Abstract: Process for producing an optically active ester by reaction of a racemic alcohol with an optically active amino or tartaric acid derivative, a process for producing an optically active alcohol by hydrolysis of the optically active ester, a process for converting an alcohol into a ketone by oxidation, a method for stably storing an optically active ketone, and a new optically active amino acid ester and a new optically active tartaric acid ester.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula I where R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon radical, or R1 and R2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted alkylene group, and X is ═O or two alkoxy groups, comprises oxidizing alcohols of the formula II  where R1 to R2 and X are as defined above, with oxygen in the gaseous phase a) at temperatures of from 270 to 600° C. on silver coated catalysts which comprise an abrasion-resistant coating of metallic silver on a core of inert support material, or b) at temperatures of from 450 to 750° C. on silver crystals and/or copper crystals having a particle size of from 0.1 to 2.5 mm for a residence time of at most 0.1 second. Also claimed is an advantageous overall process for the preparation of &agr;-diketones, preferably diacetal, from the corresponding ketone, in particular methyl ethyl ketone, via the carbonyl compounds of the formula I where X is two alkoxy groups.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of vinyl, alkynyl, aryl or heteroaryl aldehydes or vinyl, alkynyl, aryl or heteraoryl ketones includes reacting vinyl-, alkynyl-, aryl- and heteroarylmethyl and -methylene compounds with the aid of a mediator and an oxidant, wherein the mediator is selected from the group of the aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic NO, or NOH containing compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to oxidative methods for controlling the oxidation of a class of compounds, including hydrocarbons, such as cyclohexane for example, alcohols, such as cyclohexanol for example, ketones, such as cyclohexanone for example, and peroxides, such as cyclohexylhydroperoxide for example, to intermediate oxidation products, such as adipic acid for example, by the removing the catalyst, such as cobalt compounds for example, from the oxidation mixture, outside the oxidation zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. The catalyst is at least partially precipitated by following the steps of changing the temperature to be within a specific range, and sequentially reducing the water level to such a degree that causes the catalyst to precipitate. The precipitated catalyst is thereafter preferably filtered from the oxidation mixture and recycled to the oxidation zone.

Abstract: A process for preparing a ketone, an alcohol and/or a hydroperoxide is provided by reacting a hydrocarbon with molecular oxygen in the presence of a cyclic N-hydroxyimide and a compound of a transition metal, in which an oxygen-containing gas is supplied in a reaction system and at the same time a gas containing 1 to 10% by volume of oxygen is discharged from the reaction system. This process is excellent in productivity and safety and produces the desired products at a high selectivity.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula I where R1 and R2 are a hydrocarbon radical, or R1 and R2 together are an unsubstituted or substituted alkylene group, and X is=O or two alkoxy groups, comprises oxidizing alcohols of the formula II where R1 to R2 and X are as defined above, with oxygen in the gaseous phase a) at temperatures of from 270 to 600° C. on silver coated catalysts which comprise an abrasion-resistant coating of metallic silver on a core of inert support material, or b) at temperatures of from 450 to 750° C. on silver crystals and/or copper crystals having a particle size of from 0.1 to 2.5 mm for a residence time of at most 0.1 second. Also claimed is an advantageous overall process for the preparation of &agr;-diketones, preferably diacetal, from the corresponding ketone, in particular methyl ethyl ketone, via the carbonyl compounds of the formula I where X is two alkoxy groups.

Abstract: A substrate is contacted with oxygen in the presence of the imide compound shown by the following formula (1) (N-hydroxyphthalimide) and a strong acid, or the imide compound, the strong acid and a co-catalyst (e.g., a transition metal compound) to oxygenate the substrate with high conversion and selectivity: wherein R1 and R2 represent a substituent such as a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, an alkyl group, an aryl group or a cycloalkyl group, or R1 and R2 may bond together to form a double bond or an aromatic or nonaromatic ring, X is O or OH, and n is 1 to 3.

