Abstract: The invention relates to a process for isomerizing monochlorotoluenes or dichlorotoluenes on a zirconium-containing zeolite catalyst of the Pentasil type. Catalysts of this type are distinguished by a particularly high activity coupled with a long service life. In particular, the invention relates to the preparation of a mixture 3-chlorotoluene and 4-chlorotoluene by isomerizing 2-chlorotoluene on zircoium-containing zeolite catalysts of the Pentasil type.The invention also relates to the preparation of a mixture of 2,5-dichlorotoluene and 3,4-dichlorotoluene by appropriate isomerization of 2,4-dichlorotoluene, and to the preparation of a mixture of 2,4-dichlorotoluene and 2,5-dichlorotoluene by appropriate isomerization of 3,4-dichlorotoluene.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the isomerization of o-, m- or p-toluidine, or of a mixture of them, on a zirconium-containing zeolite catalyst of the pentasil type. Catalysts of this type are distinguished by particularly high activity and a long useful life. The invention particularly relates to the preparation of m-toluidine by isomerization of o- and/or p-toluidine on zirconium-containing zeolite catalysts of the pentasil type.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing p-chlorotoluene and/or m-chlorotoluene by ring-chlorination of toluene by using the following two pages (a) and (b) when further processing the toluene chlorination product composed of mixed isomers:(a) Isolation of p-chlorotoluene from a mixture of o-, m- and p-chlorotoluene by selective adsorption of p-chlorotoluene onto a mesoporous or macroporous zeolite and subsequent desorption of p-chlorotoluene(b) Treatment of an o-chlorotoluene-rich mixture of isomers with an isomerization catalyst.For the exclusive preparation of p-chlorotoluene first p-chlorotoluene is isolated and removed from the toluene chlorination product in stage (a). The remaining mixed isomers are then treated in stage (b) to increase their content of m- and p-isomers and then returned into stage (a).

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the manufacture of o-toluidine and/or m-toluidine and/or p-toluidine, which comprises the two following steps (a) and (b):(a) treatment of a toluidine isomer mixture or of the not intended toluidine isomer or of one of the not intended toluidine isomers with an isomerization catalyst selected from the group of synthetic zeolites of the pentasil type,(b) isolation of the intended isomer or one of the intended isomers from the isomer mixture formed in step (a) by selective adsorption to a medium-pore or large-pore zeolite and subsequent desorption, furthermore discharge of the isolated isomer and recycling of the remaining isomer mixture to step (a).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for reacting RO--CH.sub.2 --OR formaldehyde acetals with carbon monoxide in the liquid phase on an acid organic ion exchange material as catalyst. The main products are ether-esters, RO--CH.sub.2 --COOR, of hydroxyacetic acid (glycolic acid).

Abstract: Ethanol is manufactured by reaction of carbon monoxide with hydrogen on a supported rhodium catalyst containing as cocatalyst at least one of the elements zirconium, hafnium, lanthanum, platinum, chromium and mercury.

Abstract: Ethers of the hydroxypivalaldehyde RCH.sub.2 OCH.sub.2 C(CH.sub.3).sub.2 CHO are prepared by a catalytic isomerization of 5,5-dimethyl-1,3-dioxans at 250.degree. to 500.degree. C. The catalyst is obtained by way of calcination from silicon dioxide, at least one element of the third main group or subgroup in the form of its oxide or hydroxide and at least one alkali metal oxide or hydroxide.

Abstract: Acetic acid, ethanol, acetaldehyde and possibly secondary products thereof are prepared by the catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The catalyst contains, applied onto a carrier, salts or complex compounds of rhodium with a valence below 3, halide ions and salts or complex compounds of magnesium.

Abstract: Lower alkenes, especially ethylene, are produced from methanol and/or dimethyl ether in the presence of aluminum silicate catalysts containing manganese and possibly further co-catalysts.

