Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of certain 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. The new synthetic procedure involves treating 1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a transition metal catalyst to afford an oxo-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane species. This intermediate structure can then be further derivatized. The processes of this disclosure thus affords a novel and simplified means for the commercial production of a wide variety of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of certain 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. The new synthetic procedure involves treating 1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a transition metal catalyst to afford an oxo-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane species. This intermediate structure can then be further derivatized. The processes of this disclosure thus affords a novel and simplified means for the commercial production of a wide variety of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of certain 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. The new synthetic procedure involves treating 1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a transition metal catalyst comprising a palladium compound to afford certain oxo-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane species. The process of the invention thus affords a novel and simplified means for the commercial production of a wide variety of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.

Abstract: Provided is a process for the preparation of certain 1,4-bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives. The new synthetic procedure involves treating 1,4-dimethylene cyclohexane with an oxidizing agent in the presence of a transition metal catalyst comprising a palladium compound to afford certain oxo-substituted bicyclo[2.2.2]octane species. The process of the invention thus affords a novel and simplified means for the commercial production of a wide variety of bicyclo[2.2.2]octane derivatives.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making and using a titania supported palladium catalyst for the single step synthesis of 2-ethylhexanal from a feed of n-butyraldehyde. This titania supported palladium catalyst demonstrates high n-butyraldehyde conversion but also produces 2-ethylhexanal in an appreciable yield with maintained activity between runs. This method provides a single step synthesis of 2-ethylhexanal from n-butyraldehyde with a catalyst that can be regenerated that provides cleaner downstream separations relative to the traditional caustic route.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a mixed oxide of vanadium, titanium, and phosphorus. The titanium component is derived from a water-soluble, redox-active organo-titanium compound. The catalyst composition is highly effective at facilitating the vapor-phase condensation of formaldehyde with acetic acid to generate acrylic acid, particularly using an industrially relevant aqueous liquid feed. Additionally, the catalyst composition is catalytically active towards the formation of acrylic acid from methylene diacetate and methacrylic acid from methylene dipropionate; both reactions are carried out with high space time yields.

Abstract: A solid catalyst comprising an effective amount of iridium and at least one second metal selected from gallium, zinc, indium and germanium associated with a solid support material is useful for vapor phase carbonylation to produce carboxylic acids and esters from alkyl alcohols, esters, ethers or ester-alcohol mixtures. The iridium and at least one second metal are deposited on a support material. In some embodiments of the invention, the catalyst is useful for vapor phase carbonylation.

Abstract: A solid catalyst comprising an effective amount of iridium and at least one second metal selected from gallium, zinc, indium and germanium associated with a solid support material is useful for vapor phase carbonylation to produce carboxylic acids and esters from alkyl alcohols, esters, ethers or ester-alcohol mixtures. The iridium and at least one second metal are deposited on a support material. In some embodiments of the invention, the catalyst is useful for vapor phase carbonylation.

Abstract: Carbonylation catalysts and methods for using them are disclosed. In some embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst includes the contact product of: (a) a nitrogen compound selected from monomeric pyridines and imidazoles; (b) a Group VIII metal; and (c) an alkali metal compound; wherein the catalyst material is on a solid support.

Abstract: Processes are provided for contacting at least one Cn alcohol equivalent having n carbon atoms and at least one Cn+1 alcohol equivalent having (n+1) carbon atoms with a Guerbet catalyst to form a product composition comprising a product compound having the structure: wherein: C is a carbon atom; H is a hydrogen atom; Q is an alcohol or aldehyde group having one carbon; R is a linear alkyl group having n carbon atoms; and T is an alkyl group having (n?1) carbon atoms, except that when n=1, T is methyl.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a mixed oxide of vanadium, titanium, and phosphorus. The titanium component is derived from a water-soluble, redox-active organo-titanium compound. The catalyst composition is highly effective at facilitating the vapor-phase condensation of formaldehyde with acetic acid to generate acrylic acid, particularly using an industrially relevant aqueous liquid feed. Additionally, the catalyst composition is catalytically active towards the formation of acrylic acid from methylene diacetate and methacrylic acid from methylene dipropionate; both reactions are carried out with high space time yields.

Abstract: Carbonylation catalysts and methods for using them are disclosed. In some embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst includes the contact product of: (a) a nitrogen compound selected from monomeric pyridines and imidazoles; (b) a Group VIII metal; and (c) an alkali metal compound; wherein the catalyst material is on a solid support.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a mixed oxide of vanadium, titanium, and phosphorus. The titanium component is derived from a water-soluble, redox-active organo-titanium compound. The catalyst composition is highly effective at facilitating the vapor-phase condensation of formaldehyde with acetic acid to generate acrylic acid, particularly using an industrially relevant aqueous liquid feed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of the corresponding 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the vapor phase in the presence of a supported catalyst. The process is useful for the preparation of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol from 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dione. The process can produce a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol product having a cis:trans isomer ratio of 1:1 or greater.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition comprising a mixed oxide of vanadium, titanium, and phosphorus. The titanium component is derived from a water-soluble, redox-active organo-titanium compound. The catalyst composition is highly effective at facilitating the vapor-phase condensation of formaldehyde with acetic acid to generate acrylic acid, particularly using an industrially relevant aqueous liquid feed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of the corresponding 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the vapor phase in the presence of a supported catalyst. The process is useful for the preparation of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol from 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dione. The process can produce a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol product having a cis:trans isomer ratio of 1:1 or greater.

Abstract: Resol beads are disclosed that are prepared in high yield by reaction of a phenol with an aldehyde, with a base as catalyst, in the presence of a colloidal stabilizer, and optionally a surfactant. The resol beads have a variety of uses and may be carbonized and activated to form activated carbon monoliths.

Abstract: Disclosed is a carbonylation process wherein a mixture of a dialkyl carbonate and halide compound is contacted with carbon monoxide in the presence of a metal selected from Group VIII of the Periodic Table to co-produce carbon dioxide and a carbonyl compound selected from a carboxylic acid, an alkyl carboxylate ester, a carboxylic acid anhydride or a mixture of any two or more thereof. The carbon dioxide co-product of the process may be recovered, and sold or further reacted with a suitable substrate to produce useful chemicals such as urea or cyclic carbonates.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process wherein carbon monoxide, a carbonylatable reactant, and a halide in the gas phase are contacted with a non-volatile catalyst solution comprising an ionic liquid and a Group VIII metal to produce a carbonylation product in the gas phase. The process is useful for the continuous preparation of acetic acid by the carbonylation of methanol.

Abstract: A carbonylation catalyst useful for producing esters and carboxylic acids in a vapor phase carbonylation process, wherein the catalyst includes a solid component having a catalytically effective amount of platinum and tin associated with a solid catalyst support material and a vaporous halide promoter component.