Abstract: Polyethers having terminal allyl unsaturation are subject to hydrogenolysis by reaction with a hydrogen donor in the presence of a n-allyl complex forming catalyst. The product polyethers have extremely low levels of unsaturation, and thus are useful in preparing polyurethanes having improved properties and processing.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of partially fluorinated alcohols starting from halogen-containing alkenes, and 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorocyclopentanol as a new partially fluorinated alcohol.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing 1,3-glycols is disclosed. The process comprises reacting an epoxide with synthesis gas in the presence of rhodium in the presence of an alkali metal compound.

Abstract: A process of preparing chiral alcohols by the asymmetric catalytic hydrogenolysis of epoxides using rhodium or ruthenium catalysts containing chiral phosphine ligands.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of hydroformylating 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol and analogs thereof with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium compound free from modification by a ligand containing an element belonging to the group V of the periodic table as well as a method of producing 3-methylpentane-1,5-diol and .beta.-methyl-.delta.-valerolactone using such hydroformylation product.

Abstract: Process for preparing 2-alkyl-1,4-butanediols and mixtures with 1,4-butanediol which comprises bringing together, at an initial alkaline pH, and at a temperature and pressure suitable for reaction, 2,3-dihydrofuran, hydrogen, an unsubstituted aliphatic aldehyde, especially formaldehyde, and a hydrogenation catalyst. Also processes for preparing mixtures of tetrahydrofuran and 3-alkyltetrahydrofuran from the diol mixtures, and copolymers from the tetrahydrofuran mixtures.

Abstract: There is disclosed a method of hydroformylating 3-methyl-3-buten-1-ol and analogs thereof with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium compound free from modification by a ligand containing an element belonging to the group V of the periodic table as well as a method of producing 3-methylpentane-1,5-diol and .beta.-methyl-.delta.-valerolactone using such hydroformylation product.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for producing alkanediols by the hydrolytic reduction of hydrolytically reducible furans. The improvement comprises utilizing a supported ruthenium catalyst, and trihaloacetic acid or a mixture thereof as a promoter for the hydrolytic reduction. The hydrolytic reduction is conducted in an aqueous medium at elevated temperatures and elevated pressures.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for producing alkanediols by the hydrolytic reduction of hydrolytically reducible furans. The improvement comprises utilizing a supported nickel catalyst, and trihaloacetic acid, preferably trifluoracetic acid or trichloroacetic acid or a mixture thereof as a promoter for the hydrolytic reduction. The hydrolytic reduction is conducted in an aqueous medium at elevated temperatures and elevated pressures.

Abstract: A process has been developed for the depyrophorization of pyrophoric metal catalysts, such as Raney nickel catalysts, which comprises treating said pyrophoric metal catalysts in water and/or an organic solvent with an organic nitro compound or a nitroso compound. The catalysts which are obtained according to the process of the invention are useful for carrying out all hydrogenation reaction which can be carried out using the corresponding pyrophoric catalysts. The catalysts obtained are further distinguished by high activity and extended life. They are not contaminated by contact catalyst poisons and can be used essentially without pre-activation.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing tetrahydrofuran by the reaction of 3-(5'-alkyl-1',3'-dioxane)propionaldehyde and/or 3-(5'-alkyl-1',3'-dioxane)propanol and/or 4-hydroxybutanal with hydrogen in an aqueous medium having a pH between about 0.1 and 5. Maintenance of the reaction medium within the specified acidic range of pH is an important feature of the invention process.

Abstract: Furan is hydrogenated in the presence of a nickel catalyst and a dicarboxylic acid having 4 to 10 carbons to produce 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: 2-Alkoxytetrahydrofurans are prepared by hydroformylation of an allylic alcohol in the presence of an alkanol and a rhodium hydroformylation catalyst. The products are useful, inter alia, as intermediates in the preparation of butanediols and substituted derivatives thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of aliphatic or cycloaliphatic dialdehydes or acetals of the same by reaction of an aliphatic or cycloaliphatic conjugated diene with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium catalyst which is modified with a tertiary phosphine or phosphite at a temperature of from 70.degree. to 160.degree. C and at a pressure of from 100 to 600 atmospheres, the improvement consisting in using as catalyst a rhodium complex which contains carbon monoxide, a tertiary organic phosphine or tertiary organic phosphite and a halogen atom as ligands. Aliphatic and cycloaliphatic dialdehydes or the acetals of the same are suitable for the production of the corresponding diols which may be used in the production of polymers and particularly of polyurethanes.

Abstract: 2-ALKOXYTETRAHYDROFURANS ARE CONVERTED TO 1,4-DIOLS UNDER HYDROLYSIS-HYDROGENATION CONDITIONS. The method may be coupled with the synthesis of 2-alkoxytetrahydrofurans to provide a highly efficient, two-step conversion of allylic alcohols to butanediols.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydrogenolysis of acetals and ketals of organic hydrocarbons is described. The improvement resides in using a catalyst system including a halide of a Group III A element and a supported platinum or rhodium hydrogenation catalyst or combination thereof, thus enabling the process to be practiced at a temperature of from about -15.degree. C. to about 125.degree. C. and a pressure of from about 50 psia to about 2000 psia. The preferred Group III A halides are boron trifluoride and aluminum trichloride.