Abstract: The amount of a ballast gas needed, to prevent combustion, deflagration, and/or detonations during a liquid phase reaction of molecular oxygen and a flammable process liquid, is reduced by using a ballast gas other than nitrogen. The ballast gas is selected to have a boiling point lower than the boiling point of the flammable process liquid and selected to produce a higher limiting oxygen value (LOV) in a mixture with the flammable process liquid vapor and molecular oxygen than the LOV for the corresponding mixture substituting just nitrogen for the inerting gas.

Abstract: In the presence of a catalytic system comprising a cyclic base and a complex of a transition metal with an N,N'-disalicylidenediamine, ketoisophorone or a derivative thereof is produced by oxidizing .beta.-isophorone or a derivative thereof with molecular oxygen with controlling the water content of a reaction system to 1% by weight or less at the initial stage of the reaction. Moreover, the above catalytic system further comprises a basic nitrogen-containing compound. The complex may be an N,N'-disalicylidene C.sub.2-5 alkylenediamine complex with manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, or vanadium. The cyclic base may be an alicyclic or aromtaic compound having at least two nitrogen atoms. As the basic nitrogen-containing compound, a Schiff base such as an imino compound and an anil compound can be used. The proportion of the nitrogen-containing compound to the complex is about 0.1/1 to 20/1 (molar ratio).

Abstract: This invention relates to methods for controlling the oxidation of hydrocarbons to intermediate oxidation products, such as adipic acid for example, by removing the catalyst from the reaction mixture, outside the reaction zone, after the oxidation has taken place at least partially. The catalyst is at least partially precipitated by reducing the water level in the reaction mixture and subjecting the reaction mixture to a temperature, at which or over which catalyst precipitates.

Abstract: In a process for preparing oxidation products of cyclohexane by catalytic oxidation with oxygen-containing gases in the liquid phase, where the gases are brought into contact essentially uniformly with the liquid cyclohexane in a reaction zone, liquid cyclohexane and the oxygen-containing gases are passed in countercurrent through the reaction zone.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of vinyl, alkynyl or aryl aldehydes or vinyl, alkynyl or aryl ketones by reaction of vinyl-, alkynyl- or aryl- methanols with the aid of a mediator and an oxidant, wherein the mediator is selected from the group of the aliphatic, cycloaliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic NO or NOH containing compounds.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and devices of preparing acids, such as adipic acid for example, by oxidizing a hydrocarbon, such as cyclohexane for example, with a gas containing an oxidant, preferably oxygen. A respective hydrocarbon is reacted, preferably at a steady state, with a gaseous oxidant to form an acid in a liquid mixture which preferably contains a solvent, a catalyst, water, and an initiator. The ratio of solvent to hydrocarbon may be controlled in a manner to maintain in the reaction zone maximum reaction rate and/or reactivity, or reaction rate and/or reactivity within a desired range, or reaction rate and/or reactivity directed toward a desired range. In addition, the ratio of solvent to hydrocarbon is controlled in a manner to maintain in the reaction zone substantially maximum selectivity and/or yield, or selectivity and/or yield within a desired range, or selectivity and/or yield directed toward a desired range.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of vinyl, alkynyl or aryl aldehydes or vinyl, alkynyl or aryl ketones includes reacting vinyl-, alkynyl- and aryl- and -methylene compounds with the aid of a mediator and an oxidant, wherein the mediator is selected from the group of the aliphatic, heterocyclic or aromatic NO or NOH containing compounds.

Abstract: A substrate (e.g., a cycloalkane, a polycyclic hydrocarbon, an aromatic compound having a methyl group) is oxidized with oxygen in the presence of an oxidation catalytic system comprising an imide compound of the following formula (1) (e.g., N-hydroxyphthalimide) and a co-catalyst containing a element selected from Group 3 to 12 elements (in particular, Group 4 to 11 elements) of the Periodic Table of Elements. The co-catalyst comprises a compound containing plural elements (except heteropolyacid and a combination of Group 7 and 8 elements of the Periodic Table of Elements), and is useful for the formation of an oxide (e.g., a ketone, an alcohol, a carboxylic acid): ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represent a substituent such as a hydrogen atom or a halogen atom, or R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may together form a double bond or an aromatic or nonaromatic 5- to 12-membered ring, X is O or OH, and n is 1 to 3.

