Abstract: Catalysts, catalyst precursors, and catalytic systems are provided. The catalysts generally comprise a substrate that includes a group IB metal and a porous, microcrystalline layer that includes the metal and that is disposed on at least a portion of the substrate. The catalysts are prepared by providing a substrate that includes group IB metal, oxidizing said substrate in the presence of stainless steel to produce an oxide coating of said group IB metal, and reducing substantially all of said oxidized substrate.

Abstract: A novel process for converting myrcene to citral using palladium (II) chloride in the presence of water, an immiscible solvent, a phase transfer agent, and a metal oxoanionic salt. A novel process for converting a palladium-myrcene complex to citral using a phase transfer agent and a metal oxoanionic salt in the presence of water and an immiscible solvent is also disclosed.

Abstract: A novel process for converting myrcene to a key palladium-myrcene complex using palladium (II) chloride in the presence of an aqueous cycloamide solvent and lithium salt is disclosed. Novel processes for converting the palladium-myrcene complex to citral using a phosphine compound, or to nerol using a nitrogen-donor compound in the presence of hydrogen gas, are also presented.

Abstract: A novel process for converting myrcene to a key palladium-myrcene complex using palladium (II) chloride in the presence of an aqueous cycloamide solvent and lithium salt is disclosed. Novel processes for converting the palladium-myrcene complex to citral using a phosphine compound, or to nerol using a nitrogen-donor compound in the presence of hydrogen gas, are also presented.

Abstract: A novel process for converting myrcene to citral using palladium (II) chloride in the presence of an inert aqueous alkylamide solvent and a metal oxoanionic salt at a temperature of at least about 80.degree. C. is disclosed. A novel process for converting a palladium-myrcene complex to citral using a metal oxoanionic salt in the presence of an inert aqueous organic solvent is also disclosed.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters are produced by reacting an unsaturated hydrocarbon, for example an olefin or an alkyne, with carbon monoxide and an alcohol in the presence of a protonic acid and as catalyst (a) at least one of the metals palladium, rhodium, ruthenium, iridium and cobalt, and (b) copper. In a modification of the invention carboxylic acids are produced by omitting the alcohol reactant and replacing it with water in an amount up to 8 mole equivalents based on the unsaturated hydrocarbon and a solvent other than an alochol, for example tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: Carboxylic acid esters are produced by reacting (i) carbon monoxide, (ii) a compound of the formula M(OR).sub.x wherein M is either boron, silicon, aluminum, titanium or zirconium, x is the valency of M and R is a hydrocarbyl group and (iii) a hydrocarbyl halide, wherein the halide moiety is bromide, chloride or iodide, in the presence of a catalyst comprising one or more of the metals rhodium, iridium and cobalt in either elemental or compound form. When M is boron, silicon or aluminum and the halide moiety is chloride, there is preferably added a source of iodide.