Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes an effective amount of a Group VIII B metal source; an effective amount of a bromide composition; an effective amount of an activating organic solvent; an effective amount of a combination of inorganic co-catalysts comprising a lead source and a copper source; and an effective amount of a base.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering a substantially water-soluble solvent from a reaction mixture comprising at least about 35% by weight aromatic hydroxy compound, which comprises the steps of: (i) extracting a reaction mixture at least once with aqueous acid wherein the solvent remains substantially in the organic phase; and (ii) recovering solvent from the organic phase.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes an effective amount of a Group VIII B metal source; an effective amount of a bromide composition; an effective amount of an activating organic solvent; an effective amount of a combination of inorganic co-catalysts comprising a lead source and a copper source; and an effective amount of a base.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for recovering a substantially water-soluble solvent from a reaction mixture comprising at least about 35% by weight aromatic hydroxy compound, which comprises the steps of: (i) extracting a reaction mixture at least once with aqueous acid wherein the solvent remains substantially in the organic phase; and (ii) recovering solvent from the organic phase.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes an effective amount of a Group VIII B metal source; an effective amount of a bromide composition; an effective amount of an activating organic solvent; an effective amount of a combination of inorganic co-catalysts comprising a lead source and a copper source; and an effective amount of a base.

Abstract: An integrated method is disclosed for removing and recovering a substantially water-soluble solvent and at least one metal from an organic reaction mixture comprising at least about 35% by weight aromatic hydroxy compound, which comprises the steps of: (i) contacting a reaction mixture at least once with aqueous acid, (ii) mixing the organic and aqueous phases in the presence of an oxygen source, (iii) separating the organic and aqueous phases wherein said solvent remains substantially in the organic phase; (iv) recovering metal species from the aqueous phase; and (v) recovering said solvent from the organic phase.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing copper. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: Carbonate ester is produced by acid hydrolysis of the reaction product of cupric alkoxide induced reaction between a hydroxy compound and a sulfur compound in a melt process. Diaryl carbonate is produce by hydrolysis of the resulting orthoester.

Abstract: Addition of phosphine ligands can produce high yields of tetraphenoxymethane, TPM, and diphenylcarbonate, DPC, in short reaction times and improved reaction rates by a copper-induced condensation of phenol and carbon disulfide, CS.sub.2. Either aromatic or aliphatic substituted phosphine ligands can be employed. The copper(I) oxide utilization is significantly improved in reactions containing phosphine ligands, such that yields exceeding 100% tetraphenoxymethane are observed. Some of the sulfur-containing byproduct is transferred to the phosphine in the form of phosphine sulfide.