Abstract: A process for producing 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone at a high conversion, a high selectivity and at a low cost by oxidizing m-cresol with oxygen at a low partial pressure in the presence of at least one copper (I) halide catalyst and a mixed solvent of ketone and acetonitrile. The 2-methyl-1,4-benzoquinone is useful as an intermediate compound to produce vitamin K.

Abstract: An improved method for making cyclohexanone and cyclohexanol from oxidation of cyclohexane in which a polyprotic acid is used to neutralize caustic to prevent oligomerization of cyclohexanone during fractional distillation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the oxidation of a hydrocarbon to an acid by regulating the temperature, hold-up time, and conversion in consecutive reaction zones. The temperature in the consecutive reaction zones progressively decreases, while the hold-up time increases. Preferably, the conversion also increases. One of the major advantages of the methods and devices of the present invention is that an outstanding balance between productivity and selectivity/yield of the desired acid may be achieved. In this respect high yields and selectivities may be obtained without sacrificing productivity.

Abstract: Methods of making intermediate oxidation products by atomizing a first liquid (in the form of droplets) containing a reactant into a gas containing an oxidant in a manner to form an intermediate oxidation product different than carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide. The oxidation is controlled by monitoring the pre-coalescing temperature (temperature of the droplets just before they coalesce into a mass of liquid), or transient temperature difference (difference between the pre-coalescing temperature and the temperature of the droplets just before atomized), or transient conversion (conversion taking place in the time interval between the formation of the droplets and their coalescence into a mass of liquid) or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Methods and devices for controlling the reaction rate of a hydrocarbon to an acid or other intermediate oxidation product by pressure drop rate adjustments. The pressure drop rate measurements are conducted at predetermined time intervals, after stopping the feeding and exiting of gases. The pressure drop at a predetermined time interval is measured or the time it takes for the pressure to drop by a certain degree. Adjustments are then made in one or more temperature, feeding rates of hydrocarbon, solvent, catalyst, promoter, and the like until the pressure drop rate and the reaction rate fall within desirable predetermined limits.

Abstract: Process for preparing benzoquinones by oxidation of phenols in the presence of a diluent and of an oxygen-transferring catalyst which contains a heavy metal ion bound in a complex, wherein oxygen, hydrogen peroxide, a compound which liberates hydrogen peroxide, an organic hydroperoxide, a percarboxylic acid or peroxomonosulfuric acid or salts thereof are used as oxidizing agent, and wherein the oxygen-transferring catalyst is from the class of iron, manganese or chromium tetraaza?14!annulenes.

Abstract: Methods of making intermediate oxidation products by atomizing a first liquid (in the form of droplets) containing a reactant into a gas containing an oxidant in a manner to form an intermediate oxidation product different than carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide. The oxidation rate is controlled by monitoring and adjusting the temperatures and/or conversions at critical points of the process.

Abstract: Methods of making intermediate oxidation products by atomizing a first liquid containing a reactant into a gas containing an oxidant in a manner to form an intermediate oxidation product different than carbon monoxide and/or carbon dioxide. The oxidation is controlled by monitoring the transient conversion (conversion taking place in the time interval between the formation of the droplets and their coalescence into a mass of liquid) of first reactant to oxidation product just before the droplets coalesce into a mass of a second liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the continuous preparation of a mixture of a cycloalkanone, a cycloalkanol and a cycloalkylhydroperoxide. In the method, a cycloalkane, corresponding to the cycloalkenone, cycloalkenol and cycloalkylhydroperoxide, is oxidized in a continuous process, with the aid of an oxygen-containing gas, in the absence of a metal catalyst, at a temperature of between 130.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. The oxidation is at least partly carried out in the presence of between 0.002 and 2 mmol of a phenolic compound per kg of reaction mixture (mmol/kg).

