Abstract: Disclosed are shell catalysts which contain, on powdered or shaped supports, one or more metals from groups VIII and IB of the Periodic Table of Elements. The catalysts are obtained by coating the support with the catalytically active metals in aqueous solutions of mono- or bimetallic colloids of these metals, wherein the colloids are stabilized by highly hydrophilic surfactants.

Abstract: 3-hydroxy propionic acid is obtained in high yield through the catalytic oxidation of 3-hydroxy propionaldehyde with O.sub.2 or an O.sub.2 -containing gas in the aqueous phase in the presence of a platinum-group catalyst, in particular a Pd or Pt supported catalyst. The catalyst is used in a quantity corresponding to at least 10 percent by weight of the platinum-group metal relative to 3-hydroxy propionaldehyde.

Abstract: Malonic acid or a salt of the same is obtained at high yield according to the invention through the catalytic oxidation with oxygen or an O.sub.2 -containing gas of 3-hydroxy propionaldehyde or 3-hydroxy propionic acid in the aqueous phase. The conversion takes place in the presence of at least 10 percent by weight, relative to the C.sub.3 building block used, of a precious metal from the platinum group. Pd and Pt supported catalysts are preferred.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenolysis of C--O and C.dbd.O bonds in organic substances by reaction with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system which contains at least one metal from Groups VIII and/or IB of the Periodic System of Elements on a support consisting of at least one solid acid with an acid activity index of at least 90%.

Abstract: A catalyst for use in a fuel cell containing a platinum-aluminum alloy on a conductive carbon carrier, wherein the atomic ratio of platinum to aluminum is from 80:20 to 60:40 and the alloy is present on the carbon carrier in carbidized form with the structure of platinum-aluminum carbide Pt.sub.3 AlC.sub.0.5. Also disclosed are multimetallic alloy catalysts for use as electrode catalysts in fuel cells. Catalysts with high activity and stability are obtained on the basis of carbidized platinum-aluminum alloy catalysts by adding alloying elements of the groups VIB, VIIB, VIII and IB of the Periodic Table of Elements.

Abstract: A ternary platinum alloy catalyst on a conductive carbon carrier for use in fuel cells is disclosed. For the production of the catalyst, nitrate salts are used as precursors of the alloy components and all alloy components are deposited concurrently on the carbon carrier. This method of procedure yields ageing-stable catalysts with high oxygen mass activity.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the selective catalytic hydrogenation of carbonyl groups in aromatic aldehydes of the formula: ##STR1## in which X is carboxyl, methyl or a halogen, to give the corresponding alcohols and methyl compounds. The catalytic hydrogenation is performed with the addition of a solvent optionally in the presence of organic acids on a shaped support catalyst containing a platinum group metal on a support made from titanium oxide in the presence of hydrogen at hydrogen partial pressures of 5 to 50 bar and temperatures of 100.degree. to 300.degree. C.