Abstract: A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating at a temperature of 250 to 350° C., in the presence of a zeolite catalyst, a feed comprising dimethyl ether, a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen at a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 1, methyl acetate and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group.

Abstract: A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating at a temperature of 250 to 350° C., in the presence of a zeolite catalyst, a feed comprising dimethyl ether, a gas comprising carbon monoxide and hydrogen at a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 1, methyl acetate and one or more compounds containing a hydroxyl functional group.

Abstract: A carbonylation process in the presence of a pretreated zeolite catalyst which comprises the sequential steps (i) pretreating the catalyst and (ii) carbonylating dimethyl ether with a carbon monoxide-containing gas to produce methyl acetate in which the catalyst pretreatment step (i) comprises a step (a) contacting the catalyst with a first treatment mixture comprising water vapour; and a step (b) contacting the treated catalyst of step (a) with a second treatment mixture comprising an inert gas and at least one of dimethyl ether and methanol.

Abstract: A carbonylation process in the presence of a pretreated zeolite catalyst which comprises the sequential steps (i) pretreating the catalyst and (ii) carbonylating dimethyl ether with a carbon monoxide-containing gas to produce methyl acetate in which the catalyst pretreatment step (i) comprises a step (a) contacting the catalyst with a first treatment mixture comprising water vapour; and a step (b) contacting the treated catalyst of step (a) with a second treatment mixture comprising an inert gas and at least one of dimethyl ether and methanol.

Abstract: Process for treating a zeolite catalyst for the carbonylation of dimethyl ether to produce methyl acetate, in which the catalyst is contacted with a treatment gas containing water vapor in an amount of at least 1 mol % and at a temperature below which dealumination of the zeolite structure occurs. The zeolite contains at least one channel which is defined by an 8-member ring and is mordenite.

Abstract: Process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrogen and a zeolite catalyst. The process is carried out with a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 1 and the catalyst has been calcined at a temperature of from about 375° C. to about 475° C.

Abstract: A process for the production of methyl acetate by carbonylating dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide in the presence of hydrogen and a zeolite catalyst wherein the process is carried out with a molar ratio of hydrogen to carbon monoxide of at least 1 and the catalyst has been calcined at a temperature of from about 375° C. to about 475° C.

Abstract: A process for treating a zeolite catalyst for the carbonylation of dimethyl ether to produce methyl acetate in which the catalyst is contacted with a treatment gas comprising water vapour in an amount of at least 1 mol % and at a temperature below which dealumination of the zeolite structure occurs.

Abstract: A process for the production of methyl acetate by reacting dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide into a carbonylation reactor containing a mordenite catalyst in the presence of added methyl acetate and/or acetic acid.

Abstract: A process for the production of methyl acetate by reacting dimethyl ether with carbon monoxide into a carbonylation reactor containing a mordenite catalyst in the presence of added methyl acetate and/or acetic acid.

Abstract: Process for treating a mixed C4 stream comprising iso-butene and 1,3-butadiene by (a) reacting the stream with acetic acid in an addition reactor, (b) withdrawing product comprising iso-butene acetate, sec-butenyl acetate, n-butenyl acetate and t-butyl acetate, and recovering n-butenyl acetate from the product and separating and recycling t-butyl acetate to the addition reactor. The process provides increased efficiency of acetic acid utilisation together with useful products, e.g. n-butenyl and sec-butenyl acetates which can be separated and sold as such or converted to other products. The unreacted isobutene can be separated and used as such, or recycled and allowed to dimerise to di-isobutene, another useful product.

Abstract: Process for treating a mixed C4 stream comprising iso-butene and 1,3-butadiene by (a) reacting the stream with acetic acid in an addition reactor, (b) withdrawing product comprising iso-butene, sec-butenyl acetate, n-butenyl acetate and t-butyl acetate, and recovering n-butenyl acetate from the product and separating and recycling t-butyl acetate to the addition reactor. The process provides increased efficiency of acetic acid utilisation together with useful products, e.g. n-butenyl and sec-butenyl acetates which can be separated and sold as such or converted to other products. The unreacted isobutene can be separated and used as such, or recycled and allowed to dimerise to di-isobutene, another useful product.

Abstract: A novel 2-Methylbutoxy ethoxyethanol and a method for the preparation thereof. The use of the novel 2-Methylbutoxy ethoxyethanol as a solvent or a coalescing aid in aqueous formulations used as coatings and paints, a cleaning solvent for electronic components, a domestic and industrial hard surface cleaner, a component of oil well drilling muds, a fuel additive, and a solvent for liquid detergents.

Abstract: This invention relates to aqueous resin formulations comprising as cosolvent an alkoxy ethoxyethanol which (i) has 4-8 carbon atoms in the alkoxy group, (ii) has a boiling point at atmospheric pressure within the range from 200.degree. to 350.degree. C. and (iii) in mixtures with n-heptane in the ratio of 30:70 by weight respectively has specific miscibility characteristics. The cosolvent acts either as a solvent or coalescing aid in aqueous formulations used as coatings and paints.