Abstract: A process for performing a chemical reaction between a plurality of chemical reactants in the presence of a catalyst, with at least a first reactant in a liquid phase and at least a second reactant in a gas phase, the first and second reactants mixing at least by interdiffusion. The process comprises supplying the reactants to a passage defined by a first surface and a second surface and optionally moving at least one of the first surface and second surface relative to each other. The reactants their mixture or reaction products form respective boundary layers against the first and second surfaces and the radial spacing between the first surface and second surface is equal to or less than the back-to-back radial thicknesses of the boundary layers.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for selective conversion of vinylcyclohexene to ethylbenzene and hydrogen in the presence of a palladium on non-acidic zeolite catalyst.In the catalyst preparation, the catalyst is calcined first in air and then in a hydrocarbon type environment. Without the two step calcination procedure, the catalyst has a lower level of activity and selectivity.The process proceeds as an oxygen-assisted dehydrogenation reaction which yields recoverable hydrogen byproduct, rather than as an oxydehydrogenation reaction which yields water byproduct.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for selective conversion of vinylcyclohexene to ethylbenzene in the presence of a palladium on nonacidic zeolite catalyst.In the catalyst preparation, the catalyst is calcined first in air and then in a hydrocarbon type environment. Without the two step calcination procedure, the catalyst has a lower level of activity and selectivity.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of cyclic hydrocarbons from light olefinic hydrocarbons which involves contacting n-octene feed with a Group VIII metal oxide catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen at temperatures of 130.degree.-500.degree. C. and a pressure of 1-200 psi to yield vinylcyclohexene and ethylbenzene.The invention further provides a two step vapor phase process embodiment for converting n-octene feed to styrene via a vinylcyclohexene/ethylbenzene intermediate mixture. When nitrobenzene is employed as the oxidizing agent in place of molecular oxygen, aniline is obtained as an additional product.

Abstract: This invention provides a three-step process for converting n-butene into high purity 1,3-butadiene, via a vinylcyclohexene intermediate.In the first step of the process, n-butene and molecular oxygen are contacted with a Group VIII metal oxide catalyst. If nitrobenzene is employed as the oxidizing agent in place of molecular oxygen then aniline is produced as a secondary product of the process.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of cyclic hydrocarbons for light olefinic hydrocarbons which involves contacting n-butenes with a Group VIII metal oxide catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen at temperatures of 130.degree.-500.degree. C. and a pressure of 1-200 psi to yield vinylcyclohexene and ethylbenzene with a selectivity of at least 80 weight percent.The invention further provides a two step vapor phase process embodiment for converting n-butenes to styrene via a vinylcyclohexene/ethylbenzene intermediate mixture. When nitrobenzene is employed as the oxidizing agent in place of molecular oxygen, aniline is obtained as an additional product.