Abstract: A novel method of converting alkanoic acids, such as isobutyric acid, to alpha-beta unsaturated acids, such as methacrylic acid, is disclosed which exhibits a higher degree of selectivity than those vapor phase oxydehydration methods heretofore known to the art. The preferred method comprises contacting a Dawson structure phosphomolybdic acid catalyst with isobutyric acid under specified reaction conditions to achieve a high selectivity for methacrylic acid.

Abstract: A process for producing primary alcohols from terminal epoxides having a mono-substituted epoxy ring and having from 3 to 6 carbon atoms per molecule which process comprises contacting the epoxide and hydrogen gas with Raney cobalt catalyst under vapor phase conditions in a hydrogenation zone.

Abstract: A novel synthesis of methacrylic acid and methacrolein from isobutylene oxide is provided. This method includes contacting isobutylene oxide with a catalyst, preferably a heteropolyacid catalyst, in the presence of oxygen. Using this method, isobutylene oxide conversion is nearly 100% complete. Depending upon the reaction temperature selected, yields of up to about 60% methacrolein and up to about 12% methacrylic acid may be obtained. A simple, inexpensive high yield process is thus provided for producing reaction mixtures containing methacrylic acid and methacrolein.

Abstract: A novel synthesis of methacrylic acid and methacrolein from isobutylene oxide is provided. This method includes contacting isobutylene oxide with a catalyst, preferably a heteropolyacid catalyst, in the presence of oxygen. Using this method, isobutylene oxide conversion is nearly 100% complete. Depending upon the reaction temperature selected, yields of up to about 60% methacrolein and up to about 12% methacrylic acid may be obtained. A simple, inexpensive high yield process is thus provided for producing reaction mixtures containing methacrylic acid and methacrolein.

Abstract: A novel synthetic procedure is disclosed for producing heteropolyacid catalysts having the general formula H.sub.3+x PV.sub.x W.sub.3-x Mo.sub.9 O.sub.40 where 0<x<3. The synthesis of these catalysts requires the formation of a defect structure wherein three of the twelve transition metals which surround the phosphorus hetero atom are missing. Three metal atoms of two other transition metals are then added to the cluster in a separate step by mixing Na.sub.3 H.sub.6 PMo.sub.9 O.sub.34 with the oxides of such transition metals in the presence of hydrochloric acid. A preferred catalyst having the formula H.sub.3.5 PV.sub.0.5 W.sub.2.5 Mo.sub.9 O.sub.40 is also described.