Abstract: Silicate catalysts which can be employed for selective oxidation reactions of organic substances, a process for the preparation of these catalysts and their use are described.The catalyst is distinguished by high long-term activity, by the reaction temperature required for the reaction being lower in comparison with catalysts composed of pure silver and by higher conversions and selectivities in the oxidative dehydrogenation of alkanols in comparison with pure silver or silver on supports.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of carbonyl compounds by the oxydehydrogenation of (C.sub.1 -C.sub.4)-alcohols is carried out at a temperature from 400.degree. to 700.degree. C. in the presence of a silicate catalyst which has been doped with silver and silver ions. By means of the process carried out at relatively low temperatures, for example, are that high yields are achieved, the content of carbon monoxide is low and the product gas contains, apart from carbon dioxide, no further determinable by-products and has a low water/formaldehyde ratio.

Abstract: The process dehydrogenates methanol in the presence of a catalyst based on aluminum oxide, alkali metal aluminate and/or alkaline earth metal aluminate with the exclusion of oxygen at a temperature of 650.degree. to 1050.degree. C. in a reactor whose inner wall is composed entirely or partly of aluminum oxide. The process gives anhydrous formaldehyde which contains only very minor impurities.