Abstract: Catalysts for the epoxidation of ethylene in the vapor phase comprise silver impregnated support having thereon at least one cation promoter and oxyanion promoter comprising (i) sulfate anion, (ii) fluoride anion and (iii) oxyanion of an element of Group 3b to 6b, inclusive, of the Periodic Table, wherein the amount of fluoride anion is sufficient to reduce ethylene oxide burning.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic hydrolysis of alkylene oxide to alkylene glycol using a hydrothermally stable, mixed metal framework catalyst composition selected from(a) material having the formulaM.sub.x.sup.2+ Q.sub.y.sup.3+ (OH).sub.2x+3y-nz A.sub.z.sup.n- .multidot.a H.sub.2 O (I)wherein M is at least one divalent metal cation; Q is at least one trivalent metal cation; and A is at least one anion providing a valence (n.sup.-), wherein n is at least 1, and wherein a is a positive number, M, Q, and A are provided in a proportion such that x/y is a number equal to or greater than 1, z has a value greater than zero and 2x+3y-nz is a positive number, and M, Q and A are selected to provide a layered structure, and(b) material prepared by calcining the material of formula (I) having the formulaM.sub.x.sup.2+ Q.sub.y.sup.3+ (O).sub.(2x+3y-nz)/2 D.sub.z.sup.n-(II)wherein M, Q, x, y, z and n have the same meanings defined above in connection with formula (I) and D is at least one nonvolatile anion.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic hydrolysis of alkylene oxide to alkylene glycol using a hydrothermally stable, mixed metal framework catalyst composition selected from(a) material having the formulaM.sub.x.sup.2+ Q.sub.y.sup.3+ (OH) 2x+3y-nz A.sub.z.sup.n-. a 1 H.sub.2 O (I)wherein M is at least one divalent metal cation; Q is at least one trivalent metal cation; and A is at least one anion providing a valence (n.sup.31), wherein n is at least 1, and wherein a is a positive number, M, Q, and A are provided in a proportion such that x/y is a number equal to or greater than 1, z has a value greater than zero and 2x+3y-nz is a positive number, and M, Q and A are selected to provide a layered structure, and(b) material prepared by calcining the material of formula (I) having the formulaM.sub.x.sup.2+ Q.sub.y.sup.3+ (O).sub.(2x+3y-nz)/2D.sub.z.sup.n-(II)wherein M, Q, x, y, z and n have the same meanings defined above in connection with formula (I) and D is at least one nonvolatile anion.

Abstract: An improved process for the hydrolysis of alkylene oxide to produce alkylene glycol which comprises:(a) reacting alkylene oxide and water in the presence of a selectivity-enhancing metalate-containing solid until about 90-95% of the alkylene oxide is converted to alkylene glycol; and(b) completing the hydrolysis reaction of (a) in the absence of the selectivity-enhancing metalate-containing solid.