Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifying a crude 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone. This process includes (a) hydrating the crude 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone to a 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone hydrate; and (b) dehydrating the 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone hydrate, thereby obtaining a purified 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone. Prior to the step (b), the 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone hydrate may be brought into contact with a poor solvent in which 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone dihydrate is substantially insoluble. Furthermore, the step (a) may be conducted in a poor solvent in which 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone dihydrate is substantially insoluble. It is possible by the process to easily obtain 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone with high purity.

Abstract: A process for producing 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone includes the step of conducting a hydrogenolysis of a halogenated trifluoroacetone, which is represented by the general formula (1), by a hydrogen gas in the presence of a catalyst containing a transition metal, where X represents a chlorine, bromine or iodine, and n represents an integer from 1 to 3. It is possible to obtain 1,1,1-trifluoroacetone with a high yield by using the special catalyst.

Abstract: Process for the continuous preparation of unsaturated ketones of the formula I where the dashed line can be an additional C—C bond, R1 is an alkyl, and R2 is an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from 1 to 37 carbons, a cycloalkyl or a cycloalkylalkyl, by reacting an unsaturated alcohol of the formula II  with an alkyl acetoacetate of the formula III where R3 is an alkyl having from 1 to 5 carbons, in the presence or organic aluminum compounds as catalyst.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for preparing 1,3-diketones by rearrangement of the isomeric enol ester in a tube reactor comprising a heated portion and an unheated insulated portion which can optionally be provided with cooling means. The unheated portion of the reactor has a higher volume to surface ratio than the heated portion of the reactor. The reaction can be carried out adiabatically in the unheated portion of the reactor. The process and apparatus provide higher yields and selectivity to the 1,3-diketones.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing a process for producing 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone. This process includes (a) hydrolyzing a metal complex of 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone into a 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone hydrate; and (b) dehydrating the hydrate into the 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone. It is possible by this process to recover 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone with high purity from a material containing a metal complex of 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoroacetylacetone.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing lower unsaturated ketones by reacting the corresponding &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates in a Carroll reaction in the presence of from 0.1 to 5 mol %, based on the alkyl acetoacetate to be reacted, of an organic aluminum compound as catalyst with elimination and continuous removal by distillation of the alkanol eliminated during the reaction from the alkyl acetoacetate in a reactor system with a fitted fractionation column, wherein A an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol which boils below 140° C. is introduced, in the absence of effective amounts of a solvent, together with the organic aluminum compound into the reaction vessel, B a reaction temperature which is as constant as possible between 170° C. and 250° C.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrogen rich gas from a source of hydrocarbon fuel. A vapor of the hydrocarbon fuel and steam is brought in contact with a two-part catalyst having a dehydrogenation powder portion and an oxide-ion conducting powder portion at a temperature not less than about 770°C. for a time sufficient to generate the hydrogen rich. The H2 content of the hydrogen gas is greater than about 70 percent by volume. The dehydrogenation portion of the catalyst includes a group VIII metal, and the oxide-ion conducting portion is selected from a ceramic oxide from the group crystallizing in the fluorite or perovskite structure and mixtures thereof. The oxide-ion conducting portion of the catalyst is a ceramic powder of one or more of ZrO2, CeO2, Bi2O3, (BiVO)4, and LaGaO3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved process for preparing higher unsaturated ketones by reacting the corresponding &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates in a Carroll reaction , in a reactor system with fitted fractionation column, wherein A the &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated alcohol is introduced into the reaction vessel together with the organic aluminum compound in the absence of effective amounts of a solvent, and the alkyl acetoacetate is metered into this mixture, B a reaction temperature which is as constant as possible at between 175° C. and 220° C., preferably between 180° C. and 200° C., is adjusted and C during the reaction the content of alkyl acetoacetate in the reaction mixture is adjusted to a value which is as constant as possible at between 1 and 3% by weight.

Abstract: This invention is intended to provide a method for producing pinacoline by means of pinacol rearrangement in supercritical water, which affords an extremely high reaction rate without the addition of high concentrations of acid, and this invention is directed to a method for increasing the reaction rate during organic synthesis by utilizing the supply of protons from water under noncatalytic conditions in supercritical water, a method of pinacol rearrangement comprising the production of pinacoline by pinacol rearrangement under noncatalytic conditions without the addition of an acid catalyst in supercritical water, and a method of synthesis comprising the production of cyclic compounds from pinacol under noncatalytic conditions without the addition of an acid catalyst around the critical point (375 to 380° C., 22.5 to 25 MPa) in supercritical water.

