Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the oxidation of primary alcohols to aldehydes, acids and esters, particularly to aldehydes. In this process and alcohol and oxygen are contacted and reacted with a dihydrodihydroxynaphthalene or a dihydrodihydroxyanthracene in the presence of a Group VIII metal oxidation catalyst and optionally in the presence of a quaternary ammonium halide cocatalyst, and subsequently product aldehyde/acid/ester and the corresponding napthoquinone or anthraquinone are separated from the reaction mixture. The by-product naphthoquinone or anthraquinone is suitably recycled to the alcohol oxidation step by hydrogenating the naphthoquinone or anthraquinone to the corresponding dihydrodihydroxynaphthalene or dihydrodihydroxyanthracene by contacting it with hydrogen in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the oxidation of benzene to phenol which comprises contacting benzene and molecular oxygen with a dihydrodihydroxyanthracene-sulfonate salt dissolved in water, optionally in the presence of an oxidation catalyst, and subsequently separating from the reaction product phenol and the corresponding anthraquinone-sulfonate. The by-product anthraquinone is suitably recycled to the benzene oxidation step by hydrogenating the anthraquinone salt to the dihydrodihydroxyanthracene salt.

Abstract: The instant invention relates to a process for the oxidation of benzene to phenol which comprises contacting benzene and molecular oxygen with a dihydrodihydroxynaphthoquinone, optionally in the presence of an oxidation catalyst, and subsequently separating from the reaction product phenol and the corresponding naphthoquinone. The by-product napththoquinone is suitably recycled to the benzene oxidation step by hydrogenating the naphthoquinone to the dihydrodihydroxynapththoquinone.

Abstract: Alkylamines are self-alkylated to longer carbon chain alkylamines using a catalyst comprising a Group VIIB or a Group VIII metal supported on a porous inert carrier.

Abstract: Methyl-4-ketohexanoate is prepared by reacting methyl acrylate, ethylene, carbon monoxide and a secondary alcohol, e.g. a secondary alcohol having 3 to 20 carbon atoms, in the presence of a catalyst comprising a complex combination of rhodium, carbon monoxide and triorganophosphorus.

Abstract: Alkylamines are self-alkylated to longer carbon chain alkylamines using a catalyst mixture comprising a quaternary ammonium halide in combination with ruthenium carbonyl.

Abstract: Alkylamines are self-alkylated to longer carbon chain alkylamines using a catalyst mixture comprising ruthenium carbonyl and a compound of the formula (cyclopentadienyl).sub.n MY.sub.4-n where M is Zr, Hf or Ti, Y is individually selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.5 alky, C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 aryl, C.sub.1 -C.sub.25 metalalkyl and halogen and n is 1, 2, 3 or 4.

Abstract: Alkylamines are self-alkylated to longer carbon chain alkylamines using a catalyst mixture comprising of aluminum chloride in combination with cobalt and/or ruthenium carbonyl.