Abstract: A first row transition metal catalyzed procedure for the production of adiponitrile from acrylonitrile comprising mixing a first row transition metal salt, acrylonitrile, metallic reducing agent and solvent, heating the solution, and adding a quench solution to the mixture comprising a proton donor material having a 0<pk.sub.a <12 and an organic amide solvent for the proton donor material. Preferably, an organic ligand is added to the solution prior to heating and adding the quench solution.

Abstract: Disclosed is combination of an acylase and esterase for selective enzymatic hydrolysis of only the L-isomer of an L and D mixture of .alpha.N-acyl-.alpha.-amino acid ester whose alpha carbon atom is chiral to yield a mixture containing L-.alpha.-amino acid and D-.alpha.-N-acyl-.alpha.-amino acid ester but essentially no D-.alpha.-amino acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is the reaction of propylene with acrylonitrile or acrylamide to make a cyano- or amidopentene and reacting that compound with NH.sub.3 and O.sub.2 to form mucononitrile or 5-cyano-2,4-pentadiene amide. Also disclosed is a process which comprises contacting a reactant of the formula H--(CH.sub.2).sub.a --(CH.dbd.CH)--(CH.sub.2).sub.b X with oxygen and ammonia to thereby form a product of the formula NC--CH.dbd.CH--CH.dbd.CH--X wherein X is --CN or --CONH.sub.2 and each of a and b are zero or an integer from 1 to 3 such that a+b=3.

Abstract: Disclosed is the vapor phase, catalytic reaction of a mixture of 3-methylpyridine and 3-methylpiperidine with ammonia and molecular oxygen to make 3-cyanopyridine.

Abstract: Certain benzylic and allylic compounds are catalytically oxidatively dehydrodimerized wherein the molecular oxygen oxidant is separated from the substrate by a gas impervious catalyst membrane that conducts oxide ions from the surface of the catalyst membrane wall to the opposite surface thereof which is in contact with the substrate.

Abstract: Disclosed is the vapor phase cyclodehydration of an aldehyde or ketone over a solid Lewis acid as catalyst to make indene or a substituted indene according to the equation: ##STR1##

Abstract: This application discloses an improvement in the preparation of a ruthenium complex supported on an organic polymer, wherein the complex is added to the support over an extended period of time rather than all at once.

Abstract: Disclosed is the liquid phase reaction of the acrylonitrile with ammonia in the presence of a large amount of a polar solvent having a high dielectric constant.

Abstract: Catalyst composition and process are provided for the dimerization of acrylic compounds. An acrylic compound may be dimerized in the liquid phase by contacting an acrylic compound with a catalyst in the presence of hydrogen, at a pressure of least about 1 psi and a temperature of at least about 50.degree. C., wherein the catalyst comprises an organic polymer catalyst support, trivalent pendant atoms covalently bonded to the support, ruthenium complexed with said trivalent pendant atoms, and a second metal which is at least one of Pb and the Group VIII metals other than Ru and Pd and is disposed on the organic polymer catalyst support.

Abstract: A catalyst and a liquid phase process are provided for the dimerization of acrylic compounds. The process includes contacting an acrylic compound with the catalyst in the presence of hydrogen, wherein the catalyst comprises an inorganic oxide catalyst support, trivalent pendant atoms covalently bonded to the support and ruthenium complexed with said trivalent pendant atoms.

Abstract: Disclosed is the dimerization of acrylonitrile to .alpha.-methyleneglutaronitrile using certain metal aryl sulfinate and selenate catalysts.

Abstract: Oxide complex catalysts of iron, selenium and tellurium provide good yields of acrylonitrile in the ammoxidation of propylene with high selectivities at low temperature.