Abstract: The use of a complex oxide having the following composition (I). Mo12VaX1bX2cX3dX4eOx (I) wherein Mo is molybdenum; V is vanadium; O is oxygen; X1 is at least one element selected from tungsten, titanium, tantalum and niobium; X2 is at least one element selected from copper, antimony, tellurium and bismuth; X3 is at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals; X4 is at least one element selected from alkaline metals; and O<a?10; O?b?4; O<c?5; O?d?2; O?e?2; and x is a numerical value determined by the extents of the oxidation of the other elements, as a catalyst in the preparation of a partial oxidation product of a lower alcohol by direct oxidation of a lower alcohol in the vapor phase.

Abstract: The use of a complex oxide having the following composition (I). M012VaX1bX2cX3dX4eOx (I) wherein Mo is molybdenum; V is vanadium; 0 is oxygen; X1 is at least one element selected from tungsten, titanium, tantalum and niobium; X2 is at least one element selected from copper, antimony, tellurium and bismuth; X3 is at least one element selected from alkaline earth metals; X4 is at least one element selected from alkaline metals; and O<a?10; O?b?4; 0<c?5; O<d?2; 0?e?2; and x is a numerical value determined by the extents of the oxidation of the other elements, as a catalyst in the preparation of a partial oxidation product of a lower alcohol by direct oxidation of a lower alcohol in the vapor phase.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the purification of light hydrocarbons having a cut point of between 20 and 250° C. and containing sulphur and/or nitrogen compounds which are refractory to standard hydrotreating. The inventive method is characterised in that it comprises the following steps, namely: (a) a step involving the oxidative polymerisation of compounds containing a —X—CH? group in a 5- or 6 membered hydrocarbon ring, wherein X denotes a sulphur or nitrogen atom, in the presence of at least one oxidising agent selected from metal cations; (b) a step involving the separation of the formed polymers and the oxidising agent from the light hydrocarbons; and (c) a step involving the oxidation of the metal cation, said steps being performed in the above order. Moreover, each of the aforementioned steps can be combined with at least the step following same.