Abstract: A composition comprising a copper(I) impregnated aluminosilicate zeolite wherein the zeolite is selected from faujasites, L and .OMEGA., and wherein the zeolite has a silica to bulk alumina molar ratio between about 12 and about 50 and a silica to framework alumina molar ratio of at least about 15. The catalyst preparation involves in the following order: drying the selected zeolite, impregnating the dried zeolite with a copper(II) salt, calcining the copper(II)-impregnated zeolite, and reducing the copper(II) to copper(I). The composition is useful as a catalyst for the cyclodimerization of 1,3-butadiene to 4-vinylcyclohexene.

Abstract: A process for producing dialkyl carbonates which comprises contacting an alkanol, carbon monoxide, and oxygen with a catalyst to produce dialkyl carbonate, the catalyst having been prepared by heating a solid copper compound in the presence of a zeolite to form a zeolite containing copper.

Abstract: A process for the cyclodimerization of 1,3-butadienes to 4-vinylcyclohexenes. The process involves contacting butadiene with a copper (I)-aluminosilicate zeolite prepared by (a) an impregnation method, or (b) heating a solid mixture of a copper salt and the zeolite, or (c) contacting vapors of a copper salt with the zeolite. The catalysts exhibit long life and good activity in the claimed process. The impregnated Cu(I)-catalyst is claimed.

Abstract: A process for the cyclodimerization of 1,3-butadienes to 4-vinylcyclohexenes comprising contacting a butadiene in the presence of a promoting amount of a hydroxylic solvent with a catalyst containing copper(I) ions supported on a carrier. A second process for the cyclodimerization of 1,3-butadienes to 4-vinylcyclohexenes comprising contacting a butadiene with a catalytic amount of a copper(I)-impregnated aluminosilicate zeolite characterized by a bulk SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio in the range from about 5 to about 50 and a framework SiO.sub.2 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio of at least about 15. A catalyst composition comprising a copper(I)-impregnated zeolite of specified bulk and framework silica to alumina molar ratios and specified water content. The catalyst exhibits high activity and long lifetime in the aforementioned dimerization processes and is easily regenerated.

Abstract: A (methyl-substituted)diphenyl methane such as methyldiphenylmethane is prepared by a coupling reaction wherein a methyl-substituted benzene such as toluene is contacted with a solid heterogeneous catalyst having labile oxygen such as an oxide of vanadium, rhenium or molybdenum. By-product formation, especially the formation of carbon dioxide, is significantly reduced by the practice of this process.

Abstract: The invention, in one aspect, is a process for preparing a (methyl-substituted)diphenyl methane by coupling at least (including benzene) a methyl-substituted benzene into the (methyl-substituted)diphenyl methane comprising contacting at least the methyl-substituted benzene with a solid heterogeneous reactant-catalyst having labile oxygen under conditions whereby the (methyl-substituted)diphenyl methane is prepared. For example, using molybdenum trioxide or vanadium pentoxide, toluene can be coupled in the vapor or liquid phase to prepare (2-methylphenyl)phenylmethane. By-product formation, especially formation of carbon dioxide, can be very low.