Abstract: Acetic acid, ethanol, acetic aldehyde and possibly the secondary products thereof are prepared by the catalytic reaction of carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The catalyst contains applied onto a carrier, metallic rhodium, halide ions and magnesium salts or complex compounds of magnesium or compounds of magnesium with oxides of elements from groups III to VI of the Periodic Table.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of dimethyl glycol by the hydrogenolysis of methylglycol formal in the presence of catalysts which consist of oxide mixtures of silicon and aluminum and/or of rare earths, as well as of metallic nickel and/or cobalt and/or copper, wherein the catalysts contain additionally as promoter metallic palladium and/or rhodium and/or platinum.

Abstract: Glycolic acid or the esters thereof are prepared by reacting paraformaldehyde or trioxane or a mixture thereof with formic acid or a formic acid ester in the liquid phase at a temperature of from 70.degree. to 200.degree. C in the presence of a strongly acidic catalyst.

Abstract: Acetic acid ethyl ester is prepared by passing ethylene over a fixed-bed catalyst composed of silicon dioxide, which has a surface from 50 to 200 m.sup.2 /g and which is impregnated with H.sub.2 SO.sub.4, diethylsulfate or ethylsulfuric acid or mixtures of these compounds, with periodically alternating quantities of acetic acid, at a temperature from 130.degree. to 170.degree. C, the acid concentration, calculated on ethylene, varying constantly over a range from 0.01 to 40% by mole.

Abstract: A process for the removal of formic acid from a crude mixture thereof with carboxylic acids by reacting the formic acid component of the mixture with a carboxylic anhydride and/or a compound forming an anhydride with a carboxylic acid, which comprises carrying out the reaction in the presence of an acidic catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of bromine and hydrogen bromide, which comprises reacting ammonium bromide with an oxygen containing gas at temperatures of from 200.degree. to 800.degree. C in the presence of oxidation catalysts is disclosed. Catalysts based on platinum group metals favor formation of HBr. Most other metal catalysts cause chiefly formation of bromine.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of bromine and hydrogen bromide, which comprises reacting ammonium bromide with an oxygen containing gas at temperatures of from 200.degree. to 800.degree. C. in the presence of oxidation catalysts is disclosed. Catalysts based on platinum group metals favor formation of HBr. Most other metal catalysts cause chiefly formation of bromine.

Abstract: Ethylene glycol monomethyl ether formals of the formula [CH.sub.3 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n /.sub.2 CH.sub.2 in which n is in the range of from 1 to 8, are obtained by reacting at least one ethylene glycol monoethyl ether with a 20 to 60% by weight aqueous formaldehyde solution in the presence of an aliphatic chloro- or chloro-fluoro-hydrocarbon having a boiling point of from 35.degree. to 125.degree. C at atmospheric pressure and in the presence of, as a catalyst, a strong acid having a pK value of less than 4, and distilling off the water in the form of an azeotropic mixture.

Abstract: Process for the manufacture of 2-ethyl-pyridine from 2-methyl-pyridine and methanol in the gaseous phase with a catalyst consisting essentially of silicon dioxide and oxides of metals of the second and/or third main group or subgroup and/or the fifth main group of the periodic system of elements at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: A process is provided for the dimerization of cyclohexylidene-acetonitrile to form 2-(1-cyclohexenyl)-3,3-pentamethylene-glutaric acid dinitrile and the hydrogenation thereof to form 1,5-diamino-2-(1-cyclohexenyl)-3,3-pentamethylene-pentane.

Abstract: Glycol dimethyl ethers of the formula CH.sub.3 O(CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 O).sub.n CH.sub.3, wherein n is an integer of from 1 to 8 are prepared by reacting the corresponding glycol monomethyl ether formal with hydrogen under a pressure of 30 to 300 bars and at a temperature of 50.degree. to 250.degree.C in the presence of catalysts comprising silicon dioxide and aluminium oxide or oxides of rare earths or mixtures thereof and containing additionally nickel, cobalt and copper.