Abstract: Alkenes can be expoxidized with hydrogen peroxide using a homogeneous heavy metal catalyst, but discharge of spent reaction mixtures releases the heavy metal in the environment. The problem can be ameliorated by selecting a heterogeneous catalyst system comprising a tungsten-containing heteropolyacid supported on selected Group IIa, IIb, IVa or IVb inorganic supports or on a strong basic resin, which catalyst has either been calcined after impregnation of in the impregnation stage an alcoholic solution of the heteropolyacid is employed and by employing a nitrilo or oxygenated polar solvent reaction medium. A number of preferred heteropolyacids satisfy the empirical formula M.sub.3/n PW.sub.w MO.sub.12-w O.sub.40 in which w represents an integer of at least 1, M represents a counterion and n its basicity. Preferred supports include activated alumina, calcined at 400.degree. to 600.degree. C. and cross-linked quaternary ammonium-substituted polystyrene resins.

Abstract: Process for the continuous preparation of dimethoxy ethanal (DME) in which a 70% by weight of an aqueous solution of glyoxal is continuously reacted with 8 to 12 moles of methanol/mole of glyoxal in the presence of a cation exchange resin, then the reaction solution obtained is subjected to an initial distillation, at atmospheric pressure, in order to recover more than 90% of the unreacted methanol, which is recycled, then to a second distillation under a pressure of less than 10.+-.2 kPa in order to isolate an aqueous mixture containing the greater part of DME and 1,1,2,2-tetramethoxyethane (TME) formed. This mixture, after dilution with water (molar ratio of water/TME 29.+-.4), is subjected to a distillation under a pressure of less than 19 kPa in order to remove from the top fraction an aqueous mixture containing more than 98.5% of the TME present and to also obtain an aqueous solution of DME having a purity greater than 98.

Abstract: Disclosed are a catalyst for directly reducing a carboxylic acid, the catalyst comprising a tin compound and a ruthenium compound supported on a carrier, the catalyst being prepared by the steps of calcining the tin compound in the presence of oxygen after deposition of the tin compound alone on the carrier, and activating the obtained product after deposition of the ruthenium compound on said carrier, a process for preparing the catalyst, and a process for preparing an alcohol compound using the catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed are the improvements of a process for the preparation of a purified 3,4-epoxycyclohexyl methyl (meth)acrylate and 3,4-epoxycyclohexyl methyl (meth)acrylate which is prepared by the improvements, including only minor amounts of polymers having a low molecular weight composed of 3,4-epoxycyclohexyl methyl (meth)acrylate itself.Furthermore, disclosed is a 3,4-epoxycyclohexyl methyl (meth)acrylate composition which has an excellent resistance to coloring, including a specified organic phosphorous compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel integration of an existing MTBE process unit with new propylene oxide producing facilities whereby through this integration new propylene oxide production is achieved without significant increase in MTBE production.

Abstract: A compound selected from those of formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R.sub.1, R'.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are each selected, independently of the others, from hydrogen and an alkyl radical, the two R.sub.2 groups being in the cis position in relation to the rings,and R, R.sub.3, R.sub.4, R.sub.5, R.sub.6, R.sub.7, R.sub.8, R.sub.9, R.sub.10, R'a and R'b are as defined in the description,useful therapeutically in the regulation of the secretion of insulin.

Abstract: Halogenated aromatic compounds are prepared by passing esters of halogenoformic acid at temperatures in the range 150.degree. to 600.degree. C. and pressures from 0.1 to 3 bar over a catalyst containing chromium, magnesium, iron, silicon and/or aluminium, wherein if Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 catalysts are used these have been activated with hydrogen halide.

Abstract: The process for the preparation of dicyclopentenyloxyethanol having the formula ##STR1## by reaction of dicyclopentadiene with ethyleneglycol in the presence of a catalyst consisting of an acid cation exchange resin, characterized in that it consists in mixing the dicyclopentadiene and the ethyleneglycol in a mixing tank to obtain a mixture, and bringing the mixture in contact with the catalyst in a cartridge separate from the mixing tank.

Abstract: A process for the production of glycidyl ether of an aliphatic, cycloaliphatic or araliphatic primary or secondary alcohol, comprising:A) reacting epichlorohydrin with a molar excess of the alcohol in the presence of a Lewis acid catalyst; optionallyB) dehydrochlorinating the product so obtained; andC) reacting the product from step A) or B) with a molar excess of epichlorohydrin in the presence of alkali and a phase transfer catalyst, and then isolating the glycidyl ether product so obtained.

Abstract: A catalyst composition having high epoxidation activity and resistant to leaching of its metal comprises molybdenum, vanadium, tungsten and/or titanium complexed to an organic or inorganic support through the intermediacy of an imidazole ligand. The catalyst may be used in epoxidation of olefinic compounds.

