Abstract: A process for the preparation of copper-iron-aluminum hydrogenation catalysts comprises the step of: dissolving a cupric salt, a ferrous salt and an aluminum salt in water dissolving urea in the resulting aqueous solution in such an amount that the mole number of urea is at least 0.7 time as large as the sum of equivalents of the metal ions, heating the mixed aqueous solution, further continuing the heating until a pH of the liquid is 4.6 to 7.5, adding an alkali to the reaction liquid to elevate a pH to 9.5 to 11.5, further conducting the reaction and then separating, water-washing, drying and calcining the formed precipitate.

Abstract: A copper-iron-aluminum hydrogenation catalyst is prepared by separately and simultaneously adding dropwise to a bath of water (a) an aqueous solution of cupric, ferrous and aluminum salts and (b) an aqueous solution of alkali metal compound effective to precipitate the copper, iron and aluminum ions, and then agitating the reaction mixture at a temperature of at least 50.degree. C., at a pH of 9.5 to 11.5, for from 10 minutes to 10 hours, then recovering the precipitate and treating it to convert it to an active catalyst.

Abstract: A process for preparing ether carboxylates which comprises contacting an ethoxylated alcohol or alkylphenol or an ethylene oxide/propylene oxide block copolymer, with oxygen, in the presence of a palladium catalyst, at a pH of from 8 to 13 and at a temperature of 50.degree. to 95.degree. C.

Abstract: Copper-iron-aluminum catalysts are prepared by dissolving a cupric salt, a ferrous salt and an aluminum salt in water, adding an alkali to the solution at a temperature higher than 60.degree. C. whereby to form a precipitate, separating the precipitate and water-washing, drying, calcining and pulverizing the separated precipitate.

Abstract: Monosaccharides are oxidized by an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a special palladium-carbon catalyst which is prepared by adsorbing palladium on active carbon at a temperature lower than 60.degree. C while the active carbon is suspended in an aqueous solution of an alkali metal hydroxide or carbonate and then reducing the palladium with formaldehyde.