Abstract: A process for the preparation of .epsilon.-caprolactone comprising:(a) reacting cyclohexanone with a solution of perpropionic acid in an organic solvent at a molar ratio of cyclohexanone;perpropionic acid of about 1.1-5:1 at a temperature of about 10.degree. to 80.degree. C. to form a reaction mixture consisting essentially of .epsilon.-caprolactone, propionic acid and organic solvent,(b) distilling the reaction mixture from (a) in a first distillation unit to obtain a distillate comprising the organic solvent and a distillation residue,(c) introducing the distillation residue from (b) at a point into a second distillation unit to obtain a distillate comprising propionic acid and unreacted cyclohexanone, removing from the second distillation unit, separately from one another and at a point below the point of introduction into the second distillation unit, .epsilon.

Abstract: Process for continuous production of propylene oxide (FIG. 1) from propylene and aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous hydrogen peroxide is first reacted with propionic acid in the presence of acid catalyst to form perpropionic acid (1). The perpropionic acid is taken up by extraction in benzene (5, 18) and following drying of the benzene solution (21), the perpropionic acid in the solution is reacted with propylene (24) for oxidation of the propylene to propylene oxide and conversion of the perpropionic acid back to propionic acid. The reaction mixture is worked up to separate propylene oxide, propionic acid and benzene (30, 32, 37, 39), and the latter two are recycled. In the benzene extraction (5, 18), an aqueous raffinate (7) is formed containing hydrogen peroxide and acid catalyst.

Abstract: Process for continuous production of propylene oxide (FIG. 1) from propylene and aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous hydrogen peroxide is first reacted with propionic acid in the presence of acid catalyst to form perpropionic acid (1). The perpropionic acid is taken up by extraction in benzene (5 , 12), and following drying of the benzene solution (16), the perpropionic acid in the solution is reacted with propylene (18) for oxidation of the propylene to propylene oxide and conversion of the perpropionic acid back to propionic acid. The reaction mixture is worked up to separate propylene oxide, propionic acid and benzene (25, 27, 31, 33), and the latter two are recycled. In the benzene extraction (5, 12), an aqueous raffinate (7) is formed containing hydrogen peroxide and acid catalyst. Water is removed from the aqueous raffinate (8) and the concentrate is recycled to the propionic acid reactor. Make-up hydrogen peroxide can be added to the aqueous raffinate before the removal of water.

Abstract: There is provided a continuous process for the production of water free or substantially water free peralkanoic acids with 2 to 4 carbon atoms by reaction of aqueous hydrogen peroxide with an alkanoic acid having 2 to 4 carbon atoms in the presence of acidic catalyst at a mole ratio of hydrogen peroxide to alkanoic acid of 0.5 to 30:1, preferably from 0.

Abstract: In the production of perpropionic acid by reaction of hydrogen peroxide and propionic acid in an aqueous medium and in the presence of an acid catalyst, e.g. sulfuric acid, to produce the peracid and water, the danger of explosion is reduced by employing a molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to propionic acid of more than 3.5:1, a temperature of up to 60.degree. C., and an initial hydrogen peroxide:water ratio of up to 0.8, and a catalyst concentration of 10-40% by weight.

Abstract: In the production of perpropionic acid by reaction of hydrogen peroxide and propionic acid in an aqueous medium and in the presence of an acid catalyst, e.g. sulfuric acid, to produce the peracid and water, the danger of explosion is reduced by employing a molar ratio of hydrogen peroxide to propionic acid of less than 1.4:1, a temperature of up to 60.degree. C, and an initial hydrogen peroxide:water ratio of up to 1.2, and a catalyst concentration of 10-40% of weight.

Abstract: Process for continuous production of substantially anhydrous solutions of perpropionic acid in benzene. Aqueous hydrogen peroxide is first reacted with propionic acid in the presence of acid catalyst to form perpropionic acid and water (1). The perpropionic acid is extracted with benzene (5), to provide a benzene phase containing the perpropionic acid (11) and an aqueous raffinate (7). The benzene phase is subjected to an extraction with water (12) involving at least 3 stages, to remove hydrogen peroxide, and the resulting benzene extract (15) is subjected to azeotropic distillation (26) to provide the anhydrous solution (17). The aqueous raffinate, which contains hydrogen peroxide, is distilled to remove water (8) and the resulting concentrate is recycled (2) for use in the reaction (1).

Abstract: 1,1'-PEROXYDICYCLOHEXYLAMINE IS PREPARED FROM CYCLOHEXANONE, HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND AMMONIA IN THE ABSENCE OF CATALYST AND UNDER ANHYDROUS FORM. The ammonia is in gaseous or liquid form.

Abstract: Propylene glycol esters of propionic acid are added to silage to improve the quality thereof.

Abstract: Process for continuous production of propylene oxide (FIG. 1) from propylene and aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous hydrogen peroxide is first reacted with propionic acid in the presence of acid catalyst to form perpropionic acid (1). The perpropionic acid is taken up by extraction in benzene (5, 12), and following drying of the benzene solution (16), the perpropionic acid in the solution is reacted with propylene (18) for oxidation of the propylene to propylene oxide and conversion of the perpropionic acid back to propionic acid. The reaction mixture is worked up to separate propylene oxide, propionic acid and benzene (25, 27, 31, 33), and the latter two are recycled. In the benzene extraction (5, 12), an aqueous raffinate (7) is formed containing hydrogen peroxide and acid catalyst. Water is removed from the aqueous raffinate (8) and the concentrate is recycled to the propionic acid reactor. Make-up hydrogen peroxide can be added to the aqueous raffinate before the removal of water.

Abstract: Process for continuous production of propylene oxide (FIG. 1) from propylene and aqueous hydrogen peroxide. The aqueous hydrogen peroxide is first reacted with propionic acid in the presence of acid catalyst to form perpropionic acid (1). The perpropionic acid is taken up by extraction in benzene (5, 18) and following drying of the benzene solution (21), the perpropionic acid in the solution is reacted with propylene (24) for oxidation of the propylene to propylene oxide and conversion of the perpropionic acid back to propionic acid. The reaction mixture is worked up to separate propylene oxide, propionic acid and benzene (30, 32, 37, 39), and the latter two are recycled. In the benzene extraction (5, 18), an aqueous raffinate (7) is formed containing hydrogen peroxide and acid catalyst.