Abstract: The invention relates to a new compound of the formular (1): ##STR1## wherein m.sub.1 =0, 1 or 2, m.sub.2 =0, 1 or 2, m.sub.1 and m.sub.2 are not to be simultaneously 0 or simultaneously 2; n.sub.1 =2-m.sub.1, n.sub.2 =2-m.sub.2 ; R=either H or alkyl with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, R'=alkyl with 1 through 18 carbon atoms, and X=H or OH.The invention also relates to the preparation thereof, the compositions containing them and the application in catalysis of oxidation of hydrocarbons, particularly in catalysis of oxidation of cyclohexane.

Abstract: The preparation of cyclohexene oxide, cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone involvesa) oxidizing cyclohexane using a gas containing molecular oxygen to form cyclohexyl hydroperoxide, cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone,b) jointly separating the mixture from a) and c) by distillation, andc) reaction of the cyclohexyl hydroperoxide fraction from b) with cyclohexene in the presence of a transition-metal compound from group 4 to 6, forming cyclohexene oxide, and separating the product mixture in b).

Abstract: A continuous process for the partial oxidation of hydrocarbons is disclosed wherein the oxidizing gas is partitioned into the hydrocarbon by means of countercurrent flow of an aqueous solution of oxygen prepared in a separate vessel, thus avoiding direct contact of hydrocarbon and oxidizing gas.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for the catalytic oxidation of an isoprenoid containing at least one allylic hydrogen atom, which process comprises reacting the isoprenoid with oxygen or an oxygen-containing gas in an inert solvent in the presence of a N-hydroxydicarboxylic acid imide of the formula ##STR1## wherein A-B stands for CH.sub.2 -CH.sub.2, CH.dbd.CH, an aromatic hydrocarbon residue or a group derived from one of these groups in which one or more hydrogen atoms is/are replaced by alkyl or halogen,to produce a primary of secondary hydroperoxide.The process of the invention is suitable for the manufacture of steroids, vitamins, odorant substances, carotinoids and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing cyclohexanol and/or cyclohexanone, in which cyclohexene in a feed stream containing cyclohexene, cyclohexane and benzene is hydrated into cyclohexanol and/or oxidized into cyclohexanone, the cyclohexanol and/or cyclohexanone formed is separated from the reaction mixture thus obtained and the remaining cyclohexane and benzene are recycled to a preconnected cyclohexene preparation section, part of the stream that is recycled to the cyclohexene preparation section being subjected to a dehydrogenation reaction and the remaining part to a hydrogenation reaction, and the reaction streams thus obtained being combined to form the feed stream to the hydration and/or oxidation step.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process of producing ketoximes, characterized in that a secondary alcohol, corresponding to the desired ketoxime, is partially oxidated in the liquid phase with O.sub.2, an oxidated mixture being thereby formed, which contains an excess of unreacted alcohol, the ketone corresponding to said alcohol, and H.sub.2 O.sub.2, and that said oxidated mixture is directly reacted with NH.sub.3 in the liquid phase (without isolating the alcohol, the ketone and H.sub.2 O.sub.2) in the presence of an ammoximation catalyst.

Abstract: A process for producing an oxygen-containing organic compound by oxidizing olefins under milder conditions is provided, which process comprises oxidizing an olefin activated by its complex formation, in the presence of a platinum group metal complex capable of forming an olefin complex through coordination of the platinum group metal with said olefin, and also in the presence of water, and further oxidizing and regenerating the resulting reduced platinum group metal complex with oxygen coordinated with a transition metal and activated thereby.

Abstract: Solutions of molecular oxygen in liquid hydrocarbons are prepared by bringing a liquid hydrocarbon into contact with molecular oxygen under superatmospheric pressure in a vertical absorption zone, by a process in which(a) a layer of water is maintained at the lower end of the absorption zone,(b) molecular oxygen is passed into the layer of water,(c) a liquid hydrocarbon is fed in above the layer of water,(d) the finely divided molecular oxygen rising from the layer of water is passed upward together with the liquid hydrocarbon at from 0.degree. to 50.degree. C., with thorough mixing in the absorption zone, with the proviso that no cohesive gas phase is formed, and(e) the solution of molecular oxygen in the liquid hydrocarbon is discharged in the upper part of the absorption zone.

