Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of tetrahydro-3-furoic acid by the thermal, non-catalytic oxidation of 3-formyltetrahydrofuran using molecular oxygen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of mono-epoxides of certain diolefins wherein a conjugated diolefin, or polyolefin, that contains allylic carbon-hydrogen bonds, is contacted with molecular oxygen in the presence of a modified silver catalyst.

Abstract: Processes for the selective preparation of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EpB) to 1,2-epoxy-butane (butylene oxide-BO) in the presence of the supported catalysts, comprising one or more Group VIII metals deposited on the support materials which have micropores filled with one or more inorganic oxides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the efficient removal of carbon dioxide from a gas recycle system generated in an epoxidation process wherein 1,3-butadiene is selectively oxidized to 3,4-epoxy-1-butene. Carbon dioxide at low partial pressure is absorbed into an alkanolamine solution from a low pressure recycle gas stream containing high levels of oxygen. Also disclosed is a means for reclaiming the alkanolamine from a solution of a carbon dioxide-alkanolamine salt or adduct formed in the carbon dioxide removal process.

Abstract: Disclosed are processes for the isoberization of epoxyalkenes to dihydrofurans by contacting an epovyalkene with a catalyst comprising a quaternary organic onium iodide compounds, optionally deposited on a non-acidic support and/or in combination with a Lewis acid co-catalyst. The catalyst may comprise a supported catalyst, an unsupported catalyst or a solution of the catalytically-active components in an inert, organic solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed are certain catalysts and catalyst support materials and processes for the preparation of the catalyst support materials and for the selective hydrogenation of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene (EpB) to 1,2-epoxy-butane (butylene oxide—BO). The catalyst support materials have micropores filled with one or more inorganic oxides and the supported catalysts comprise one or more Group VIII metals deposited on the support materials. The rhodium-containing supported catalysts are especially useful for the selective hydrogenation of EpB to BO.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an improved gas phase process for the selective epoxidation of non-allylic olefins wherein the epoxidation is carried out in the presence of one or more volatile, nitrogen-containing, basic compounds. The presence of a nitrogen-containing basic compound in the olefin-containing reaction gas or vapor suppresses the formation of an organic resinous material which coats the catalyst, thereby decreasing catalyst activity and life and also increases substantially the activity of the epoxidation catalyst. The disclosed process is particularly useful for the continuous manufacture of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene from 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for the selective epoxidation of non-allylic olefins. The process includes the step of contacting a gas mixture comprising a non-allylic olefin, oxygen, and a fluorinated hydrocarbon with a silver epoxidation catalyst at conditions effective to epoxidize the non-allylic olefin. The fluorinated hydrocarbon has a C--F bond dissociation energy of 110 kcal/mole or greater, and sufficiently non-acidic C--H bonds, if present, so as to avoid abstraction of HF from the fluorinated hydrocarbon under reaction conditions.

Abstract: This invention provides an improved gas phase feed process using heterogeneous catalysis for the selective epoxidation of non-allylic olefins wherein the epoxidation is carried out in the presence of branched-chain alkane or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons with high autoignition temperatures and high Research Octane Numbers. The hydrocarbons useful in the present invention possess higher heat capacities as compared to other non-oxidizable materials, e.g., nitrogen, argon, helium, and other straight-chain hydrocarbons, e.g., methane, ethane, and n-butane, as well as smaller flammability (cool flame and explosive) regions than the above-stated hydrocarbons typically used as diluents or ballast gases in olefin epoxidations. The process is particularly useful for the continuous preparation of 3,4-epoxy-1-butene from 1,3-butadiene.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the selective epoxidation of olefins, including diolefins, having more than 2 carbon atoms by the catalytic oxidation of such an olefin in the presence of a supported, fluorine-promoted, silver catalyst.