Abstract: Compositions of the empirical formula:Mo.sub.12 P.sub.0.1-3 M.sub.0.1-3 Cu.sub.0.1-2 V.sub.0.1-2 Sb.sub.0.01-2 X.sub.0.01-2 Y.sub.a O.sub.x (I)whereM is at least one of K, Rb and Cs;X is at least one of Ba, La, Ga, Al, Ag, Cd, Ti, Tl, Hg, Pb and Zn;Y is at least one of Fe, Co, Ni, Sr, Mn, In, Ta, Ge, S and Be when a>0;a is a number of 0 to about 2; andx is a number that satisfies the valance requirements of the other elements present,are excellent catalysts for the oxidation of oxygenated C.sub.4 hydrocarbons, such as methacrolein, to methacrylic acid.

Abstract: It is disclosed that a Pd-Tl alloy catalyst is used in making acetals and acetalic ethers from alcohols and saturated or unsaturated aldehydes, and to make cyclic acetals and cyclic acetalic ethers when reacting with diols.

Abstract: Disclosed is the reaction acrolein or methacrolein with a mono- or dihydroxyalkane to produce a 3-alkoxypropionaldehyde or a 3-(hydroxyalkoxy)propionaldehyde in the case of acrolein; or to produce a 3-alkoxy-2-methylpropionaldehyde or a 3-(hydroxyalkoxy)-2-methylpropionaldehyde in the case of methacrolein, by contacting a mixture of the recited reactants with a particulate solid metallic catalyst comprising an alloy of palladium and cadmium.