Abstract: A method for purifying a dimethyl naphthalene dicarboxylate produced from a naphthalene dicarboxylic acid which is in turn produced by the liquid phase oxidation of a dialkylnaphthalene or partially oxidized derivative thereof in the presence of a catalyst comprising a bromine-containing component and at least one of a cobalt- or manganese-containing component.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the oxidation of di- or trimethyl benzenes with molecular oxygen under liquid-phase conditions in the presence of a recovered cobalt and manganese catalyst, which has been recovered by heating oxidation incinerator ash in the presence of acetic acid and a reducing agent wherein the weight ratio of acetic acid to said oxidation incinerator ash is from about 1:1 to about 50:1, and the ratio of electrons which the reducing agent can deliver to atoms of the cobalt plus manganese in the oxidation incinerator ash is from about 0.1:1 to about 4:1 at about the boiling point of the acetic acid at atmospheric pressure and recovering the cobalt and manganese in liquid solution as the metal acetic acid salt, wherein the oxidation is carried out at a temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for recovery of cobalt and manganese, and other metals, in the form of their acetate salts, directly from mixed metal oxides present in oxidation residue incinerator ash comprising fly ash and clinkers from incineration of a residue from manufacture of benzene di- and tricarboxylic acids by catalytic means. These acetate salts are recycled directly for manufacture of benzene di- and tricarboxylic acids after recovery.