyst. The supported catalyst has an especially homogeneous distribution of the metal component and is suitable, for example, for use as a hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: Gamma-butyrolactone is produced by catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride in the vapor phase in the presence of copper chromite based catalysts in reduced form. The reaction is carried out using a substantially uniform catalyst derived substantially from the three components cupric oxide, chromic oxide, and silicon dioxide. The ratio of CuO to Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 to SiO.sub.2 is preferably about 78:20:2. It can prove advantageous to use an inert gas such as nitrogen as a diluent.

Abstract: A catalyst for the hydrogenation of CO and CO.sub.2 consists essentially of a metal oxide and gold. Synthesis of methanol and hydrocarbons by hydrogenation of CO and CO.sub.2 comprises establishing contact between a gaseous mass consisting of CO, CO.sub.2, and hydrogen and a catalyst consisting essentially of a metal oxide and gold.

Abstract: Provided are improved catalyst compositions for use in oxidizing carbon monoxide and methods of preparing these catalysts. The catalyst compositions are particularly useful at ambient temperatures. The catalyst compositions, prepared by a coprecipitation method, comprise an oxide of cobalt as the principal component with one or more metals selected from the group consisting of manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), bismuth (Bi), cerium (Ce), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lanthanum (La), magnesium (Mg), titanium (Ti), zinc (Zn), and zirconium (Zr).

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicon alloy intended for the production of alkyl or aryl halogenosilanes using the Rochow reaction, comprising, in percent by weight:0.05<Al<0.300.01<Ca<0.300.02<O.sub.2 <0.200.10<Fe<0.500.01<Ti<0.15x<Cu<2+xwhere x=3.2 (% Ca)+9.4 (% Al) the remainder being silicon. The alloy according to the invention makes it possible to improve the reactivity and the selectivity of the reaction.

Abstract: A hydrogenation reaction catalyst precursor of the present invention comprises a catalyst carrier (A) and a metal oxide composition (B) carried on or mixed with the catalyst carrier (A) at a weight ratio of (B)/(A)=15/85 to 65/35; the catalyst carrier (A) comprising a carrier base material of silica, etc. and a coating of titanium oxide and/or titanium hydroxide, the metal oxide composition (B) comprising copper oxide, zinc oxide, and at least one oxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of an element of group IIa of the periodic table, an element of group IIIb of the table, a lanthanide element, and an actinide element at a weight ratio of 100/(0 to 25)/(0 to 25). A hydrogenation reaction catalyst with a high catalytic activity and a high reaction selectivity is obtained by reduction of the hydrogenation reaction catalyst precursor.

Abstract: Multimetal oxide compositions which comprise, as basic constituents, the elements Mo, V, W, Cu and Ni in oxidic form in certain molar ratios, and the preparation of these multimetal oxide compositions, and their use as catalysts for the gas-phase catalytical oxidation of acrolein to acrylic acid.

Abstract: A molded catalyst body that contains in a reduced state a metal of the ferrous group and/or copper on a support and is characterized by the following features:(a) Metal content: about 5 to about 40 weight percent, based on the total weight of the catalyst;(b) Metal-crystal size: .ltoreq.3 nm;(c) Volume of the pores with a diameter of 7.5 nm to 15 .mu.m: 0.05 to 0.9 ml/g catalyst;(d) BET surface area: 80-400 m.sup.2 /g catalyst;(e) Fracture strength: >30N (based on cylindrical molded body with a diameter of 1.5 mm and a length of 5 mm);(f) Bulk density: 250-350 g/l.

Abstract: This invention relates to an emission control device containing a catalytic material capable of reducing pollutants in the combustion gases generated from an internal combustion engine, as well as from other combusted solid and liquid fossil fuels such as coal, and is also useful for treating combustion gases generated from the incineration of landfill garbage and tire rubber, among others. The catalytic material of the present invention is highly resistant to deactivation or poisoning from contaminants in the combusted material such as leaded gasoline. The catalytic material predominantly comprises a plagioclase feldspar belonging mainly to the albite-anorthite series and contains small amounts of mica, kaolinite and serpentine, and optionally contains magnetite. A catalytic alloy material is also disclosed, comprising a mixture of the above-described catalytic material and a metal. The alloy material likewise exhibits unique catalytic properties.

