Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the color and color stability of a hydrocarbon fraction. The process involves contacting the hydrocarbon fraction with a selective hydrogenation catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at reaction conditions. This results in the selective hydrogenation of conjugated unsaturates, thereby improving the color and color stability of the hydrocarbon fraction. The process uses small quantities of hydrogen and is run under mild conditions. A preferred selective hydrogenation catalyst is sulfided nickel on an alumina/clay support.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved liquid/liquid process for oxidizing mercaptans in a sour hydrocarbon fraction. The improvement is the addition of a quaternary ammonium compound to the alkali metal solution which contains a metal chelate such as a metal phthalocyanine. A preferred type of quaternary ammonium compound is a surfactant quaternary ammonium compound. A synergistic effect between the quaternary ammonium compound and the metal chelate is observed.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons may be subjected to a dehydrogenation reaction in which the hydrocarbons such as ethylbenzene are contacted with a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising a modified iron compound in the presence of steam. The reaction mixture effluent containing unconverted hydrocarbons, dehydrogenatable hydrocarbon, hydrogen and steam is then contacted with an oxidation catalyst in a second oxidation zone whereby hydrogen is selectively oxidized to the substantial exclusion of oxidation of the hydrocarbon. The selective oxidation catalyst which is employed is prepared in a two-step process in which a compound containing a noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table and a compound containing a metal of Group IVA of the Periodic Table is impregnated on a porous inorganic support such as alumina. The impregnated support is then calcined and subjected to a second step impregnation in which the support is impregnated with a solution of a compound containing lithium.