Abstract: A method for making a solid material which is useful as a heterogeneous catalyst including the steps of: forming at least one copper oxide suspension comprising solid particles of copper oxide in a liquid; forming at least one carrier suspension comprising solid particles of a carrier material in a liquid; combining the copper oxide suspension and the carrier suspension; subjecting the combined suspensions to mechanical energy; separating the suspension liquid from the solid particles in the combined suspension; and subjecting the solid material to a thermal decomposition step. A catalyst made by the method has a BET surface area greater than 150 m2/g, a particle size distribution in which D50 is in the range from 25-35 ?m, and wherein the D50 after 60 minutes ultrasound treatment is at least 30% of the original value.

Abstract: A process for the production of an ester product from a mixture of at least two different ester compounds includes the steps of mixing together at least two different starting ester compounds to form a first ester mixture; and contacting the first ester mixture with a catalyst including from 30-60% of calcium oxide and at least one second metal oxide at a temperature of at least 180° C., for a duration of at least one hour, with mixing, to form a second ester mixture having a melting point which is lower than the melting point of the first ester mixture.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hydrocarbon product comprises contacting a feedstock with a catalyst composition comprising an active metal selected from platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt, copper, ruthenium, rhodium and rhenium and an active porous material which is active for the isomerization of unsaturated hydrocarbons, wherein the feedstock comprises a fatty acid a fatty acid ester, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride or a triglyceride.

Abstract: A process for the production of an ester product from a mixture of at least two different ester compounds includes the steps of mixing together at least two different starting ester compounds to form a first ester mixture; and contacting the first ester mixture with a catalyst including from 30-60% of calcium oxide and at least one second metal oxide at a temperature of at least 180° C., for a duration of at least one hour, with mixing, to form a second ester mixture having a melting point which is lower than the melting point of the first ester mixture.

Abstract: A method for making a solid material which is useful as a heterogeneous catalyst including the steps of: forming at least one copper oxide suspension comprising solid particles of copper oxide in a liquid; forming at least one carrier suspension comprising solid particles of a carrier material in a liquid; combining the copper oxide suspension and the carrier suspension; subjecting the combined suspensions to mechanical energy; separating the suspension liquid from the solid particles in the combined suspension; and subjecting the solid material to a thermal decomposition step. A catalyst made by the method has a BET surface area greater than 150 m2/g, a particle size distribution in which D50 is in the range from 25-35 ?m, and wherein the D50 after 60 minutes ultrasound treatment is at least 30% of the original value.

Abstract: A process for the production of a hydrocarbon product comprises contacting a feedstock with a catalyst composition comprising an active metal selected from platinum, palladium, nickel, cobalt, copper, ruthenium, rhodium and rhenium and an active porous material which is active for the isomerisation of unsaturated hydrocarbons, wherein the feedstock comprises a fatty acid a fatty acid ester, a monoglyceride, a diglyceride or a triglyceride.