Abstract: A process for the photochemical dehydrogenation of alcohols comprises the steps of forming a suspension of semiconductor powder in the alcohol and photochemically activating the suspension in the presence of an oxidant with illumination having an energy at least equal to the band gap of the semiconductor powder. The process is one carried out at about ambient temperature and with gentle agitation. The semiconductor powder has the general formula A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z where A is selected from Bi, Sn, Pt, Pd, Cu, Fe, W, V, Sb, Mo, Ru or Ag and mixtures thereof; B is Te, Sb, Ti, Cd, Mo, W or V and mixtures thereof; C is O or S; x equals 0.1 to 5; y equals 1 to 3; and z is a number necessary to satisfy the other elements, and is optionally metallized by an element selected from Pt, Pd, Cu or Ag.

Abstract: The vapor phase oxidation of acetonitrile with molecular oxygen in the presence or absence of water vapor to produce glycolonitrile or glycolamide in the presence of a vanadium oxide based catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the selective oxidation of olefins comprises the steps of forming a suspension of semiconductor powder in a solvent media, adding an olefin to the solvent media in the presence of an oxidant to form a mixture and, photochemically activating the mixture with illumination having an energy at least equal to the band gap of the semiconductor powder wherein the selectivity is controlled by the selection of A, of the solvent and of the oxidant. The process is one carried out at about ambient temperature and with gentle agitation. The semiconductor powder has the general formula A.sub.x B.sub.y C.sub.z where A is selected from Bi, Sn, Pt, Pd, Cu, Fe, W, V, Sb, Mo, Ru or Ag and mixtures thereof; B is Te, Sb, Ti, Cd, Mo, V or W and mixtures thereof; C is O or S; x equals 0 to 5; y equals 1 to 3; and z is a number necessary to satisfy the other elements, and is optionally metallized by an element selected from Pt, Pd, Cu or Ag.

Abstract: Certain multiply promoted Sn/Sb oxides are superior catalysts for the ammoxidation of olefins to the corresponding unsaturated nitriles, the selective oxidation of olefins to unsaturated aldehydes and acids, and the oxydehydrogenation of olefins to diolefins.

Abstract: The vapor phase oxidation of acetonitrile with molecular oxygen in the presence or absence of water vapor to produce glycolonitrile or glycolamide.

Abstract: Promoted bismuth rare earth molybdenum oxide complexes are excellent catalysts for the ammoxidation of methanol to HCN especially at high methanol throughputs at contact times appropriate for fluid-bed operation.

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.

Abstract: Certain multiply promoted Sn-Sb oxides are superior catalysts for the ammoxidation of olefins to the corresponding unsaturated nitriles, the selective oxidation of olefins to unsaturated aldehydes and acids, and the oxydehydrogenation of olefins to diolefins.

Abstract: Certain multiply promoted Sn-Sb oxides are superior catalysts for the ammoxidation of olefins to the corresponding unsaturated nitriles, the selective oxidation of olefins to unsaturated aldehydes and acids, and the oxydehydrogenation of olefins to diolefins.

Abstract: Antimony-based oxide complex catalysts are improved by adding to these catalysts an antimony-containing compound such as Sb.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a complex bismuth molybdate catalyst, bismuth molybdate is preformed prior to addition to the other ingredients in the catalyst.

Abstract: Multicomponent complex oxide catalysts based on bismuth molybdate, for example, are made by a technique in which the bismuth molybdate portion of the catalyst is preformed prior to combining with the remaining elements of the catalyst.