Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing methyl tertiary butyl ether by reacting tertiary butyl alcohol and methanol in the presence of a catalyst comprising an inert support, such as titania, having a phosphoric acid impregnated thereon at a mild temperature and moderate pressure.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing compounds such as 4-acetoxybutyraldehyde which comprises contacting reactants such as allyl acetates with a cobalt carbonyl catalyst in the presence of various novel promoters. The promoters are selected from the group consisting of triphenyl germane, tetraphenyl germane, phenyl sulfide, succinonitrile and 2,2'-dipyridyl. The reaction is preferably conducted in the presence of a ketone solvent.

Abstract: This invention concerns the synthesis of primary amines from olefins, synthesis gas and ammonia via an amination process in the presence of a cobalt catalyst, an ether solvent and a tertiary group VB donor ligand.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid-polyetherpolyamine reaction products which contain as the principle reaction component, an amidoamine having the formula: ##STR1## where R=polyether segment as previously defined.Z=dicarboxylic acid of structure given in Examples 2 and obtained by reacting a polyoxypropylene and/or polyoxyethylene diamine with an aromatic dicarboxylic acid in molar proportions such that at least about 1.0 to 1.2 mole equivalents of amine are provided in the reaction mixture of each mole equivalent of carboxylic acid present in the reaction mixture. The amidoamines exhibit improved properties which allow for a rapid curing system even under ambient conditions and useful applications include coatings, adhesives, encapsulations, laminates and composite fabrications.

Abstract: This invention relates to the cyclocondensation of hydroxyamines to form pyrazines by a process comprising reacting said hydroxyamine in the presence of a catalyst comprising a rhodium, ruthenium or palladium-containing compound and a phosphine-containing compound under mild conditions.

Abstract: N,N'-dialkylpiperazines are prepared by contacting ethylene glycol and a primary amine in the presence of a homogeneous ruthenium-phosphine catalyst. For example, ethylene glycol and aniline are reacted in the presence of ruthenium trichloride and triphenylphosphine to produce N,N'-diphenylpiperazine.

Abstract: Diisocyanate and polyoxyalkylene diamine reaction products which contain as the principle reaction component, a diamine having the formula: ##STR1## wherein R' independently represents hydrogen or methyl and x is a number having an average value of at least 1 to about 60 and a diisocyanate of the formula: ##STR2## The products of the invention are obtained by reacting a polyoxyalkylene diamine with an excess of diisocyanate in the presence of a polar solvent to obtain products with the following general structures: ##STR3## where B is alkyl group from diisocyanates. These products and the corresponding blocked isocyanate prepolymer are further used to prepare coatings by reaction with polyoxyalkylene polyamine.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the cosynthesis of ethylene glycol and dimethyl carbonate by reacting methanol and ethylene carbonate in the presence of a homogeneous catalyst from the group consisting of soluble miscible tertiary phosphines arsines, and stibines and soluble, miscible bivalent sulphur and selenium compounds.

Abstract: A process for the synthesis of glutamic acid intermediate from an acrylate, amide and syngas by reacting them in the presence of a catalyst comprising a cobalt-containing compound, a bis-phosphine ligand and a solvent at a pressure of at least 500 psi and a temperature of at least 50.degree. C. and thereafter extracting the glutamic acid.

Abstract: Bicyclic diamines are prepared by a process comprising reacting 5-vinyl-2-norbornene or norbornadiene, synthesis gas and an amine from the group consisting of primary amines and secondary amines in the presence of a catalyst comprising a ruthenium-containing compound, an amide solvent and a quaternary phosphonium salt.

Abstract: The viscosity of cosmetic cleansing composition is increased by admixing with such compositions an effective amount of a thickener comprising an alpha-acetamido-fatty acid soap.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of ethylene glycol and dimethyl carbonate by reacting methanol and ethylene carbonate in the presence of a series of heterogenous catalyst systems including ion exchange resins with tertiary amine, quaternary ammonium, sulfonic acid and carboxylic acid functional groups, alkali and alkaline earth silicates impregnated into silica and ammonium exchanged zeolites.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing products such as 4-hydroxybutanal which comprises contacting unsaturated compounds such as allyl alcohol with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a rhodium carbonyl-phosphine catalyst and an aromatic solvent. The solvent is an aromatic which causes a large density difference between the resulting aqueous phase and organic phase so that the soluble rhodium catalyst can be easily separated from the 4-hydroxybutanal product and starting material without appreciable loss of the metal. This allows for easy recycle of the catalyst solution.

Abstract: A method for purification of C.sub.12 -C.sub.16 amido acids prepared from C.sub.10 -C.sub.14 amido acids is disclosed. The amido acids are purificed by dissolving the crude product in organic alcohol solvent and chloroform at a temperature between room temperature and about 60.degree. C. and about atmospheric pressure. Then the solution is filtered, cooled and allowed to recrystallize. This method is effective for removing the Rh and Co bimetallic catalysts.

Abstract: This invention relates to the reaction of aliphatic epoxides and primary amines to form hydroxymorpholines or morpholines by a process comprising reacting said epoxide and primary amine in the presence of a ruthenium-containing compound plus a tertiary phosphine.

Abstract: This invention relates to the carbonylation of olefins. More particularly it involves the carbonylation of an .alpha.-olefins such as ethylene to form diesters, such as, for example, dimethyl succinate, 3-methoxypropionate and dimethylcarbonate by a process comprising reacting said olefin with carbon monoxide, oxygen and an alkanol in the presence of a heterogeneous palladium/copper catalyst, on a polymer support.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the cosynthesis of ethylene glycol and dimethyl carbonate by reacting methanol and ethylene carbonate in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of zirconium, titanium and tin.

Abstract: An aminomethylation reaction is disclosed wherein polymeric polyamines are produced. Polymeric polyolefins such as polybutadiene, secondary amines, and synthesis gas are reacted in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a ruthenium-containing compound, a rhodium-containing compound, a sterically hindered phosphine and a solvent. Preferred polybutadiene feedstocks are those with a predominance of internal rather than pendant vinylic olefin groups and particularly those polymers containing both the 1,2-polybutadiene and 1,4-polybutadiene units.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for enhanced recovery of hydrocarbons from a subterranean hydrocarbon-bearing formation penetrated by an injection well and a production well wherein, before injection, the surfactant fluid is separated into two phases by the addition of small amounts of polymer and the portion having the higher sulfonate content is used as the surfactant slug. As an improvement we disclose the step of adding the phase of surfactant fluid with the lower sulfonate content to the polymer slug which is used to drive the surfactant fluid to further increase recovery.

Abstract: Ethyl and n-propyl esters of carboxylic acids are prepared in good yield from methanol, syngas and a carboxylic acid by contacting a mixture of the carboxylic acid, carbon monoxide, hydrogen and methanol with a catalyst composition comprising a ruthenium-containing compound, a cobalt-containing compound and a quaternary onium salt or base, and heating the resulting mixture at an elevated temperature and pressure for sufficient time to produce the desired ethyl and propyl esters, and then recovering the same from the reaction mixture.