Abstract: A process for making methoxyacetone is disclosed. The process comprises oxidizing 1-methoxy-2-propanol in the liquid phase using aqueous hydrogen peroxide and a Group 8-10 transition metal catalyst. The process gives high alcohol conversions (>95%) and good selectivities (>80%) to methoxyacetone using mild conditions, simple equipment, and readily available reagents.

Abstract: Provided are a process for producing 6-methyl-3-hepten-2-one by cross aldol condensation carried out while each continuously adding to acetone, isovaleraldehyde and an aqueous alkali containing an alkaline substance; a process for producing a 6-methyl-2-heptanone analogue represented by Formula (1): wherein n is an integer of 0 or 1 or more; which comprises allowing hydrogen, acetone and an aldehyde represented by Formula (2): wherein n is as defined above; X and Y each represents a hydrogen atom or they are coupled together to form a carbon-carbon bond; and Z and W each represents a hydrogen atom or they are coupled together to form a carbon-carbon bond; to react in the presence of an aqueous alkali containing an alkaline substance, and a hydrogenation catalyst; and a process for producing phytone or isophytol using the 6-methyl-3-hepten-2-one or the 6-methyl-2-heptanone analogue.

Abstract: Commercially feasible methods for synthesizing various epothilones precursors needed for the preparation of final epothilones are provided, including techniques for the synthesis of epothilone segment C using a stereoselective Noyori-type reduction, and the coupling of epothilone segments B and C using an aldol condensation reaction. The synthesis methods may be used to prepare naturally occurring segments as well as a large number of related analogs and homologs thereof. Final epothilones in accordance with the invention may also be of the naturally occurring variety (16-membered macrolides), while the homologs and analogs thereof are preferably up to 20-membered macrolides.

Abstract: A continuous process for the dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon and/or oxygenated hydrocarbon feed, comprising contacting the hydrocarbon and/or oxygenated hydrocarbon feed with a dehydrogenation catalyst at elevated temperature in a reaction zone characterised in that the catalyst is capable of retaining hydrogen and (a) is contacted with a feed to form a dehydrogenated product and hydrogen, at least some of the hydrogen formed being adsorbed by the catalyst and/or reacting therewith to reduce at least part of the catalyst; (b) the dehydrogenated product and any unadsorbed/unreacted hydrogen is removed from the reaction zone; (c) at least some of the adsorbed hydrogen is removed from the catalyst and/or at least some of the reduced catalyst is oxidised; and (d) reusing the catalyst from step (c) in step (a).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 denotes a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms, R.sup.2 denotes a hydrogen atom or a radical of the formula ##STR2## in which R.sup.3 denotes a hydrogen atom or, together with R.sup.4, an oxygen atom, R.sup.4 denotes the radical OR.sup.6 or, together with R.sup.3, an oxygen atom, R.sup.5 denotes a hydrogen atom or an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms or a cyclohexyl or cyclopentyl radical, and R.sup.6 denotes an alkyl radical containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, a cyclohexyl or cyclopentyl radical or a radical of the formula--CH.sub.2 --CHO or --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --O--CH.sub.2 --CHO,by gas-phase oxidation of methanol or alcohols of the formula ##STR3## in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.5 have the meanings specified above and R.sup.7 denotes a hydrogen atom or a radical OR.sup.8, and R.sup.

Abstract: A process for preparing .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones of the general formula I ##STR1## by reacting an allyl alcohol of the general formula II ##STR2## in which R.sup.1 is H or a hydrocarbon radical having 1 to 20 carbon atoms, with diketene or an alkyl acetoacetate of the general formula III ##STR3## in which R.sup.2 is alkyl having 1 to 4 carbon atoms in an unmodified or modified Carroll reaction in the presence of an aluminum catalyst, wherein aluminum compounds which are stable liquids at room temperature, or a mixture of such aluminum compounds, which comprise at least one radical formed from an alkyl acetoacetate and 1 or 2 alkoxy radicals, or else comprise exclusively radicals formed from alkyl acetoacetates, which are esterified with sec-butanol or isobutanol, or else are esterified with at least two different alcohols, are used as aluminum catalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparation of a dicarbonyl compound of the following formula ##STR1## by reacting a conjugated alkadiene compound of the formula ##STR2## with a 1,3-dicarbonyl compound of the formula ##STR3## in the presence of an acid catalyst. The products of the method are useful in the preparation of compounds such as vitamins A and E, various carotenoids, Retin A, dehydrolinalool, pseudoionone, citral, and linalool.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a method for treating phenol tar, and, more particularly to a method for separating valuable products from phenol tar by treating the tar with steam.

