Abstract: A composition of matter comprising at least one metal-containing spinel which includes a first metal and a second metal having a valence higher than the valence of the first metal, a minor amount of at least one third metal component effective to promote the oxidation of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide at sulfur dioxide oxidation conditions, and a minor amount of at least one fourth metal component effective to promote the reduction of first metal sulfate at first metal sulfate reduction conditions. These compositions are useful, e.g., in hydrocarbon conversion processes, to reduce sulfur oxide and/or nitrogen oxide atmospheric emissions.

Abstract: In a catalytic cracking process which includes contacting a hydrocarbon feedstock in a contacting zone in the presence of solid composition containing molecular sieve-containing catalyst capable of promoting hydrocarbon cracking at conditions effective to crack the hydrocarbon feedstock to lower boiling components, the improvement comprising conducting the contacting in the presence of at least one metal component, other than the catalyst, containing calcium and tin. A composition of matter comprising such catalyst and metal component is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for converting hydrocarbons using a catalyst which is periodically regenerated to remove carbonaceous deposits, the catalyst being comprised of a mixture containing, as a major component, solid particles capable of promoting hydrocarbon conversion at hydrocarbon conversion conditions, and, as a minor component, discrete entities comprising at least one spinel, preferably alkaline earth metal-containing spinel, and a minor amount of at least one added component selected from the group consisting of alkali metal components, calcium components, barium components, strontium components, beryllium components and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for the production of an alkaline earth metal, aluminum-containing spinel composition comprises: (a) combining (1) an acidic, aluminum-containing composition in which the aluminum is present in a positively charged species, and (2) a basic, alkaline earth metal-containing composition to form a mixture; and (b) calcining the mixture to form the alkaline earth metal, aluminum-containing spinel composition. Alkaline earth metal, aluminum-containing spinels having both high surface areas and high attrition resistance, and processes for using spinel compositions, e.g., as sulfur oxide and nitrogen oxide removal agent, are also disclosed.