Abstract: The present invention pertains to a process for the coproduction of methanol and dimethyl ether (DME) directly from a synthesis gas in a single step (hereafter, the "single step DME process"). In this process, the synthesis gas comprising hydrogen and carbon oxides is contacted with a dual catalyst system comprising a physical mixture of a methanol synthesis catalyst and a methanol dehydration catalyst. The present invention is an improvement to this process for providing an active and stable catalyst system. The improvement comprises the use of an aluminum phosphate based catalyst as the methanol dehydration catalyst. Due to its moderate acidity, such a catalyst avoids the coke formation and catalyst interaction problems associated with the conventional dual catalyst systems taught for the single step DME process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a nonequilibrium distribution of methylamines by the catalyzed reaction of methanol and/or dimethyl ether with ammonia and by the catalytic reforming of a methylamine containing feedstock. One process selectively affords a reaction product enriched in mono and dimethylamines and low in trimethylamine, at high conversion of methanol or dimethylether. A variation of the process effects reforming a methylamine containing feedstock, optionally containing ammonia over a catalyst. The key to achieving this low TMA selectivity at high conversion resides in the use of a microporous zeolite, preferably chabazite, catalyst having a geometric selectivity index (GSI) less about 3, a shape selectivity index (SSI) greater than about 5 and a sorption capacity for 1-PrOH of at least 0.5 mmol/g.

Abstract: N-vinyl amides having the general structural formula:CH.sub.2 =CH--NHCOR.sup.1wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl group or a C.sub.6 -C.sub.9 aryl or substituted aryl group, are formed by cracking carboxylic acid amides having the general structure formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is as described above, and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.9 alkoxy, carboxy or carboxamide group. Said carboxylic acid amides are cracked by heating, to a temperature of about 210.degree.-350.degree. C., in the presence of a catalyst comprising MgS or an oxide or mixed oxide of Ca or Sr.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for selectively aminating alcohols wherein a mixture of an amine and a primary or secondary alcohol or diol is contacted with a catalytically effective amount of a phosphorus-containing catalyst which has been impregnated or titrated with a metal cation salt composition represented by the formula:M.sub.a.sup.m.spsp.+ X.sub.b.sup.n.spsp.-wherein M.sup.m+ is a cation selected from Group Ia and IIa of the Periodic Table of the elements having a valence m, X.sup.n- is an organic or inorganic anionic species having a valence n, and a and b are integers such that the ratio of a to b provides a neutral salt. A typical reaction includes the amination of ethanol with piperidine to form N-ethylpiperidine.

Abstract: N-vinyl amides having the general structural formula:CH.sub.2 .dbd.CH--NHCOR.sup.1wherein R.sup.1 is hydrogen, a C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 alkyl group or C.sub.6 -C.sub.9 aryl or substituted aryl group, are formed by cracking carboxylic acid amides having the general structure formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is as described above, and R.sup.2 is a C.sub.1 to C.sub.9 alkoxy, carboxy or carboxamide group. Said carboxylic acid amides are cracked by heating, to a temperature of about 150.degree.-350.degree. C., in the presence of a porous, hydrogen-abstracting catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the catalytic amination of 1.degree. and 2.degree. alcohols and diols wherein an amine is reacted with an alcohol or diol in the presence of a non-acidic cationic hydroxyapatite catalyst. A typical reaction includes the amination of ethanol with piperidine to form N-ethylpiperidine. The hydroxyapatite catalyst provides high conversion and selectivity toward the N-alkylated product. Product selectivity can be controlled by adjusting the ratio of cation to phosphorus in the hydroxyapatite catalyst.