Abstract: A process for making a sterically-hindered beta-diketone involving: (a) providing a solution comprising: (i) an ester; (ii) a base; and (iii) a solvent; (b) adding a ketone selected from the group consisting of an aromatic ketone and a hindered aliphatic ketone, to the solution, to form a condensation reaction mixture, whereby either the ester or the ketone is hindered; (c) reacting the solution with the ketone to form a sterically-hindered beta-diketone; and (d) recovering the sterically-hindered beta-diketone from the condensation reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method of forming a hydrogen rich gas from a source of hydrocarbon fuel in which the hydrocarbon fuel contacts a two-part catalyst comprising a dehydrogenation portion and an oxide-ion conducting portion at a temperature not less than about 400.degree. C. for a time sufficient to generate the hydrogen rich gas while maintaining CO content less than about 5 volume percent. There is also disclosed a method of forming partially oxidized hydrocarbons from ethanes in which ethane gas contacts a two-part catalyst comprising a dehydrogenation portion and an oxide-ion conducting portion for a time and at a temperature sufficient to form an oxide.

Abstract: A process for selective thermal oxidation or photooxidation of hydrocarbons adsorbed onto zeolite matrices. A highly selective thermal oxidation and photooxidation of unsubstituted or alkyl substituted alkanes, alkenes, aromatics and cycloalkyls in solvent free zeolites under dark thermal conditions or under irradiation with visible light. The process oxidizes hydrocarbons almost completely selectively without substantial production of byproducts.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone. This method includes a step of fluorinating pentachloroacetone by hydrogen fluoride in the presence of a fluorination catalyst. This fluorination may be conducted in a liquid phase in the presence of an antimony compound as the fluorination catalyst. Alternatively, the fluorination may be conducted in a gas phase in the presence of a fluorination catalyst which may be a fluorinated alumina or at least one compound of at least one metal selected from Al, Cr, Mn, Ni, and Co. The method is suited to an industrial scale production of 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone. The invention further relates to another method for producing 3,3-dichloro-1,1,1-trifluoroacetone.

Abstract: A process for preparing .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones bya) reacting vinylcarbinols or propargyl alcohols with alkyl acetoacetates or diketene andb) thermally rearranging the resulting acetoacetates in the presence or absence of an aluminum catalyst to .gamma.,.delta.-unsaturated ketones (Carroll reaction),wherein step a) and/or step b) is carried out in a cyclic carbonate of the formula I or a .gamma.-lactone of the formula II ##STR1## where R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are H, or lower alkyl and R.sup.4 is H, lower alkyl, phenyl or methoxymethyl, as solvent.

Abstract: A simple, high yielding synthesis of a-chloro ketones is described, involving acylation of Grignard and organolithium reagents with N-methoxy-N-methylchloroacetamide. The efficiency of the process is further enhanced by recycling N,O-dimethylhydroxylamine.

Abstract: The present invention provides processes for making alkynyl ketones and precursors thereof, using less expensive reagents and/or hydrocarbon solvents and/or higher temperatures.

