Abstract: The production of ethylenically unsaturated acids or esters by the catalytic reaction of an alkanoic acid or ester, especially methyl propionate, with formaldehyde, and a catalyst therefor wherein the catalyst comprises a porous high surface area silica containing 1–10% by weight of an alkali metal, especially cesium (expressed as a metal) and having compounds of at least one modifier element selected from boron, magnesium, aluminium, zirconium and hafnium dispersed in the pores of said silica in such amount that the catalyst contains a total of 0.25 to 2 gram atoms of primary modifier element per 100 moles of silica.

Abstract: The production of ethylenically unsaturated acids or esters by the catalytic reaction of an alkanoic acid or ester, especially methyl propionate, with formaldehyde, and a catalyst therefor wherein the catalyst comprises a porous high surface area silica containing 1-10% by weight of an alkali metal, especially cesium (expressed as a metal) and having compounds of at least one modifier element selected from boron, magnesium, aluminium, zirconium and hafnium dispersed in the pores of said silica in such amount that the catalyst contains a total of 0.25 to 2 gram atoms of primary modifier element per 100 moles of silica.

Abstract: The production of ethylenically unsaturated acids or esters by the catalytic reaction of an alkanoic acid or ester, especially methyl propionate, with formaldehyde, and a catalyst therefor wherein the catalyst comprises a porous high surface area silica containing 1-10% by weight of an alkali metal, especially cesium, (expressed as metal) and having compounds of at least one modifier element selected from boron, magnesium, aluminum, zirconium and hafnium dispersed in the pores of said silica in such amount that the catalyst contains a total of 0.25 to 2 gram atoms of primary modifier element per 100 moles of silica.

Abstract: An exothermic oxidation process wherein a rotating bed containing a variable oxidation state material is cycled through a succession of stages including an oxidative regeneration stage including a step wherein an oxidising fluid is passed through the bed, and a reaction stage wherein feedstock is passed through the bed, whereby said feedstock is oxidised to give products stream with the concurrent reduction of the convertible material to its lower oxidation state. The process can further include a stage wherein cooling fluid is passed through the bed.

Abstract: Process for the production of an aromatic amine by reacting an aromatic hydrocarbon with ammonia at a temperature of less than 500° C. and a pressure of less than 10 bara in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of the transition elements, lanthanides and actinides, preferably in the presence of an oxidant.

Abstract: Process for the production of an aromatic amine by reacting an aromatic hydrocarbon with ammonia at a temperature of less than 500° C. and a pressure of less than 10 bara in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of the transition elements, lanthanides and actinides, preferably in the presence of an oxidant.

Abstract: Synthesis of small quantities of compounds such as methanol from reagents, especially radio-labelled reagents such as .sup.11 C oxides, in a carrier gas by a catalytic reaction using a catalyst that has been pre-conditioned for the reaction by previous use for the desired reaction and has then been passivated, or has been maintained in the pre-conditioned state, until contacted with said carrier gas. Where the product is adsorbed by the catalyst, it may be desorbed by heating or displaced by contacting the catalyst with a material, e.g. a catalyst poison that is more strongly adsorbed. Such a more strongly adsorbed material may react with the adsorbed catalytic product to produce a desired product.