Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making 1,4 butanediol. The process may include reacting a solution comprising 1,4-butynediol with hydrogen in a presence of a catalyst. The catalyst may include cerium.

Abstract: A method for deoxygenating renewable oils comprised of natural oils or greases or derivatives thereof containing triglycerides or free fatty acids includes the steps of: providing a catalyst comprising a support predominantly comprised of alumina with metal compounds provided on the support based on Mo and at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co, and at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu and Cr, and contacting the renewable oils with the catalyst under conditions sufficient to deoxygenate the renewable oils.

Abstract: A method for deoxygenating renewable oils comprised of natural oils or greases or derivatives thereof containing triglycerides or free fatty acids includes the steps of: providing a catalyst comprising a support predominantly comprised of alumina with metal compounds provided on the support based on Mo and at least one selected from the group consisting of Ni and Co, and at least one selected from the group consisting of Cu and Cr, and contacting the renewable oils with the catalyst under conditions sufficient to deoxygenate the renewable oils.

Abstract: This invention is a process for making 1,2-propane diol from glycerol. The process comprises subjecting a glycerol stream to hydrogenation conditions in the presence of a transition metal promoted skeletal copper catalyst to enhance selective production of 1,2-propane diol product. Chromium promoted catalyst is preferred for this invention, and moreover, it is preferred that the skeletal copper catalyst is prepared from copper aluminum alloys that have been subjected to leaching conditions selected to achieve at least 40% leaching of aluminum from the alloy. This process is particularly conducive to conducting the hydrogenation with reactant mixture in the liquid phase. The catalysts used in this invention are particularly suitable for use in a fixed catalyst bed, but can be activated and sized so that the catalyst is also suitable for use in slurry based reactions.

Abstract: This invention is a process for making 1,2-propane diol from glycerol. The process comprises subjecting a glycerol stream to hydrogenation conditions in the presence of a transition metal promoted skeletal copper catalyst to enhance selective production of 1,2-propane diol product. Chromium promoted catalyst is preferred for this invention, and moreover, it is preferred that the skeletal copper catalyst is prepared from copper aluminum alloys that have been subjected to leaching conditions selected to achieve at least 40% leaching of aluminum from the alloy. This process is particularly conducive to conducting the hydrogenation with reactant mixture in the liquid phase. The catalysts used in this invention are particularly suitable for use in a fixed catalyst bed, but can be activated and sized so that the catalyst is also suitable for use in slurry based reactions.