Abstract: Novel .beta.-aminovinyl ketones of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is, in particular, an alkenyl, alkynyl, cycloalkyl or cycloalkenyl group; R.sup.2 is, in particular, an electron-attracting substituent such as nitro, acyl, ester, alkylthio, carbamoyl, thiocarbamoyl or haloalkyl; R.sup.3 is, in particular, an alkyl or alkoxy group or a halogen atom; n is 1 or 2 and m is 0, 1, 2 or 3. A method for preparing such compounds by carrying out a condensation reaction between ketone R.sup.1 --CO--CH.sub.3 and, in particular, benzonitrile substituted by (R.sup.2).sub.n and optionally (R.sup.3).sub.m, in the presence of a strong base, as well as a process employing said .beta.-aminovinyl ketones of general formula (VI) for preparing the corresponding .beta.-diketones, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the dehydrogenation of a hydrocarbon and/or oxygenated hydrocarbon feed, which process comprises the steps of(a) sequentially contacting the feed with a catalyst bed in a reaction chamber at elevated temperature, said catalyst bed comprising a first catalyst which is a dehydrogenation catalyst to produce a dehydrogenated product and hydrogen and a second catalyst capable of adsorbing and/or reacting with at least some of said hydrogen, said second catalyst having a porous coating.(b) removing the dehydrogenated product and any hydrogen which has not been adsorbed or reacted from the reaction chamber;(c) removing at least some of the adsorbed/reacted hydrogen from the coated catalyst and/or oxidising at least some of the reduced coated catalyst, thereby regenerating the second catalyst;(d) using said regenerated second catalyst in step (a).

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing an aromatic hydroxylic compound by acid decomposition of a hydroperoxide having the general formula (I) ##STR1## wherein Ar represents an aromatic hydrocarbon group having a valence of n; and n represents an integer of 1 or 2, in the presence of an acid catalyst, thereby to provide an aromatic hydroxylic compound having the general formula (II)Ar--(OH)n (II)wherein Ar and n are the same as above defined, characterized in that tetrafluoroboric acid, hexafluorosilicic acid or hexafluorophosphoric acid is used as the acid catalyst. According to this process, the aromatic hydroxylic compound is obtained in a high yield while the by-production of hydroxyacetone is effectively suppressed.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of methylbenzofuran (MBF) impurities in phenol obtained from the decomposition product of cumene hydroperoxide requires treating the phenol to reduce the level of acetol, contacting the phenol containing a low level of acetol with an acid resin at sufficient temperature and residence time to reduce the level of MBF by conversion to higher boiling compounds, then distilling the phenol to separate phenol from higher boiling compounds. The phenol may be treated in known ways, such as by treatment with an amine, to reduce the level of acetol. The phenol containing a low level of acetol is contacted with a strong acid resin to reduce the level MBF.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel Fe-Pd catalyst prepared by impregnating, either together or respectively, an iron source compound and a palladium source compound onto a carrier selected from the group consisting of silica, alumina and silica-alumina, and drying and calcining said Fe-Pd impregnated carrier in a flow of air or H.sub.2 /N.sub.2 ; and a method for preparing a mixture of cyclohexanol and cyclohexanone by selectively oxidizing cyclohexane in a reaction medium provided with hydrogen and oxygen gases in the presence of said Fe-Pd catalyst.

Abstract: The invention concerns a chiral reaction medium for organic reactions and consists of concentrated aqueous solution of at least one carbohydrate selected from among the mono-, di- and tri-saccharides and their alkylglucosides of which the alkyl group comprises from 1 to 4 C atoms.

Abstract: Manganese bromide solution for use in the formation of organomanganese compounds, applicable to the synthesis of organic products, particularly ketones.

Abstract: Provided by this invention is a process for producing a purified hydrazine hydrate having a low total organic carbon concentration and which involves:a first step which includes distilling an aqueous solution of hydrazine hydrate in the presence of at least one salt selected from the group consisting of chloride, sulfate, phosphate and carbonate of (a) the metals of Group Ia and IIa of the Periodic Table of the Elements, (b) ammonium or (c) hydrazinium to concentrate the aqueous solution of hydrazine hydrate by distilling water and the majority of the total organic carbon constituents off and separating the resultant concentrate as a bottom product, anda second step which includes distilling the resultant concentrate to recover a purified aqueous solution of hydrazine hydrate as a top product and separating an aqueous solution of the above salt as a bottom product.

Abstract: A continuous method for the preparation of concentrated aqueous solutions of hydrazine hydrate from ketazines which are slightly soluble in water, by hydrolysis and distillation under pressure using a distillation column. The column is fed with the ketazine or ketazines and water wherein the water/azine molar ratio ranges between 5 and 7.75.

Abstract: A continuous method for the preparation of concentrated aqueous solutions of hydrazine hydrate from concentrated aqueous solutions of acetone azine by a hydrolysis reaction and distillation under pressure in a column. The concentration of the aqueous solution of acetone azine is such that the water/azine molar ratio ranges between 3 and 7.

