Abstract: A process for the production of C8 alkenes with high selectivities to 2,4,4-trimethylpentene by the oligomerization of isobutene and/or n-butene at lower temperatures is disclosed. Higher proportions of heavy paraffins mixed with the butene feed in the oligomerization zone improve the selectivity to 2,4,4-trimethylpentene along with better selectivity to octene and lower selectivity to dodecene. Additionally, we have found that n-butene codimerizes with isobutene selectively to 2,4,4-trimethylpentene.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the oligomerization of light olefins to higher olefins. The process uses a catalyst that has an inert core and a thin layer of molecular sieve applied to the inert core. The molecular sieve is a crystalline silicoaluminate or metalloaluminophosphate and provides the acid sites for the oligomerization reactions. The thin layer provides for more selective control and limits the amount of oligomerization for liquid phase oligomerization processes.

Abstract: A process has been developed for oxygenating linear C2 to C6 alkanes to ketones or aldehydes. The process involves reacting the alkanes with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising an imide promoter and a metal co-catalyst. An example of the imide is N-hydroxyphthalimide and an example of the co-catalyst is Co (acetylacetonate). The process is preferably carried out using an inert solvent, an example of which is acetic acid. Optionally, the oxygenated product can be hydrogenated to give the corresponding alcohol which can optionally in turn be dehydrated to provide the corresponding olefin.

Abstract: In a process for the oligomerization of light olefins (e.g. propylene) to more valuable higher olefins (e.g. hexene), the use of a molecular sieve (e.g. SAPO-11) that has been acid washed has shown to provide superior selectivity to, and yield of, the desired product. These benefits are attributed to a reduction in non-selective acid sites as well as an increase in phosphorous content (in the case of SAPO molecular sieves) at the molecular sieve crystallite surface, a probable result of removing amorphous silicon aluminum phosphate acid, silicophosphorous acids, and/or phosphoric acids. Furthermore, this removal is likely accompanied by an increased accessibility of olefinic feed components to the so-called “selective” acid sites within the sieve pores. Post-synthesis acid washing of the molecular sieve has not only demonstrated a narrower carbon number distribution of olefin oligomers, but also improved the linearity of the oligomerized olefinic product slate in general.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for inhibiting the polymerization of vinyl aromatic compounds, such as styrene, during its distillation. The process involves adding a mixture of at least two inhibitors to the vinyl aromatic compound. One such combination is N,N′-di-2-butyl-N,N′,4-dinitroso-1,4-diaminobenzene and dinitrocresol. A stabilizer such as N,N′-di-2-butyl-1,4-diaminobenzene can also be added.

Abstract: Compounds that inhibit polymerization of vinyl aromatic compounds need to operate at temperatures of about 90° C. to about 150° C. A process for increasing the thermal stability of inhibitors such as N,N′-di-2-butyl-N,N′-dinitroso-1,4-diaminobenzene is disclosed. The process comprises adding to the inhibitor a stabilizer such as N,N′-di-2-butyl-1,4-diaminobenzene. The mixture of inhibitor and stabilizer is also used to inhibit polymerization of vinyl aromatic compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of C8 and higher carbon number alkene oligomers by the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins is improved by the addition of heavy paraffins to the oligomerization zone. The recycle of the heavy paraffins extends the catalyst activity and improves the catalyst life. The non-reactive paraffin stream may be recycled through the process with minimal losses and make-up.

Abstract: A process for the production of C.sub.8 and higher carbon number alkene oligomers by the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins is improved by the addition of heavy paraffins to the oligomerization zone. The recycle of the heavy paraffins extends the catalyst activity and improves the catalyst life. The non-reactive paraffin stream may be recycled through the process with minimal losses and make-up.

Abstract: A process for the production of C.sub.8 and higher olefins by the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins is improved by the addition of cycloparaffins to the oligomerization zone. The recycle of the cycloparaffins extends the catalyst activity and improves the catalyst life. Cyclohexane provides an excellent solvent for removing deposits from the catalyst with chemical inertness to the process and a boiling range that allows its essentially complete recovery when producing nonenes and higher olefins from propylene feeds.

Abstract: A process for the production of C.sub.8 and higher olefins by the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins is improved by the addition of heavy paraffins to the oligomerization zone. The recycle of the heavy paraffins extends the catalyst activity and improves the catalyst life.

