Abstract: The present invention relates to thermally stable supports and catalysts for use in high temperature operation, and methods of preparing such supports and catalysts, which includes adding a rare earth metal to an aluminum-containing precursor prior to calcining. The present invention can be more specifically seen as a support, process and catalyst wherein the thermally stable support comprises two rare earth aluminates of different molar ratios of aluminum to rare earth metal, and optionally, alumina and/or a rare earth oxide. More particularly, the invention relates to the use of noble metal catalysts comprising the thermally stable support for synthesis gas production via partial oxidation of light hydrocarbon (e.g., methane) with minimal deactivation over long-term operations and further relates to gas-to-liquids conversion processes.

Abstract: A stabilized catalyst support having improved hydrothermal stability, catalyst made therefrom, and method for producing hydrocarbons from synthesis gas using said catalyst. The stabilized support is made by a method comprising treating a crystalline hydrous alumina precursor in contact with at least one structural stabilizer or compound thereof. The crystalline hydrous alumina precursor preferably includes an average crystallite size selected from an optimum range delimited by desired hydrothermal resistance and desired porosity. The crystalline hydrous alumina precursor preferably includes an alumina hydroxide, such as crystalline boehmite, crystalline bayerite, or a plurality thereof differing in average crystallite sizes by at least about 1 nm. The crystalline hydrous alumina precursor may be shaped before or after contact with the structural stabilizer or compound thereof. The treating includes calcining at 450° C. or more.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the preparation of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids from primary aliphatic alcohols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms wherein the reaction is in semi-continuous or continuous mode. Acetic acid is prepared from ethanol in high conversion, selectivity and yield. Acetic acid is useful as a solvent for the manufacture of terephthalic acid and other organic compounds.

Abstract: Substantial proportions of methyl acetate and unreacted polymethylbenzene are recovered from the waste gas produced during the oxidation of a polymethylbenzene to its corresponding polycarboxylic acid by passing the waste gas, after being cooled for removal of water vapor, through at least one bed of activated carbon and subsequently desorbing the methyl acetate and polymethylbenzene from the bed by passing a desorbing medium, such as steam, through the bed. Preferably, the cooled stream is heated to a temperature of at least 21.degree. C. (70.degree. F.) prior to being passed into the bed of activated carbon.There is also disclosed an improved process for the oxidation of a polymethylbenzene to its corresponding aromatic polycarboxylic acid, which process comprises producing the polycarboxylic acid and waste gas comprising methyl acetate, water vapor, and unreacted polymethylbenzene and treating the waste gas according to the above method.

Abstract: There is provided a process for recovering acetic acid from methyl acetate wherein the methyl acetate is hydrolyzed catalytically to methanol and acetic acid in the same tower or column that is used to separate the methanol from the acetic acid and the hydrolysis and separation are carried out coextensively in the vessel. The process is employed suitably in a process for the partial oxidation of a polymethylbenzene to a polycarboxylic acid in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and an acetic acid solvent.

Abstract: The addition of hafnium to oxidation catalysts provided by a heavy transition metal-bromine ion catalyst combination containing cobalt-manganese-bromine or manganese-bromine or cobalt-bromine and a soluble source of hafnium uniquely increases catalytic activity of the said catalyst combination for converting methyl groups on the benzene nucleus. The presence of hafnium in the total reactor contents is equal to or less than 250 parts per million by weight of the total reactor mother liquor. The solubility of the hafnium in the reactor solvent is such that reactor product cake contains less than 0.3 ppm by weight. Bromine emissions can be reduced.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the oxidation of esters of para- and meta-methyl-substituted phenols to the corresponding aromatic carboxylic acid in the presence of a promoter comprising an anhydride of a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid and a heavy metal catalyst with or without the presence of bromine. The resulting carboxylic acids are useful in liquid crystal polymers and polymers useful in engineering plastics.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the co-production of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids and polycarboxylic aromatic acids in high selectivity, conversion and yield. The aliphatic monocarboxylic acid can serve as a component of the solvent for the process.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of p-hydroxybenzoic acid from p-methoxytoluene wherein said p-methoxytoluene is oxidized to p-anisic acid and said p-anisic acid is cleaved to p-hydroxybenzoic acid.