Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by reacting 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutanedione with a secondary alcohol in the presence of a transfer hydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: Processes for preparing aldehydes from olefins under hydroformylation temperature and pressure conditions are disclosed. The processes include a step of contacting at least one olefin with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of at least one solvent and a transition metal-based catalyst composition comprising a bisphosphine ligand.

Abstract: Processes for preparing aldehydes from olefins under hydroformylation temperature and pressure conditions are disclosed. The processes include a step of contacting at least one olefin with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of at least one solvent and a transition metal-based catalyst composition comprising a ferrocene-based biphosphine ligand.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for preparing mixtures of ferrocene-based biphosphine ligands.

Abstract: A transfer-hydrogenation process for preparing a carbonyl compound and an alcohol compound comprises the steps of (a) contacting a first carbonyl compound with a first alcohol compound in the presence of a transfer-hydrogenation catalyst in a first reaction zone at conditions effective to form a second carbonyl compound from the first alcohol compound and a second alcohol compound from the first carbonyl compound, and (b) removing the second carbonyl compound from the first reaction zone during step (a). The first carbonyl compound is a saturated aldehyde or ketone, or an ?,?-unsaturated aldehyde or ketone. The first alcohol compound is a primary or secondary alcohol. The second alcohol compound is ?,?-saturated. The transfer-hydrogenation catalyst includes a Group 8 to 11 metal. This process is useful for preparing and higher value alcohols, such as butanol or 2-ethylhexanol, from the corresponding carbonyl compounds by engaging lower alcohol (C2-C4) feedstocks instead of hydrogen (H2).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing two esters by reacting an aldehyde with an alcohol in the presence of a ruthenium complex compound as a catalyst. The process is particularly useful for preparing ethyl acetate and n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, or 2-ethylhexyl acetate in high yield by coupling acetaldehyde with n-butanol, i-butanol, or 2-ethylhexanol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing two esters by reacting an aldehyde with an alcohol in the presence of a ruthenium complex compound as a catalyst. The process is particularly useful for preparing ethyl acetate and n-butyl acetate, isobutyl acetate, or 2-ethylhexyl acetate in high yield by coupling acetaldehyde with n-butanol, i-butanol, or 2-ethylhexanol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process that integrates the oxidation of toluene to benzoic acid with the production of benzoate plasticizers. Toluene is fed to an oxidation vessel in the presence of oxygen and an oxidation catalyst wherein benzoic acid serves as the solvent for the oxidation. The crude benzoic acid produced is not purified and is then reacted with an alcohol in the presence of an esterification catalyst to produce the crude benzoate ester. The oxidation catalyst, esterification catalyst, and other impurities can be mostly removed from the crude benzoate ester in subsequent washing and filtering steps. The benzoate esters produced through this method can be made in fewer steps with both yields and purities above 80%.