Abstract: Hydrocarbons, and particularly lower molecular weight alkanes and cycloalkanes, may readily be oxidixed with air or O.sub.2 to form such products as alcohols, ketones, and the like selectively in high yields when there is employed as the catalyst a highly active azide-activated metal coordination complex having the structure ##STR1## where M is a transition metal; " " is a ligand; and X is azide. The invention is also directed to certain novel azide-activated metal coordination complex catalysts per se.

Abstract: Hydrocarbon, and particularly lower molecular weight alkanes and cycloalkanes, may readily be oxidized with air or O.sub.2 to form such products as alcohols, ketones, and the like in high yields when there is employed as the catalyst a highly active nitride-activated metal coordination complex having the structure ##STR1## where M is a transition metal; " " is a ligand; and X is a nitride. Certain dimeric forms of the above catalyst are also employed herein. It has also been discovered that Group IV through VIII transition metal nitrides are also highly effective oxidation catalysts for lower molecular weight hydrocarbons such as alkanes.

Abstract: Hexafluoracetone or its hydrate is produced in a higher yield than that of the conventional process (1) by oxidizing a heptafluoroisobutenyl ether with ozone or (2) by thermally decomposing an octafluoroisobutyl ether or a heptafluoroisobutenyl ether in the presence of oxygen and an activated carbon catalyst.

Abstract: Alkanes are oxidized in the liquid phase at relatively low temperatures using heteropolyacids or polyoxoanions promoted with azide or certain metals. Such azide catalysts are also part of the invention.

Abstract: A substantially chloride-free palladium oxidation system, comprising a palladium component, a copper component, and a ligand is described. The Wacker system, consisting of palladium and copper chlorides is also improved by the addition of a ligand. The palladium and copper counterion are independently selected from BF.sub.4.sup.--, CF.sub.3 COO.sup.--, CH.sub.3 COO.sup.--, SO.sub.4.sup..dbd., and NO.sub.3.sup.--. The ligand is preferably a nitrile-containing compound.

Abstract: Heteropolyacids or polyoxoanions promoted with azide, such as K.sub.6 PW.sub.11 VO.sub.40 N.sub.3, useful in the liquid phase oxidation of alkanes.

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: Compositions having a host phase of a niobate or tantalate of a divalent or trivalent metal and containing vanadium from one atom present to the limit of solid solubility in the host phase. Host phases of the rutile, columbite and trirutile structure are disclosed. The compositions are useful in the partial oxidation and ammoxidation of lower alkanes.

Abstract: Hexafluoroacetone is prepared by reacting hexafluoropropene with oxygen in the presence of a metal oxide selected from the group consisting of tin oxides, iron oxides and indium oxides. These metal oxides can be readily handled and assure a stable reaction.

Abstract: A process for the direct oxidation of isobutane or propane to methacrylic acid or acrylic acid respectively is disclosed. The process encompasses contacting a feed gas containing isobutane or propane and oxygen with a specific catalyst which is composed of molybdenum, antimony and phosphorus combined with oxygen. The atomic ratio of molybdenum to antimony to phosphorous is from about 9 to about 24; about 0.25 to about 2; and about 0.75 to about 2 respectively. The catalytic oxidation to methacrylic or acrylic acid is accomplished at a temperature of from about 200.degree. C. to about 450.degree. C. The methacrylic or acrylic acid is removed from the feed gases exiting from the reaction zone and the remainder of the exited feed stream may be recycled to again contact the catalyst.