Abstract: Oxygen-containing compounds are prepared by oxidizing a hydrocarbon in the liquid phase with a gas containing molecular oxygen, at elevated temperatures and under superatmospheric pressure, by a continuous process in which the said gas is fed into the liquid reaction mixture, in a downward direction, at several points along the reaction zone via nozzle apertures, so that it emerges at each nozzle aperture with a velocity of from 0.01 to 1 m/sec in an amount of from 0.001 to 10 liters per second per nozzle aperture, and the said reaction mixture is brought into substantially uniform contact with the gas containing molecular oxygen, over the volume of the reaction zone.

Abstract: The yield and the selectivity of an oxidation reaction of alkyl substituted benzenes to ketones and phenols in the presence of hydrogen bromide is increased through the use of cerium oxide, triphenylborate, boron phosphate and water.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a membrane solvent extraction and reaction system. More particularly it pertains to an improvement in the membrane solvent extraction system wherein a solute is extracted through a polymeric membrane from one solvent liquid phase to an extracting solvent liquid without direct contact between the liquid phases which are separated by the membrane and in which the extracting solvent has no greater solubility and usually substantially less solubility for the solute than the feed solvent. The impovement comprises converting the solute permeating across the membrane to a different chemical compound, whereby a high concentration gradient for the solute across the membrane is maintained to improve the separation of the solute from the feed solvent liquid phase.

Abstract: A process for the safe supply of molecular oxygen or gas containing molecular oxygen to an oxidation of hydrocarbons in the liquid phase, wherein, immediately before the point of entry into the liquid hydrocarbon, the oxygen, or gas containing oxygen, to be supplied is at least 20.degree. C. colder than the hydrocarbon, and wherein, as soon as the oxygen, or gas containing oxygen, which is to be supplied exceeds the predetermined temperature at the supply orifice, the supply ceases.

Abstract: An improved method for the preparation of cyclohexanol and/or cyclohexanone from benzene. Cyclohexanol and/or cyclohexanone is prepared by the steps of hydrogenating benzene to form a hydrogenation reaction mixture containing cyclohexene, unreacted benzene, and by-product cyclohexane, hydrating cyclohexene thus obtained to form a hydration reaction mixture containing cyclohexanol, unreacted benzene and by-product cyclohexane and/or oxidating this cyclohexene to form an oxidation reaction mixture containing cyclohexanone, unreacted benzene and by-product cyclohexane, recovering from said hydration reaction mixture the cyclohexanol product and/or from said oxidation reaction mixture the cyclohexanone product, and an organic phase containing unreacted benzene and by-product cyclohexane, and recycling unconverted benzene to the benzene hydrogenation step.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cyclohexanone from benzene. Benzene is hydrogenated in a gaseous phase in a hydrogenation zone to form cyclohexane; cyclohexane is oxidized in a liquid phase to form a mixture containing cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone; and cyclohexanone is separated from this mixture and is catalytically dehydrogenated to form cyclohexanone and a hydrogen containing gas. The resulting hydrogen containing gas is introduced into a washing zone wherein it is washed with cyclohexane or benzene and the hydrogen gas thus purified is fed into the hydrogenation zone.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cycloalkanols and cycloalkanones by the liquid phase oxidation of a cycloalkane having from 5 to 12 carbon atoms in the ring by means of a gas containing molecular oxygen to obtain an oxidation mixture containing cycloalkyl hydroperoxide and acids, and the subsequent decomposition of such cycloalkyl hydroperoxide to cycloalkanols and cycloalkanones. The decomposition is carried out by means of a metal salt in the presence of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. The improvement comprises a neutralization step wherein the acids contained in the oxidation mixture are first neutralized, forming a neutralized organic phase containing the cycloalkyl hydroperoxide, whereafter the neutralized organic phase is treated with a metal salt in the presence of an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide to decompose the cycloalkyl hydroperoxide and form an organic phase containing cycloalkanols and cycloalkanones.