Abstract: A process for preparing oxirane compounds by the deacyloxylation of a vicinal hydroxyester in the presence of a basic material which comprises carrying out the reaction in a dilute phase transport reactor into which is fed a stream of heated catalyst co-current with a feed gas stream. The catalyst is heated in a fluidized bed heater. The catalyst and product gases are separated in a cyclone separator, the catalyst being returned to the heater and the effluent product gas being further processed to recover product.

Abstract: A process for making styrene by the cracking of beta-phenethyl acetate wherein the beta-phenethyl acetate is derived from the esterification of beta-phenethyl alcohol. The latter is derived from the homologation of benzyl alcohol-benzyl acetate mixtures. The esterification of the beta-phenethyl alcohol may be partial because it has been found that up to 20% by weight of beta-phenethyl alcohol may be fed to the cracking step and also converted to styrene. Benzyl alcohol and benzyl acetate can also be fed to the cracking step because it has been found that they are essentially inert at cracking conditions.

Abstract: .beta.-Phenylethyl alcohol is prepared by the homologation of benzyl alcohol with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a cobalt catalyst promoted with ruthenium and iodine compounds, in the presence of water at a temperature from 100.degree. to 165.degree. C. High yields and selectivity of the .beta.-phenylethyl alcohol are obtained.

Abstract: Vicinal hydroxyesters and diesters are prepared by the oxidation of olefins with molecular oxygen in a carboxylic acid at a temperature of over 150.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst combination containing tellurium and an iodide source.

Abstract: This invention concerns the preparation of oxirane compounds by the vapor phase cracking of hydroxyesters in the presence of a basic material. Specifically, it has been discovered that the aforesaid reaction may be carried out without the prior separation of vicinal glycols, vicinal diesters or both. This is particularly advantageous because vicinal hydroxyesters are frequently formed in combination with these latter materials and the separation thereof is most difficult. Preferably, mixtures of the hydroxyesters, glycols and diesters are first hydrolyzed or esterified in order to increase the hydroxyester content.

Abstract: Described is a method for producing citraconic anhydride by vapor phase oxidation of isoamylene or isoprene in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of antimony, molybdenum and oxygen in combined form. By using the catalyst disclosed with the hydrocarbons to be oxidized, high yields of citraconic anhydride containing a minimal amount of maleic anhydride are obtained.