Abstract: Processes for producing terephthalic acid are disclosed, the processes comprising combining in a reaction medium p-xylene, a solvent comprising water and one or more saturated organic acids having from 2-4 carbon atoms, and an oxygen-containing gas, at a temperature from about 135° C. to about 165° C., in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising cobalt atoms and manganese atoms, with bromine atoms provided as a promoter. The amount of cobalt used may be from about 1,800 ppm to about 6,000 ppm, with respect to the total weight of the liquid in the reaction medium, and the weight ratio of cobalt to manganese may be from about 40 to about 400.

Abstract: Processes for producing aromatic dicarboxylic acids are disclosed, the processes including a step of combining in a reaction medium a dialkyl aromatic, a solvent comprising water and a saturated organic acid having from 2-4 carbon atoms, and an oxygen-containing gas, at a temperature from about 125° C. to about 155° C., in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising cobalt, manganese, zirconium, and bromine, wherein the weight ratio of cobalt to manganese in the reaction mixture is from about 10 to about 400. The processes provide improved conversion, while reducing the formation of carbon oxides and other by-products.

Abstract: Processes for the liquid phase oxidation of one or more of a para- or a meta-substituted dialkyl aromatic compound are disclosed, the processes including a step of combining in a reaction medium the one or more para- or meta-substituted dialkyl aromatic compound, a solvent mixture comprising water and a saturated organic acid having from 2-4 carbon atoms, and an oxygen-containing gas, at a temperature from about 130° C. to about 180° C., in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising cobalt, manganese, bismuth, and bromine. The processes produce the corresponding aromatic dicarboxylic acid product with improved conversion, while reducing the formation of carbon oxides.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process wherein a first olefin selected from certain ?,?-dihydroxyalkenes and 4-(alkenyl)ethylenecarbonates is reacted with a second olefin reactant to produce an olefin metathesis product. When the first olefin reactant is an optically enriched or enantiomerically pure ?,?-dihydroxyalkene, cross metathesis reactions produce products possessing the same optical purity. The ?,?-dihydroxyalkenes and the 4-(alkenyl)ethylene carbonates may be converted to hydrogenated products, and the 4-(alkenyl)ethylenecarbonates may be decarboxylated to provide the corresponding epoxides. The products of the disclosure may be used as monomers for the preparation of specialty polyesters and as intermediates in the manufacture pharmaceuticals and other chemicals.