Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of ketones which comprises oxidizing an n-olefin in the presence of a catalyst containing palladium, copper, a halogen, and at least one of specific tertiary amines.

Abstract: The use of fluorocarbons during the multiphase oxidation of olefins to ketones with Wacker-type catalysts improves reaction efficiency.

Abstract: A Pd/heteropolyacid/surfactant catalyst system, when used with proper diluents, improves the oxidation of olefins to ketones, while reducing corrosive effects.

Abstract: Wacker-type oxidation catalysts can be recovered and rejuvenated for further use by separating catalyst solids from the reaction mixture and, optionally, adjusting pH.

Abstract: A stabilized heteropoly molybdate catalyst precursor in calcined form and containing anionic molybdenum in defect state is surface impregnated with certain metal cations. The stabilized precursor is one obtained by incorporating into the reaction product of a molybdate and a soluble phosphate, silicate or arsenate, an aqueous chloride ion and a compound of phosphotungstate, silicotungstate, vanadium arsenate, silico-arsenate, phosphovanadate, or silicovanadate, followed by drying and calcining. During the chloride ion stabilization step other metals may be optionally incorporated in forming the stabilized precursor.The obtained precursor is catalytically active in the conversion of the unsaturated aldehydes to the corresponding unsaturated carboxylic acids with or without incorporation of the metal cation during the chloride ion stabilization step.

Abstract: An oxidation process in which a metal nitro complex transfers an oxygen atom from the nitro ligand to a substrate; especially such process conducted cyclically or catalytically using molecular oxygen as the oxygen source. Metal nitrosyl complex is formed as a coproduct together with an oxidation product of the substrate. In a cyclic process, nitrosyl ligand of the metal nitrosyl coproduct is reoxidized by molecular oxygen in presence of a monodentate base such as pyridine to nitro ligand; and the nitro complex, thus regenerated, can be used again to oxidize the substrate. In a catalytic process, using an activator such as a Lewis acid with alcohols or divalent palladium with olefins, elemental oxygen maintains a concentration of nitro ligand in the reaction mixture. In particular the metal is a Group VIII metal, especially cobalt and the ligand is saloph or tetraphenylporphyrin.

Abstract: Hexafluoropropylene may be conventionally oxidized to form an impure mixture comprising hexafluoroacetone and residual hexafluoropropylene, which materials are separable only with difficulty. The impure mixture may be subjected to reducing conditions to hydrogenate the hexafluoroacetone to a hexafluoroisopropanol product, which product is easily separable from the hexafluoropropylene impurity, which impurity may be recycled for further oxygenation and production of the acetone. Alternatively, hexafluoroisopropanol may be conventionally made from hexachloroacetone to form an impure mixture of hexafluoroacetone and HF. When this impure mixture is hydrogenated, the resulting hexafluoroisopropanol, mixed with hydrogen fluoride, is formed. Either of these alcohol products may be reacted with hydrogen fluoride and a formaldehyde to obtain a fluoromethyl-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl ether, which is a useful anesthetic.

Abstract: An industrially suitable process for producing a higher carbonyl compound by the oxidation of an olefinic compound having at least six carbon atoms is provided. Said improved process comprises oxidizing the olefinic compound in aqueous medium containing palladium or salt thereof and a copper salt in the presence of a specific water-soluble polyoxyalkylene compound in an amount of from about 1/4 to about 3 parts by weight per 1 part by weight of water contained in the reaction mixture. The improvement is demonstrated in terms of yield, selectivity, separation of the product, and recycle of the catalyst.

Abstract: An isoolefin is converted to a ketone, e.g., isobutylene to methyl ethyl ketone, by an oxidative rearrangement in a two-phase diluent system in the presence of free oxygen, a suitable surfactant, and a catalyst system comprising palladium, copper, and an alkali or alkaline earth metal chloride.

Abstract: Olefins are oxidized to carbonyl compounds, for example, 2-hexene to a mixture of 2-hexanone and 3-hexanone, with a palladium/copper/boric acid catalyst and a suitable surfactant or phase transfer agent. The reaction takes place in a diluent system comprising at least two liquid phases, wherein at least one liquid phase is an aqueous phase, and in the presence of free oxygen. The catalyst system can be used to oxidize internal olefins, as well as terminal olefins, at reasonable rates. The catalyst system can also be used for the selective oxidation of linear olefins in a mixed stream containing linear and branched olefins.