Abstract: Novel nickel and/or cobalt plated sponge based catalysts are disclosed. The catalyst have an activity and/or selectivity comparable to conventional nickel and/or cobalt sponge catalysts, e.g., Raney® nickel or Raney® cobalt catalysts, but require a reduced content of nickel and/or cobalt. Catalysts in accordance with the invention comprise nickel and/or cobalt coated on at least a portion of the surface of a sponge support. Preferably, the sponge support comprises at least one metal other than or different from the metal(s) contained in the coating. The method of preparing the plated catalysts, and the method of using the catalysts in the preparation of organic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel nickel and/or cobalt plated sponge based catalysts are disclosed. The catalyst have an activity and/or selectivity comparable to conventional nickel and/or cobalt sponge catalysts, e.g., Raney® nickel or Raney® cobalt catalysts, but require a reduced content of nickel and/or cobalt. Catalysts in accordance with the invention comprise nickel and/or cobalt coated on at least a portion of the surface of a sponge support. Preferably, the sponge support comprises at least one metal other than or different from the metal(s) contained in the coating. The method of preparing the plated catalysts, and the method of using the catalysts in the preparation of organic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel nickel and/or cobalt plated sponge based catalysts are disclosed. The catalyst have an activity and/or selectivity comparable to conventional nickel and/or cobalt sponge catalysts, e.g., Raney® nickel or Raney® cobalt catalysts, but require a reduced content of nickel and/or cobalt. Catalysts in accordance with the invention comprise nickel and/or cobalt coated on at least a portion of the surface of a sponge support. Preferably, the sponge support comprises at least one metal other than or different from the metal(s) contained in the coating. The method of preparing the plated catalysts, and the method of using the catalysts in the preparation of organic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel nickel and/or cobalt plated sponge based catalysts are disclosed. The catalyst have an activity and/or selectivity comparable to conventional nickel and/or cobalt sponge catalysts, e.g., Raney® nickel or Raney® cobalt catalysts, but require a reduced content of nickel and/or cobalt. Catalysts in accordance with the invention comprise nickel and/or cobalt coated on at least a portion of the surface of a sponge support. Preferably, the sponge support comprises at least one metal other than or different from the metal(s) contained in the coating. The method of preparing the plated catalysts, and the method of using the catalysts in the preparation of organic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: Novel nickel and/or cobalt plated sponge based catalysts are disclosed. The catalyst have an activity and/or selectivity comparable to conventional nickel and/or cobalt sponge catalysts, e.g., Raney® nickel or Raney® cobalt catalysts, but require a reduced content of nickel and/or cobalt. Catalysts in accordance with the invention comprise nickel and/or cobalt coated on at least a portion of the surface of a sponge support. Preferably, the sponge support comprises at least one metal other than or different from the metal(s) contained in the coating. The method of preparing the plated catalysts, and the method of using the catalysts in the preparation of organic compounds are also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved flatting agent comprising an inorganic hydrogel having a pore volume of at least 1.0 ml/g, an average particle size in the range 1 to 10 microns, and a particle size distribution such that when the flatting agent is dispersed in a coating, the fineness of grind is at least 4.75 on the Hegman scale. The inorganic hydrogel flatting agents of this invention are prepared by milling an inorganic hydrogel under controlled temperature conditions wherein a volatiles content of at least 40 weight percent is maintained, to produce inorganic hydrogel particles characterized by a pore volume of at least 1.0 ml/g, an average particle size in the range of 1 to 10 microns, and a particle size distribution such that when the flatting agent is dispersed in a coating, the fineness of grind is at least 4.75 on the Hegman scale.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of desulfurization of a sulfur laden hydrocarbon liquids that comprises contacting the liquid with a sponge nickel metal alloy, removing the sulfur free liquid, regeneration of the alloy by contact with an aqueous solution of an oxidant and reusing the alloy for further desulfurization of additional sulfur laden liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method of desulfurization of a sulfur laden hydrocarbon liquids that comprises contacting the liquid with a sponge nickel metal alloy, removing the sulfur free liquid, regeneration of the alloy by contact with an aqueous solution of an oxidant and reusing the alloy for further desufurization of additional sulfur laden liquid.

Abstract: A novel precious metal doped porous metal catalyst is disclosed. The precious metal is present in from 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent and distributed throughout the particles of porous metal to provide a surface to bulk ratio distribution of not greater than 60. The present invention is further directed to a process of forming said doped catalyst and to improved processes of catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds.

Abstract: A novel precious metal doped porous metal catalyst is disclosed. The precious metal is present in from 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent and distributed throughout the particles of porous metal to provide a surface to bulk ratio distribution of not greater than 60. The present invention is further directed to a process of forming said doped catalyst and to improved processes of catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds.

Abstract: A novel precious metal doped porous metal catalyst is disclosed. The precious metal is present in from 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent and distributed throughout the particles of porous metal to provide a surface to bulk ratio distribution of not greater than 60. The present invention is further directed to a process of forming said doped catalyst and to improved processes of catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds.

Abstract: A novel precious metal doped porous metal catalyst is disclosed. The precious metal is present in from 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent and distributed throughout the particles of porous metal to provide a surface to bulk ratio distribution of not greater than 60. The present invention is further directed to a process of forming said doped catalyst and to improved processes of catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds.

Abstract: A novel precious metal doped porous metal catalyst is disclosed. The precious metal is present in from 0.01 to 1.5 weight percent and distributed throughout the particles of porous metal to provide a surface to bulk ratio distribution of not greater than 60. The present invention is further directed to a process of forming said doped catalyst and to improved processes of catalytic hydrogenation of organic compounds.