Abstract: The invention is a solid catalyst having acid strength H.sub.o less than -18. Such catalysts are characterized by the ability to react with very weak bases, such as butane, at relatively low temperatures, for example temperatures in the range from 20.degree. to 200.degree. C. The catalysts have exceptionally high activity for various hydrocarbon conversion processes, for example, because of their exceptionally high acid strength.

Abstract: Isoparaffins and olefins are alkylated by contact with a solid superacid such as sulfated zirconia optionally containing added metals, and containing added heteropolyacids (HPA's) or polyoxoanions (POA's). The presence of HPA's or POA's in the solid superacid catalyst results in higher yields of desired high-octane components in the product mixture than are obtained in the absence of HPA's or POA's.

Abstract: Isoparaffins and olefins are alkylated in the liquid phase by contact with a solid superacid such as sulfated zirconia containing heteropolyacids or polyoxoanions. High octane number blending components for motor fuel and other valuable products are obtained, with important advantages over processes using liquid acid catalysts, and over vapor phase alkylation with solid superacid catalysts.

Abstract: A process for regeneration of spent sulfated and calcined solid superacid catalyst is disclosed. Said process comprises heating said catalyst to a temperature of approximately 450.degree. C. and contacting said catalyst with a gas stream comprising oxygen or air and sulfur dioxide. This regeneration process can be performed in situ.

Abstract: New catalyst compositions comprise sulfated and calcined mixtures of (1) a support comprising an oxide or hydroxide of a Group IV-A element, (2) an oxide or hydroxide of molybdenum, and (3) an oxide or hydroxide of a Group I-B, II-B, III-A, III-B, IV-B, V-A or VI-A metal other than molybdenum or a metal of the Lanthanide Series of the Periodic Table. A process for alkylation of acyclic saturated compounds with acyclic unsaturated compounds utilizing such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: New catalyst compositions comprise sulfated and calcined mixtures of (1) a support comprising an oxide or hydroxide of a Group IV-A element, (2) an oxide or hydroxide of a Group VI, VII or VIII metal, (3) an oxide or hydroxide of a Group I-B, II-B, III-A, III-B, IV-B, V-A or VI-A metal and (4) a metal of the Lanthanide Series of the Periodic Table. A process for alkylation of acyclic saturated compounds with acyclic unsaturated compounds utilizing such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: New catalyst compositions comprise sulfated and calcined mixtures of (1) a support comprising an oxide or hydroxide of a Group IV-A element, (2) an oxide or hydroxide of a Group VI, VII or VIII metal, (3) an oxide or hydroxide of a Group I-B, II-B, III-A, III-B, IV-B, V-A or VI-A metal and (4) a metal of the Lanthanide Series of the Periodic Table. A process for alkylation of acyclic saturated compounds with acyclic unsaturated compounds utilizing such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: New catalyst compositions comprise sulfated and calcined mixtures of (1) a support comprising an oxide or hydroxide of a Group IV-A element, (2) an oxide or hydroxide of molybdenum, and (3) an oxide or hydroxide of a Group I-B, II-B, III-A, III-B, IV-B, V-A or VI-A metal other than molybdenum or a metal of the Lanthanide Series of the Periodic Table. A process for alkylation of acyclic saturated compounds with acyclic unsaturated compounds utilizing such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: A sulfated calcined solid catalyst is provided which comprises (1) oxide or hydroxide of Group III or Group IV, e.g. zirconium, metal, (2) oxide or hydroxide of Group V, Group VI or Group VII, e.g. manganese, metal and (3) oxide or hydroxide of Group VIII, e.g. iron, metal. In one embodiment of the invention, the catalyst is used to isomerize normal alkanes having 4 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule, to obtain high octane number blending components for motor fuel and/or valuable chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A sulfated calcined solid catalyst is provided which comprises (1) oxide or hydroxide or Group III or Group IV, e.g. zirconium, metal, (2) oxide or hydroxide or Group V, Group VI or Group VII, e.g. manganese, metal and (3) oxide or hydroxide or Group VIII, e.g. iron, metal. In one embodiment of the invention, the catalyst is used to isomerize normal alkanes having 4 to 7 carbon atoms per molecule, to obtain high octane number blending components for motor fuel and/or valuable chemical intermediates.

Abstract: A process for removing halide ions from a hydrocarbon feedstream containing halogenated hydrocarbons wherein the contaminated feedstock is contacted with a solution of a suitable oxidizing acid containing a lanthanide oxide, the acid being present in a concentration of at least about 50 weight percent for a time sufficient to remove substantially all of the halide ion from the hydrocarbon feedstock.

Abstract: Oxygen compounds are removed, e.g., by extraction, from a coal liquid prior to its hydrogenation. As a result, compared to hydrogenation of such a non-treated coal liquid, the rate of nitrogen removal is increased.

Abstract: Oxygen compounds are removed, e.g., by solvent extraction, from a shale oil prior to its hydrogenation. As a result, the amount of hydrogen consumed during subsequent hydrogenation to achieve a given level of nitrogen for the shale oil is less than that which would occur if the oxygen compounds were not removed from the shale oil. Removal of the nitrogen is necessary to avoid adverse effects on subsequent shale oil processing steps such as catalytic cracking.

Abstract: The removal of color bodies from an olefinic or saturated endo-endo hexacyclic homodimer of norbornadiene or mixtures thereof is accomplished by the use of a serpentine clay. Also acid bentonite clay or a montmorillonite clay can be used to remove the color bodies from the saturated dimer. The saturated dimer has a high density and a high heat of combustion making it useful as a missile fuel. Removal of the color bodies avoids possible catalyst poisoning in the hydrogenation of the olefinic to the saturated dimer. Also removal of the color bodies from the saturated dimer eliminates the possible problem of a material precipitating out on engine turbine blades and causing maintenance or operational problems.

Abstract: Coal and other solid fossil fuels are subjected to supercritical gaseous extraction by heating a mixture of particulate coal and a solvent mixture of tetralin and xylene at supercritical temperature whereby high extractive yield is obtained and the residual solid material is easily separated from the liquid product.

Abstract: Process is disclosed for preparing solid thermoplastic polymer fibrilla or fibril having a length which makes either useful for mixing with cellulosic pulp. Process involves forming a two phase mixture of polymer and solvent wherein one phase is a polymer-rich phase and the other is a solvent-rich phase. Said mixture is discharged through a suitable nozzle in laminar flow.