Abstract: The present invention relates to production of ethylenically unsaturated acids and ethylenically unsaturated esters by the catalytic reaction of an alkanoic acid or an alkanoic ester, with formaldehyde, in presence of a basic catalyst and optionally in the presence of an alcohol. More specifically, this invention relates to production of methyl methacrylate, an ester, by reaction of methyl propionate with formaldehyde, in presence of a basic catalyst, for example, cesium acetate on silica. This invention discloses a process for obtaining a high conversion of ethylenically unsaturated acids and esters.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogenation process for the preparation of 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran from 2-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone. The above process enables the production of the objective highly pure 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran free from alcohol in high efficiency and high conversion through a simple production step.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the hydrolysis of acrylonitrile to acrylic acid, and for the hydrolysis of methacrylonitrile to methacrylic acid, in high yield and at high concentration with high specificity. Acrylonitrile or methacrylonitrile is hydrolyzed in a suitable aqueous reaction mixture by a catalyst characterized by a nitrile hydratase and amidase activity of Comamonas testosteroni 5-MGAM-4D, producing the corresponding acid. The acrylic acid or methacrylic acid is isolated as the acid or corresponding salt.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a mixture of levulinic acid esters and formic acid esters from biomass and olefins, and the composition prepared therefrom. This invention also relates to usage of the mixture of these esters as fuel and as fuel additives for gasoline fuel, diesel fuel, and biofuel.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step, continuous hydrogenation process for the preparation of 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran from alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, which comprises a first step of subjecting alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone to hydrogenation to synthesize 2-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone; and the second step of hydrogenating the 2-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone formed in the first step. The above process enables the production of the objective highly-pure 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran free from alcohol in high efficiency and high conversion through simple production steps.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for hydrogenating nepetalactone, utilizing a metal catalyst that is optionally supported, to yield dihydronepetalactone. A suite of supported catalytic metals lead to rapid hydrogenation and high selectivity for dihydronepetalactone.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions that are useful for compatibilizing a conventional, non-polar, compression refrigeration lubricant and a hydrofluorocarbon and/or hydrochlorofluorocarbon refrigerant in a compression refrigeration apparatus. Additionally, these compositions promote efficient return of lubricant from the non-compressor zones to the compressor zones of the aforesaid refrigeration apparatus.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for the hydrogenation of tetrahydroxybutane in the presence of supported rhenium catalysts and an acid to form tetrahydrofuran and its precursors.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for increasing in a composition the mole fraction of a compound selected from the group CF3CHCl2, CF3CHF2 and CF3CHClF relative to the total mole fraction of the other two compounds of the group. The method comprises (a) providing a gaseous composition comprising at least one compound of said group provided that (i) if the selected compound is either CF3CHCl2 or CF3CHF2, said gaseous composition comprises CF3CHFCl and the mole fraction of the selected compound relative to the other two compounds in said gaseous composition is less than its equilibrium amount at 50° C., and (ii) if the selected compound is CF3CHFCl, said gaseous composition comprises both CF3CHCl2 and CF3CHF2 and the mole fraction of the selected compound relative to the other two compounds in said gaseous composition is less than its equilibrium amount at 500° C.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method whereby 3,4-tetrahydrofurandiol is hydrogenated in the presence of Rh, Re, Pd, Ru and Ni catalysts, optionally supported, to form tetrahydrofuran and its precursors.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid where acetone cyanohydrin is converted to 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid using an enzyme catalyst having nitrilase activity, or having a combination of nitrile hydratase and amidase activities. The invention also encompasses production of methacrylic acid wherein the 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid produced with the catalyst described is dehydrated to produce methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step, continuous hydrogenation process for the preparation of 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran from alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone, which comprises a first step of subjecting alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone to hydrogenation to synthesize 2-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone; and the second step of hydrogenating the 2-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone formed in the first step. The above process enables the production of the objective highly-pure 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran free from alcohol in high efficiency and high conversion through simple production steps.

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogenation process for the preparation of 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran from 2-methyl-gamma-butyrolactone. The above process enables the production of the objective highly pure 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran free from alcohol in high efficiency and high conversion through a simple production step.

Abstract: Supported bis(phosphorus) ligands are disclosed for use in hydroformylation reactions, including the hydroformylation of olefins. Catalysts are formed when the ligands are complexed with a catalytically active metal (e.g., rhodium or iridium).

Abstract: An improved process for decomposing alkyl or aromatic hydroperoxides to form a decomposition reaction mixture containing the corresponding alcohol and ketone. The improvement relates to decomposing the hydroperoxide by contacting the hydroperoxide with a catalytic amount of a heterogenous catalyst of Au, Ag, Cu or a sol-gel compound containing particular combinations of Fe, Ni, Cr, Co, Zr, Ta, Si, Mg, Nb, Al and Ti wherein certain of those metals have been combined with an oxide, such as an inorganic matrix of hydroxides or oxides, or combinations thereof. The catalysts may also optionally be supported on a suitable support member and used in the presence of an additional metal.

Abstract: A halocarbon product made from the reaction of excess hydrogen fluoride with a halocarbon, containing excess hydrogen fluoride as an azeotrope is purified by fluorination in the presence of additional halocarbon or halo-olefin.

Abstract: Supported bis(phosphorus) ligands are disclosed for use in hydroformylation reactions, including the hydroformylation of olefins. Catalysts are formed when the ligands are complexed with a catalytically active metal (e.g., rhodium or iridium).

Abstract: A process for producing phosgene is disclosed which involves contacting a mixture comprising CO and Cl.sub.2 (e.g, at about 300.degree. C. or less) with a silicon carbide catalyst having a surface area of at least 10 m.sup.2.g.sup.-1.

Abstract: A process for producing phosgene is disclosed which involves contacting a mixture comprising carbon monoxide and chlorine (e.g., at about 300.degree. C. or less) with carbon which (1) has a micropore to macropore ratio of 3.5 or less; (2) has a high degree of oxidative stability (i.e., loses about 16% of its weight, or less, in the WVC Temperature Test as defined herein); and (3) has a minimum surface area of at least 10 m.sup.2 /g. The use of this carbon having an active metal content of 1000 ppm or more is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing sulfuryl chloride and/or thionyl chloride is disclosed which involves contacting a mixture comprising SO.sub.2 and Cl.sub.2 (e.g., at about 300.degree. C. or less) with carbon having an active metal content of less than 1000 ppm by weight and a high degree of oxidative stability (i.e., a weight loss of about 12%, or less, in the WVC Temperature Test as defined herein).