Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the production of methyl formate, wherein a current of a gas containing carbon monoxide is reacted at elevated temperature (70.degree.-110.degree. C.) and pressure (20-110 bars) in a reaction zone with a recycled current of liquid reaction mixture containing(a) methanol(b) an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal methoxide as catalyst, and(c) methyl formate produced as reaction product,part of the current of liquid reaction mixture being withdrawn in order to recover methyl formate therefrom.The characteristic feature of the invention consists in that the recycled liquid reaction mixture is used for sucking and dispersing the current of gas in the reaction mixture. Advantages of the process are: excellent heat exchange, high productivity, absence of solid deposits on the internal surfaces of the apparatus, lower operating pressures and temperatures, use of apparatus of smaller dimensions, suppression of recycling of carbon monoxide, etc.

Abstract: Process for the catalytic hydrogenolysis of maleic anhydride to give 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran in a single-stage operation by means of hydrogen under heat and pressure, in the presence of a suspension of a reduced solid catalyst, which contains as catalytically active elements Ni in association with Mo and/or W and optionally with Zr and/or Nb, having the following essential characteristics: (I) double oxidizing treatment of the solid catalyst in two stages before its reduction, and (II) conducting the hydrogenolysis of maleic anhydride at a temperature of from 170.degree. to 215.degree. C. under a hydrogen pressure below about 200 bars, in a reaction medium which contains gamma-butyrolactone, for a time such that the amount of gamma-butyrolactone in the final reaction medium is substantially equal to that present in the initial reaction medium.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved process for the production of a formamide, wherein a current of a gas containing carbon monoxide is reacted at elevated temperature (50.degree.-200.degree. C) and pressure (5-110 bars) in a reaction zone with a recycled current of liquid reaction mixture containing(a) a nitrogen-containing compound selected from the group consisting of ammonia, a primary alkylamine and a secondary alkylamine (e.g. monomethylamine or dimethylamine);(b) a methanolic solution of an alkali metal or earth metal methoxide as catalyst, and(c) the formamide produced as reaction product,Part of the current of liquid reaction mixture being withdrawn in order to recover the formamide therefrom.The characteristic feature of the invention consists in that the recycled liquid reaction mixture is used for sucking and dispersing the current of gas in the reaction zone.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of maleic anhydride from an aqueous solution of maleic acid formed in the production of maleic anhydride by the catalytic oxidation of aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons, with the continuous elimination of the impurities which accompany this maleic acid solution or which are subsequently formed in the course of the conversion of maleic acid into maleic anhydride.