Abstract: A catalyst for catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxide using at least one reducing agent selected from the group consisting of a hydrocarbon and an oxygen-containing organic compound is described, which includes an oxide represented by formula (V):A.sup.5.sub.x B.sup.3.sub.3-x C.sup.4.sub.3 O.sub.7 (V)wherein A.sup.5 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of La, Y, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, and Gd; B.sup.3 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Ba, Sr, Ca, Mg, Pb, Zn, and Ag; C.sup.4 represents at least one element selected from the group consisting of Mn, Co, Fe, Ni, Cr, Cu, V, Mo, W, Ti, Zr, Nb, Pd, Rh, Ru, and Pt; and x is a number of from 0 to 1, supported on a solid acid carrier.

Abstract: Multimetal oxide compositions of the formula I[X.sup.1.sub.a X.sup.2.sub.b O.sub.x ].sub.p [X.sup.3.sub.c X.sup.4.sub.d X.sup.5.sub.e X.sup.6.sub.f X.sup.7.sub.g X.sup.2.sub.h O.sub.y ].sub.q(I)whereX.sup.1 is bismuth, tellurium, antimony, tin and/or copper,X.sup.2 is molybdenum and/or tungsten,X.sup.3 is an alkali metal, thallium and/or samarium,X.sup.4 is an alkaline earth metal, nickel, cobalt, copper, manganese, zinc, tin, cadmium and/or mercury,X.sup.5 is iron, chromium, cerium and/or vanadium,X.sup.6 is phosphorus, arsenic, boron and/or antimony,X.sup.7 is a rare-earth metal, titanium, zirconium, niobium, tantalum, rhenium, ruthenium, rhodium, silver, gold, aluminum, gallium, indium, silicon, germanium, lead, thorium and/or uranium,a is from 0.01 to 8,b is from 0.

Abstract: An unreduced catalyst which contains, per 100 parts by weight of CuO, 40 to 130 parts by weight of ZnO, 2 to 50 parts by weight of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 and, optionally, 0.5 to 8 parts by weight of an oxide of Mn, Mo, V, Zr and/or an alkaline earth metal, and, also optionally, 2 to 80 parts by weight of a support. The catalyst has a total BET surface area of 80 to 175 m.sup.2 /g, 75% to 95% of the total BET surface area is formed by pores having a radius r.sub.p .ltoreq.15 nm. The invention further relates to a process for the production of the catalyst and its use for the hydrogenation of aldehydes.

Abstract: A catalyst for hydrogenation use in which the carrier of the catalyst comprises at least one compound from oxides and hydroxides of aluminum, silicon, titanium, zirconium, magnesium and iron, zeolites or silica-alumina, and the catalyst has an atomic ratio (the atomic ratio of the entire catalyst including the carrier, in the case of the use of an aluminum atom-containing substance as the carrier) of Cu/Fe/Al/(an alkali metal and/or an alkaline earth metal)/Zn=1/0.4 to 2.5/0.5 to 5.0/0.001 to 0.4/0 to 1.0. According to the present invention, a copper-iron-aluminum catalyst having markedly high activity and selectivity can be obtained, and, when the catalyst is used, higher alcohols having high purity can be obtained easily.

Abstract: There is provided a method for preparing organic-swelled layered silicate by direct crystallization from an alkaline reaction mixture containing a source of silicon oxide and organic onium compound, e.g., a cetyltrimethylammonium salt. Layered silicates containing interlayer polymeric chalcogenide are prepared by contacting the organic-swelled layered silicate with a source of polymeric chalcogenide, e.g., tetraethylorthosilicate.

Abstract: This invention relates to improved catalysts for the oxidation of carbon monoxide and methods of preparing these catalysts. The catalysts of this invention are prepared using a sequential precipitation process which generates catalysts that contain substantially layered metal oxides, both supported and unsupported, and, in some embodiments of the invention, a noble metal or mixture of noble metals layered on the metal oxides. These catalysts are particularly useful in smoking articles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to rare earth complex oxide combustion catalysts wherein perovskite-type rare earth complex oxide active components are carried on a support using mullite as the main phase. The present invention relates also to a process for preparing a rare earth complex oxide combustion catalyst which comprises impregnating the support with the solution of the metallic ions prepared by the ABO.sub.3 stoichiometry and then drying and calcining it. Furthermore, the present invention relates to the use of the said catalyst as a combustion catalyst for CO in the fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) process of petroleum refining.

