Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Fe catalyst, optionally complexed with a ligand selected from a N-heterocycle, phosphine, or porphorine ligand, that provides a lower cost alternative for the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, a catalyst containing cobalt carbonyl: iron carbonyl with no ligand, or a catalyst containing a cobalt carbonyl: octaethylporphine iron acetate provide moderate yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis under mild conditions.

Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Ru catalyst complexed with a N-heterocylcic ligand that is effective, economical, and provides improvements in oxidative stability in the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-2,2?-bipyrimidine, 2,2?-dipyridyl, or 2,4,6-tripridyl-s-triazine catalyst precursors in cyclic ether solvents, such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Fe catalyst, optionally complexed with a ligand selected from a N-heterocycle, phosphine, or porphorine ligand, that provides a lower cost alternative for the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, a catalyst containing cobalt carbonyl: iron carbonyl with no ligand, or a catalyst containing a cobalt carbonyl: octaethylporphine iron acetate provide moderate yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis under mild conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of modified ruthenium catalysts useful in the one step synthesis of 1,3-PDO comprising (a) a cobalt component comprising one or more non-ligated cobalt compounds; and (b) a ruthenium component comprising in major part a ruthenium carbonyl compound ligated with a phospholanoalkane ligand, solubilized in an ether solvent, that provides potential improvements in cost and performance in one step hydroformylation/hydrogenation. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-bidentate, bis(phospholano)alkane catalyst precursors in ether solvents provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Fe catalyst, optionally complexed with a ligand selected from a N-heterocycle, phosphine, or porphorine ligand, that provides a lower cost alternative for the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, a catalyst containing cobalt carbonyl: iron carbonyl with no ligand, or a catalyst containing a cobalt carbonyl: octaethylporphine iron acetate provide moderate yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis under mild conditions.

Abstract: An olefin product rich in cis- or trans-isomers can be produced by reacting the mixed olefin feedstock with an linear polyaromatic compound such as anthracene under heat, then separating the unreacted olefin enriched in cis-isomer. The remaining linear unreacted polyaromtic compound and the polyaromatic compound-olefin adduct can be heated to dissociate the adduct to linear polyaromatic compound and olefin stream enriched in trans-isomer.

Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for an improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, the improved oxirane hydroformylation catalyst, and a one step process for preparing a 1,3-diol in the presence of such a catalyst. One process for preparing the hydroformylation catalyst involves: a) forming a complex (A) by contacting a ruthenium(0) compound with a ditertiary phosphine ligand; and b) forming a complex (B) by subjecting complex (A) to a redox reaction with a cobalt(0) carbonyl compound. This catalyst is used in a one step hydroformylation process for preparing a 1,3-diol, comprising the reaction of an oxirane with syngas at hydroformylation conditions in an inert solvent in the presence of the above hydroformylation catalyst where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via phase separation of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction liquor.

Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co-Ru catalyst complexed with a N-heterocylcic ligand that is effective, economical, and provides improvements in oxidative stability in the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-2,2′-bipyrimidine, 2,2′-dipyridyl, or 2,4,6-tripridyl-s-triazine catalyst precursors in cyclic ether solvents, such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.

Abstract: This invention is a process for synthesizing aliphatic 1,3-diols in one step by hydroformylation and hydrogenation of oxirane, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen employing a catalyst comprising a cobalt carbonyl compound and a cocatalyst metal compound ligated with a ligand in a ligand to cocatalyst metal atom molar ratio in the range of 0.2:1.0 to 0.6:1.0, optionally in the presence of a promoter, where recovery of product is preferably accomplished via water extraction of a diol rich phase from the bulk reaction mixture. The process modifications can, particularly in combination, be beneficial with respect to product recovery, catalyst recycle, and overall economics of a one-step process for producing aliphatic 1,3-diols.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of modified ruthenium catalysts useful in the one step synthesis of 1,3-PDO comprising (a) a cobalt component comprising one or more non-ligated cobalt compounds; and (b) a ruthenium component comprising in major part a ruthenium carbonyl compound ligated with a phospholanoalkane ligand, solubilized in an ether solvent, that provides potential improvements in cost and performance in one step hydroformylation/hydrogenation. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-bidentate, bis(phospholano)alkane catalyst precursors in ether solvents provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating and isolating olefins from saturated hydrocarbons, and in particular, to a process for separating and isolating olefins from saturated hydrocarbons in a Fisher-Tropsch stream.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new catalyst composition comprising a bimetallic Co—Ru catalyst complexed with a N-heterocylcic ligand that is effective, economical, and provides improvements in oxidative stability in the one step synthesis of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from ethylene oxide and synthesis gas. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-2,2′-bipyrimidine, 2,2′-dipyridyl, or 2,4,6-tripridyl-s-triazine catalyst precursors in cyclic ether solvents, such as 1,3-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxolane, 1,4-dioxane, and 2-ethyl-2-methyl-1,3-dioxolane, provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins, and in particular, to a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins in a Fisher-Tropsch stream.

Abstract: A process for treating a feedstock comprising olefins having an average carbon number ranging from 2-3.5, and non-olefinic compounds, said process comprising the following steps: a) contacting gaseous feedstock with a linear polyaromatic compound in a reaction zone under conditions effective to form a reaction mixture comprising linear polyaromatic compound-olefin adducts and unreacted gaseous feedstock; b) separating the olefin adducts from the unreacted gaseous feedstock; and c) dissociating the olefin adducts to form linear polyaromatic compounds and an olefin enriched composition comprising ethylene, propylene, or mixtures thereof; whereby the concentration of at least one of the olefins in said olefin enriched composition is enriched over the concentration of said at least one olefin present in the feedstock.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel class of modified ruthenium catalysts useful in the one step synthesis of 1,3-PDO comprising (a) a cobalt component comprising one or more non-ligated cobalt compounds; and (b) a ruthenium component comprising in major part a ruthenium carbonyl compound ligated with a phospholanoalkane ligand, solubilized in an ether solvent, that provides potential improvements in cost and performance in one step hydroformylation/hydrogenation. For example, cobalt-ruthenium-bidentate, bis(phospholano)alkane catalyst precursors in ether solvents provide good yields of 1,3-PDO in a one step synthesis.

Abstract: A process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins, and in particular, a process for separating and isolating saturated hydrocarbons from olefins in a Fisher-Tropsch stream. The feedstock composition is contacted with linear polyaromatic compound under conditions effective to form linear polyaromatic compound-olefin adducts. Separation of the adducts from the stream also separates the adducted olefins from the stream. After dissociation of the adducted olefins, the process results in an olefin composition that is enriched in concentration of olefins over the concentration of olefins in the feedstock composition, and a saturated hydrocarbon stream that is enriched in saturated hydrocarbons over the concentration of saturated hydrocarbons in the feedstock.

Abstract: A process for separating and isolating olefins from saturated hydrocarbons, preferably in a Fischer Tropsch stream, by adducting the olefins with a linear polyaromatic compound and separating the adducts from the remainder, which comprises saturated hydrocarbons.