Abstract: A process is provided for the thermochemical conversion of biomass to useful gaseous and liquid organic products. The inventive process utilizes a catalyst to obtain increased yields of gaseous and liquid organic products and decreased yields, if any, of solid and semisolid tar/oils.

Abstract: Organic hydrocarbon materials are produced from plentiful inorganic limestone type materials by: (1) thermally decomposing the limestone type materials to produce CaO and CO.sub.2, (2) using the CO.sub.2 in a solid electrolyte electrolysis cell to produce CO, (3) catalytically decomposing the CO to produce carbon, (4) reacting the carbon with the CaO produced in step (1), to produce CaC.sub.2, (5) hydrolyzing the CaC.sub.2 toi produce C.sub.2 H.sub.2, (6) catalytically reacting the C.sub.2 H.sub.2 with steam to produce CH.sub.3 COCH.sub.3, (7) pyrolyzing the CH.sub.3 COCH.sub.3 to provide ketene and methane, and separating the ketene. The ketene may then be decomposed to provide methylene, which can be reacted with an alkane, such as methane in an insertion chain reaction, to provide organic hydrocarbon materials. An in-place nuclear reactor can provide energy for the endothermic reactions of the system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of telluroxides as mild and selective oxidizing agents serving to oxidize certain functions, notably >C.dbd.S groups, in the presence of other relatively easily oxidized functions which remain unaffected; telluroxides of interest as oxidizing agents include, for example, compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1, which may be the same or different, each represent an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclic group; or R and R.sup.1 together with the tellurium atom therebetween represent a heterocyclic ring, which may contain one or more further heteroatoms, and which may carry substituents and/or fused aromatic rings.

Abstract: Fluorinated carbonyl compounds are prepared by contacting a fluorinated methyl or ethyl ether containing at least one methoxylated carbon atom-containing group selected from: --CF.sub.2 OR.sup.3, .dbd.CFOR.sup.3, ##STR1## wherein R.sup.3 is CH.sub.3 or C.sub.2 H.sub.5, with a catalyst selected from:SbX.sub.5, TaX.sub.5, NbX.sub.5, AsX.sub.5, BiX.sub.5, TiX.sub.4, ZrX.sub.4, HfX.sub.4, FeX.sub.3,mixtures of SbX.sub.3 and SbX.sub.5, ZM'X'.sub.6, and mixtures of ZM'X'.sub.6 and M'X.sub.5 where X, independently, is F, Cl, Br or I, X' is F or Cl; and Z is H, NO, O.sub.2, alkali metal or NY.sub.4 where Y, independently, is H or alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and M' is Sb or As at a temperature of -20.degree. to 200.degree. C.

Abstract: A mixture of ketoxime such as methyl ethyl ketone oxime (MEKO), an inorganic acid such as sulfuric acid and optionally water is fed to an intermediate point of a fractional distillation column. Steam is fed to the base of the column and operating conditions are sufficient to produce the corresponding ketone (e.g. methyl ethyl ketone) or its water azeotrope as the overhead product and the corresponding hydroxylammonium salt (e.g. the sulfate) as the bottoms. Crystallization of the salt from the bottoms leaves a mother liquor which may be recycled to a reboiler from which the steam is generated.

Abstract: Phenol pitch obtained as a bottoms fraction in the distillation of phenol deriving from the acid hydrolysis of cumene hydroperoxide is treated to recover therefrom desired products consisting of phenol, alpha-methylstyrene, cumene and acetone, by introducing steam and the phenol pitch, into a reactor in a weight ratio of from 0.01:1 to 1:1, withdrawing from the top of said reactor a vapor phase comprising said desired products, withdrawing from the bottom of said reactor a liquid phase consisting essentially of compounds of higher boiling point than said desired products, and operating at a pressure of 4-12 Kg/cm.sup.2, at a temperature of 320.degree.-400.degree. C., as measured in the liquid phase, and with a residence time of 0.5-10 hours.

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: Process for the aromatization of various foodstuffs or beverages by means of 7-methyl-oct-3-en-2-one and foodstuffs, beverages or flavoring compositions containing this latter as organoleptically active ingredient. 7-Methyl-oct-3-en-2-one enables namely to develop a gustative note of fatty, oily, green type which is characteristic of foodstuffs subjected to frying.