Abstract: An SiO.sub.2 -containing copper oxide-chromium oxide catalyst is obtained through heat treatment of copper oxide and chromium oxide, or of a precursor compound convertible into copper oxide or chromium oxide in the presence of an SiO.sub.2 component; it is characterized by the fact that, after the heat treatment,(a) the intensity ratio between the X-ray diffraction lines (XRD reflexes) of the copper oxide with d=0.232 nm and of the CuCr.sub.2 O.sub.4 spinel with d=0.240 nm formed through heat treatment, determined as the ratio of the reflex amplitudes, is 0.7 to 4.0:1, and(b) the copper mass, which is dissolved by stirring 10 g of the catalyst in 100 ml of 10 weight percent acetic acid at 20.degree. C. for 2 minutes, amounts to a maximum of 200 mg.

Abstract: A catalyst for treatment of exhaust emissions from diesel engines includes a washcoat layer with a catalytically active metal. The washcoat layer has refractory oxide particles with catalytically active metal particles dispersed thereon, and colloidal silica disposed in a thin layer over the refractory oxide and metal particles. The refractory oxide particles and colloidal silica are each characterized by respective surface charges at a selected pH to cause the colloid to form the layer over the refractory oxide and metal particles. Preferably, the pH is selected to provide opposite and attractive surface charges between the colloidal silica and the refractory oxide particles. Preferably, the metal particles are at least one of the group consisting essentially of platinum, palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, copper and chromium.

Abstract: There is provided a method for the removal of residual organic swelling agent from pillared layered materials by treating such materials with acid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to active compositions, such as adsorbents and catalysts, which comprise cuprous compounds dispersed on amorphous oxide or carbon macroporous supports. The compositions are prepared by impregnating cupric compounds on pretreated supports with the aid of an aqueous solution of an ammonium salt of a di- or polycarboxylic acid dispersant, such as ammonium citrate, followed by activation of the cupric compound or reduction of the cupric compound to the corresponding cuprous compound. Methods of synthesis and processes utilizing the compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: In one embodiment,the invention relates to a formed copper chromite catalyst prepared from a blend comprising from about 20 to about 80% by weight of copper chromite and from about 20 to about 80% by weight of at least one extrudable inorganic binder material wherein the catalyst has a surface area of from about 20 to about 225 m.sup.2 /g, and the total pore volume of the pores in said catalyst having a diameter of up to about 95,000 .ANG. is between about 0.35 to about 1 cc/g.

Abstract: Chlorinated hydrocarbons, e.g., 1,2-dichloroethane, are prepared by heterogeneously oxychlorinating a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas and gaseous hydrochloric acid in a fluidized bed containing admixture of (i) a catalytically effective amount of an oxychlorination catalyst, (ii) diluent particles of at least one catalytically and chemically inert solid material, and (iii) copper powder or a powdered copper compound.

Abstract: Catalyst supports, catalyst systems, methods for the preparation thereof, in dimerization processes therewith are provided. Catalyst supports are prepared from alkali metal carbonate, at least one low surface area silica-alumina, and a liquid. Catalyst systems comprised of at least one elemental alkali metal deposited on the catalyst support. Optionally, the catalyst system further comprises of at least one promoter.

Abstract: The activity of nonfused methanol dissociation catalysts containing copper and optionally chromium, magnesium, calcium, barium, strontium, manganese, molybdenum, ruthenium and palladium can be improved by the incorporation of 0.1 to 20 weight percent amorphous silica.

Abstract: A superior catalyst for the oxychlorination of C.sub.2 hydrocarbon feeds comprises a mixture of copper chloride and alkali metal chloride, for instance, potassium chloride, and preferably also magnesium chloride, which mixture is deposited on an alumina support having a surface area in excess of 20 and less than 100 m.sup.2 /g. The thermal stability of such a catalyst composition can be further improved by incorporating 0.2 to 5 percent silica in the alumina support. The use of such microspheroidal catalyst in the production of perchloroethylene and trichloroethylene by oxychlorination of a C.sub.2 hydrocarbon feed in a fluidized bed reactor results in particularly good process efficiencies in terms of high HCl conversion, and good flexible selectivity to specifically desired product, reduced burning and long on-stream times.

