Abstract: A method of removing copper from oxamide obtained through a process which involves the use of copper catalysts, by contacting it with an aqueous solution of a suitable complexing agent, which is capable of forming copper-containing water-soluble complexes and imparts to the aqueous solution a pH comprised between 2 and 8, optionally repeating the contacting step and, finally, recovering the purified oxamide by solid-liquid separation techniques.The claimed process affords oxamide containing less than 25 ppm of copper.

Abstract: Linear olefins are converted into the corresponding secondary alcohols by treatment with methyl alcohol and a tertiary alcohol, in the presence of an acidic catalyst, at a temperature ranging from 120.degree. to 200.degree. C. The product mixture substantially consists of the desired secondary alcohol and of the methyl ether of the charged tertiary alcohol.The reaction products can be easily isolated by fractionation, or, in some instances, the liquid product mixture can be used as such.Of particular interest is the direct hydration of n-butenes using tert-butyl alcohol as the tertiary alcohol. The obtained product mixture can be used as such, as an additive to methanol-containing gasolines for internal combustion engines.