Abstract: A method for purifying polyether polyols made with double metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts is disclosed. A poly(oxypropylene) polyol containing DMC catalyst residues is combined with an amount of an alkali metal compound sufficient to convert DMC residues to an insoluble species, but not sufficient to generate polyol alkoxide groups. The polyol is heated in the presence of water, and is then filtered and stripped. The method eliminates the need to use magnesium silicate in removing DMC catalysts from polyols.

Abstract: Cyclofluoralkylated fullerene compounds are prepared by reacting the fullerenes with a fluoroalkene as exemplified by tetrafluoroethylene or perfluoromethyl vinyl ether under thermolysis conditions as exemplified by temperatures of 200.degree. C., pressure and a halocarbon solvent, the products being useful as lubricants or additive thereto as well as in cooling systems, adhesives and polymers.

Abstract: A method for preparing tertiary butyl alcohol wherein a solution of a tertiary butyl hydroperoxide feedstock in tertiary butyl alcohol is charged to a hydroperoxide decomposition reaction zone containing a catalytically effective amount of a hydroperoxide decomposition catalyst consisting essentially of palladium and gold supported on alumina, and is brought into contact with the catalyst in liquid phase under hydroperoxide decomposition reaction conditions to convert the tertiary butyl hydroperoxide to decomposition products, principally tertiary butyl alcohol and ditertiary butyl peroxide.

Abstract: Ethanol is produced economically by a gas phase carbonylation of methanol with carbon monoxide followed by a hydrogenation.

Abstract: A method for preparing tertiary butyl alcohol wherein a feedstock comprising a solvent solution of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide in tertiary butyl alcohol or a mixture of tertiary butyl alcohol with isobutane is charged to a hydroperoxide decomposition reaction zone containing a catalytically effective amount of a hydroperoxide decomposition catalyst consisting essentially of pentagonally cross-sectioned alumina having palladium deposited thereon and is brought into contact with the catalyst in liquid phase with agitation under hydroperoxide decomposition reaction conditions to convert the tertiary butyl hydroperoxide to decomposition products, principally tertiary butyl alcohol.

Abstract: Tertiary butyl alcohol (TBA) is prepared by non-catalytically reacting isobutane with oxygen to provide a reaction product comprising isobutane, peroxides including tertiary butyl hydroperoxide and impurities, charging the de-isobutanized reaction product and a soluble hydroperoxide decomposition catalyst to a first hydroperoxide decomposition reactor fitted with a fractionating column to provide a liquid reaction product comprising TBA, catalyst, hydroperoxides, and contaminants, and a vaporized decomposition product, cooling said vaporized reaction product to provide a condensate, and recovering a portion as a TBA reaction product, charging the liquid reaction product to a second hydroperoxide decomposition reactor to substantially completely decompose the peroxides therein and to form a second hydroperoxide decomposition product, which is charged to a second distillation column and separated therein into a third lighter overhead fraction comprising TBA, and a third heavier liquid fraction comprising normal

Abstract: A method for preparing tertiary butyl alcohol wherein a feedstock comprising a solvent solution of tertiary butyl hydroperoxide in tertiary butyl alcohol or a mixture of tertiary butyl alcohol with isobutane is charged to a hydroperoxide decomposition reaction zone containing a catalytically effective amount of a hydroperoxide decomposition catalyst consisting essentially of titania or zirconia and is brought into contact with the catalyst in liquid phase under hydroperoxide decomposition reaction conditions to convert the tertiary butyl hydroperoxide to decomposition products, principally tertiary butyl alcohol.

Abstract: A method for dimerizing an n-butene wherein a catalyst system is used which is produced in situ from an organonickel compound having no nickel-halogen bond, a triarylphosphine and/or a monoalkyldiarylphosphine, an organoaluminum compound and hydrogen. The resulting octenes are excellent as a raw material of alcohols for a plasticizer, and an excellent plasticizer can be obtained from alcohols having 9 carbon atoms produced by using the octenes.

Abstract: Phenolic compounds, e.g., the phenols and phenol ethers, are selectively hydroxylated whereby the amounts of the final product para isomer are enhanced, for example in favor of hydroquinone versus pyrocatechol in the event of the hydroxylation of phenol, by reacting such phenolic compounds with hydrogen peroxide, advantageously in a polar, aprotic, organic solvent reaction medium, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a sulfonated polymer and a cocatalytically effective amount of an aromatic ketone compound.

Abstract: Antimicrobial compounds of the formula ##STR1## wherein R, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are selected according to the following:A. R is (C.sub.11 -C.sub.16) alkyl (straight or branched), and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are joined to form a morpholine, pyrrolidine, or piperidine ring with the N;B. R is (C.sub.11 -C.sub.16) and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are independently selected from (C.sub.1 -C.sub.3) alkyl which in the case of C.sub.3 can be branched; andC. R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are the same and are (C.sub.6 -C.sub.12) alkyl, straight or branched, and R is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.16) alkyl, straight or branched; andX.sup.- =an anion preferably selected from chlorine, bromine, iodine, phosphate, acetate, benzoate, citrate, tartrate, alkyl- or aryl-sulfonate, and alkylsulfate.