Abstract: A process for the production of C.sub.8 alkene isomers by the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins is improved by the addition of heavy paraffins to the oligomerization zone. The recycle of the heavy paraffins improves the selectivity of the oligomerization for C.sub.8 olefin isomers that have a high octane number when saturated and reduces catalyst fouling. The saturated octane number of the resulting C.sub.8 isomers is particularly improved when the oligomerization zone is operated at reduced temperature conditions.

Abstract: Applicants have developed a process for inhibiting the polymerization of vinyl aromatic compound during the distillation of the vinyl aromatic compounds. The process involves adding to the vinyl aromatic compound, e.g., styrene, a nitroso compound such as N-nitroso-N, N'-di-3-pentyl-p-phenylenediamine.

Abstract: A process for the production of saturated oligomers by the oligomerization of light olefins to heavier olefins and the saturation of the heavy olefins is improved by the recycle of the heavy paraffins to the oligomerization zone. The recycle of the heavy paraffins improves the selectivity of the oligomerization for C.sub.8 paraffin products and reduces catalyst fouling. The reduced catalyst fouling can be used to operate the oligomerization zone at lower pressure and facilitate its integration with a dehydrogenation zone for the production of the light olefin stream.

Abstract: The oxidation of metal-complexed cyanide under acid conditions using oxygen as the oxidizing agent can be performed effectively with certain metal chelates as catalysts. Especially effective chelates are metal phthalocyanines, particularly where the metal is vanadium or a member of the iron group metals. The oxidation can be effected homogeneously using water soluble metal chelates, or can be performed heterogeneously, especially in a continuous fashion using a packed bed reactor, by using suitable water-insoluble metal chelates, especially when supported on appropriate carriers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for improving the activity of a catalyst effective in sweetening a hydrocarbon fraction containing mercaptans. The process involves adding to the hydrocarbon fraction an effective amount of an aqueous solution comprising ammonium hydroxide, a metal chelate and an onium compound.

Abstract: The oxidation of cyanide under acid conditions using oxygen as the oxidizing agent can be effected under mild reaction conditions when certain metal chelates are used as catalysts. Especially effective chelates are metal phthalocyanines, particularly where the metal is vanadium or a member of the iron group metals. The oxidation can be effected homogeneously using water soluble metal chelates, or can be performed heterogeneously, especially in a continuous fashion using a packed bed reactor, by using suitable water-insoluble metal chelates, especially when supported on appropriate carriers.

Abstract: The oxidation of complexed cyanide using oxygen as the oxidizing agent when certain metal chelates are used as catalysts may be enhanced by irradiating the complexed cyanide with ultraviolet light prior to or concurrent with the oxidation. Especially effective chelates are metal phthalocyanines, particularly where the metal is vanadium or a member of the iron group metals. The oxidation can be effected homogeneously using water soluble metal chelates, or can be performed heterogeneously, especially in a continuous fashion using a packed bed reactor, by using suitable water-insoluble metal chelates, especially when supported on appropriate carriers.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst which is useful in oxidizing mercaptans present in a sour hydrocarbon fraction. The catalyst consists of an aqueous solution containing ammonium hydroxide, a metal chelate and an onium compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, arsonium, stibonium, oxonium and sulfonium compounds. The counter ion of the onium compound is halide, nitrate, sulfate, phosphate, acetate, citrate and tartrate. The catalyst is used in a liquid-liquid process to sweeten a sour hydrocarbon fraction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a liquid-liquid process for treating a sour hydrocarbon fraction. The process comprises contacting the hydrocarbon fraction in the presence of an oxidizing agent with an aqueous solution containing ammonium hydroxide, a metal chelate and an onium compound selected from the group consisting of quaternary ammonium, phosphonium, arsonium, stibonium, oxonium and sulfonium compounds. A preferred onium compound is a quaternary ammonium compound with an especially preferred compound being a quaternary ammonium halide.

Abstract: The oxidation of cyanide using oxygen as the oxidizing agent can be effected under mild reaction conditions when certain metal chelates are used as catalysts. Especially effective chelates are metal phthalocyanines, particularly where the metal is vanadium or a member of the iron group metals. The oxidation can be effected homogeneously using water soluble metal chelates, or can be performed heterogeneously, especially in a continuous fashion using a packed bed reactor, by using suitable water-insoluble metal chelates, especially when supported on appropriate carriers.