Abstract: This invention provides a catalytic composite for decomposing fats and oils, and a heating cooker having the catalytic composite mounted therein. The catalytic composite comprises a porous sheet made of ceramic fibers and/or metal fibers, and a catalyst. The catalytic composite is capable of decomposing oil grease or stains deposited on the inner wall of a heating cooker and cooking exhausts emitted in the process of cooking by oxidation, at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst composition is disclosed. In particular, a support is vacuum impregnated with at least one catalytically active element and, thereafter, the vacuum impregnated support is calcined to provide the catalyst composition. Preferably, the vacuum impregnation of the support is performed in a two-step sequence by (a) vacuum impregnating said support with said at least one element and, thereafter, calcining said support, and (b) vacuum impregnating said support with at least one other element.The catalyst composition prepared by the prescribed method is preferably used in a process for producing a mixture of lower aliphatic alcohols.

Abstract: The active mass is produced by first forming a contact mass of particulate silicon metal and particulate copper catalyst and then heating the contact mass at a temperature of between 250.degree.-335.degree. C. in the presence of methylchloride to form the active mass. Zinc can be added to the contact mass.

Abstract: Agglomerates containing oxide, hydroxides, carbonates and/or basic carbonates of copper, and zinc and/or another element such as aluminium or silicon, are useful for removal of sulphur compounds from fluids, especially under non-reducing conditions. The agglomerates have surface area above 80 m.sup.2.g.sup.-1 and a calcined density below 1.5 g.cm.sup.-3. After ignition, the cupric oxide plus zinc oxide (if any) content of the agglomerates is at least 70% w/w. The proportion of the copper compound is such that the copper atoms constitute 30-97% of the total of the copper, zinc, and said other element atoms in the agglomerates.

Abstract: A mixed oxide comprising oxides of Ce, Cu and Mn wherein an atomic ratio of Ce to a total atom number of Cu and Mn is from 1:2 to 2:1 and the metals are present in the mixed oxide in the oxide forms of CeO.sub.2 and Cu.sub.x Mn.sub.3-x O.sub.4 wherein x is a number larger than 0 (zero) and less than 3, which can catalyze the oxidation of organic materials.

Abstract: A single-step process for the conversion of polysaccharides to polyhydric alcohols by hydrogenation at high pressure and temperature in the presence of a catalyst comprising (i) a supported metal selected from ruthenium, copper, nickel, cobalt and their mixtures, the metal being highly dispersed on the support so as to be capable of adsorbing more than 0.58 molecules of CO per atom of metal, and (ii) a solid having acidic functions, which may or may not be identical to the support, the solid having sufficient acid functions so that the rate constant of hydrolysis of sucrose on the catalyst is greater than 70% of the rate constant of hydrogenation of glucose on the catalyst. The process gives substantially pure polyhydric alcohols in a single step.

Abstract: Agglomerates containing oxides, hydroxides, carbonates and/or basic carbonates of copper, and zinc and/or another element such as aluminum or silicon, are useful for removal of sulphur compounds from fluids, especially under non-reducing conditions. The agglomerates have surface area above 80 m.sup.2.g.sup.-1 and a calcined density below 1.5 g.cm.sup.-3. After ignition, the cupric oxide plus zinc oxide (if any) content of the agglomerates is at least 70% w/w. The proportion of the copper compound is such that the copper atoms constitute 30-97% of the total of the copper, zinc, and said other element atoms in the agglomerates.

Abstract: A process for producing catalysts, in which an active component or a compound to be converted into an active component is obtained or deposited on a carrier material, using deposition-precipitation. According to the invention, the formula of a carrier material, which may or may not be catalytically active, and/or the precipition of the active component or a compound to be converted into such active component on a carrier material is effected by means of an electrochemical reaction.

Abstract: Process for the production of a new copper (II) chromite spinel catalyst using colloidal silica gel and to its use for the direct fixed-bed hydrogenation of fatty acids to fatty alcohols of corresponding chain length.

Abstract: Amorphous metal/magnesium silicates of the general formulaM.sub.x Mg.sub.y (SiO.sub.2).nH.sub.2 O.where M is a divalent, reducible metal atom from the group consisting of Cu, FeII, Co and Ni, x and y are numbers which together can add up to a value of 1.5 and n after drying, expressed in % by weight, ranges from 0 to 80 are prepared by subjecting a freshly precipitated magnesium silicate to an ion exchange, washing the product and then neutralizing it with an alkali and are used in catalytic reactions after the reducible metal in the metal/magnesium silicates has been converted into the metallic state with a reducing gas.