Abstract: A method for producing esters and carboxylic acids from lower alkyl alcohols, ethers, esters and ester-alcohol reactant mixtures and includes the step of contacting a vaporous mixture of the reactants, carbon monoxide and a halide with a supported catalyst under vapor-phase carbonylation conditions. The catalyst includes iridium and a second metal selected from group 4 (titanium, zirconium, hafnium) metals of the periodic table of elements. Desirably, the iridium and secondary metal are deposited on activated carbon as a support material. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the vapor phase carbonylation process is useful for preparing acetic acid, methyl acetate or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method for producing esters and carboxylic acids from lower alkyl alcohols, ethers, esters and ester-alcohol reactant mixtures and includes the step of contacting a vaporous mixture of the reactants, carbon monoxide and a halide with a supported catalyst under vapor-phase carbonylation conditions. The catalyst includes iridium and a second metal selected from group 5 (vanadium, niobium, tantalum) metals of the periodic table of elements. Desirably, the iridium and secondary metal are deposited on activated carbon as a support material. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the vapor phase carbonylation process is useful for preparing acetic acid, methyl acetate or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A catalyst in carbonylation processes for producing esters, carboxylic acids, and carboxylic acid anhydrides from lower alkyl alcohols, ethers, esters, alcohol producing derivatives. The catalyst includes a catalytically active metal selected from Group VIII metals, tin mixtures thereof associated with a carbonized polysulfonated divinylbenzene-styrene copolymer.

Abstract: A carbon supported solid catalyst suitable for the vapor phase carbonylation of lower aliphatic alcohols, ethers, ester, and ester-alcohol mixtures, and desirably, methanol, to produce carboxylic acid, esters and mixtures thereof. The solid supported catalyst includes an effective amount of iridium and gold associated with a solid carbon support, and a halogen promoter.

Abstract: A method for the vapor-phase carbonylation of lower alkyl alcohols to esters and optionally, carboxylic acids using a catalyst having a platinum on a solid support material as a first component and a vaporous halide as a second component. Desirably, the catalyst includes platinum on an activated carbon support and the vaporous halide is selected from hydrogen halides, alkyl halides and aryl halides having up to 12 carbon atoms, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising an effective amount of iridium and at least one second metal selected from the Lanthanide Series of the Periodic Table is useful for vapor phase carbonylation to produce carboxylic acids and esters from lower alkyl alcohols, ethers and ester-alcohol mixtures. The iridium and secondary metal are deposited on a support material, preferably carbon. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the catalyst is useful for vapor phase carbonylation to produce acetic acid, methyl acetate and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A vapor phase process for the carbonylation of lower alkyl alcohols to esters and optionally, carboxylic acids using a catalyst containing iridium and at least one second metal selected from the Lanthanide Series. Desirably, the iridium and secondary metal are deposited on activated carbon as a support material. In a preferred aspect of the invention, the vapor phase process is useful for preparing acetic acid, methyl acetate or a mixture thereof by contacting the catalyst with a vapor comprising methanol, a halide and carbon monoxide under carbonylation process conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process wherein a mixture of methanol or a methanol source, a halide and carbon monoxide are contacted in the vapor phase with a supported catalyst comprising iridium and at least one second metal selected from ruthenium, molybdenum, tungsten, palladium, platinum and rhenium deposited on a catalyst support material.

Abstract: This invention pertains to accelerating the rate of formation of 1,1-dicarboxylic esters from the reaction of an aldehyde with a carboxylic acid anhydride or a ketene in the presence of a non-iodide containing a strong Bronsted acid catalyst by the addition of a carboxylic acid at about one bar pressure and between about 0.degree. and 80.degree. C. in the substantial absence of a hydrogenation or carbonylation catalyst.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the preparation of vinyl acetate by contacting a mixture of hydrogen and ketene with a heterogeneous catalyst containing a transition metal to produce acetaldehyde, which is then reacted with ketene in the presence of an acid catalyst to produce vinyl acetate.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the preparation of vinyl acetate by contacting within a contact zone a mixture of ketene and acetaldehyde with an acid catalyst at about one bar pressure and between about 85.degree. and 200.degree. C. and removing the reaction products from the contact zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acids and anhydrides thereof which comprises contacting formaldehyde or a source of formaldehyde with a carboxylic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst comprising mixed oxides of vanadium, phosphorus and, optionally, a third component selected from titanium, aluminum or, preferably silicon.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of acetaldehyde by the hydrogenation of ketene in the presence of a transition metal hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: A cryogenic spray dispensing assembly having a longitudinally movable fluid conduit, thrust member means and compression exerting means positioned against the fluid conduit for upward urging of the thrust member against the product container ceiling.