Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catalysts comprising ruthenium oxide and to processes for catalyzing the oxidation and conversion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfur trioxide (SO3) using such catalysts. SO2 at low concentrations in process gas streams can be effectively oxidized to SO3 at relatively low temperatures using the ruthenium oxide catalysts of the present invention. In one application, the ruthenium oxide catalysts are used in the final contact stage for conversion of SO2 to SO3 in multiple stage catalytic converters used in sulfuric acid manufacture.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to catalysts comprising ruthenium oxide and to processes for catalyzing the oxidation and conversion of sulfur dioxide (SO2) to sulfur trioxide (SO3) using such catalysts. SO2 at low concentrations in process gas streams can be effectively oxidized to SO3 at relatively low temperatures using the ruthenium oxide catalysts of the present invention. In one application, the ruthenium oxide catalysts are used in the final contact stage for conversion of SO2 to SO3 in multiple stage catalytic converters used in sulfuric acid manufacture.

Abstract: An active catalyst having a crystal structure corresponding to that of a catalyst that has been prepared and activated by the following process. A substantially pentavalent vanadium-containing compound is reacted with a pentavalent phosphorus-containing compound in an alcohol medium capable of reducing the vanadium to an oxidation state of less than +5. Molybdenum is incorporated into the product of the reaction, thereby forming a solid molybdenum-modified precursor composition. The alcohol is removed to produce a dried solid molybdenum-modified precursor composition. Shaped bodies comprising said dried solid molybdenum-modified precursor composition are formed. The dried formed molybdenum-modified catalyst precursor composition is activated to transform it into the active catalyst.

Abstract: An active catalyst having a crystal structure corresponding to that of a catalyst that has been prepared and activated by the following process. A substantially pentavalent vanadium-containing compound is reacted with a pentavalent phosphorus-containing compound in an alcohol medium capable of reducing the vanadium to an oxidation state of less than +5. Molybdenum is incorporated into the product of the reaction, thereby forming a solid molybdenum-modified precursor composition. The alcohol is removed to produce a dried solid molybdenum-modified precursor composition. Shaped bodies comprising said dried solid molybdenum-modified precursor composition are formed. The dried formed molybdenum-modified catalyst precursor composition is activated to transform it into the active catalyst.

Abstract: In a process for converting an aromatic compound such as benzene into its hydroxylated derivative, generation of carbon monoxide during catalyst regeneration is reduced if the catalyst is a zeolite that contains ruthenium, rhodium, platinum, palladium, or irridium.

Abstract: A phosphorus vanadium oxide catalyst for the oxidation of a C.sub.4 hydrocarbon. The catalyst comprises a shaped body having a volume, or a fixed bed comprising shaped bodies having an average volume, of at least about 0.02 cc, and contains a promoter selected from among Bi, Sb, Ge, Ti, Zr, La, Ce, Ni, Zn, U, Sn, Si or mixtures thereof. The promoter is present in a proportion that enables the catalyst to have a developed surface area of at least about 28 m.sup.2 /g, and to exhibit a weight/area productivity of at least about 3.5 mg maleic anhydride/m.sup.2 -hr and/or a weight/weight productivity of at least about 100 g maleic anhydride/kg.cat.-hr. when contacted with a gas containing 2.4% by volume n-butane in air, at a gas flow volume to catalyst weight ratio of 2180 cc/g-min., under a pressure of 1.055.times.10.sup.2 -kPa-G, and at a temperature sufficient to maintain a hydrocarbon conversion of 85 mole percent. Methods for the preparation of the catalyst include activation by ANST.

Abstract: An activated porous phosphorus/vanadium oxide catalyst adapted for the catalytic oxidation of a hydrocarbon to produce a carboxylic acid anhydride. The catalyst comprises shaped bodies having a B.E.T. surface area of at least about 15 m.sup.2 /g, an average vanadium oxidation state of between about 4.0 and about 4.5, a total pore volume of at least about 0.15 cc/g, a normalized apparent shaped body density of between about 1.25 and about 2.0 g/cc, and a crush strength of at least about 4 pounds. At least about 5% of the pore volume of the catalyst is constituted of pores having a diameter of at least about 0.8 microns, and at least about 4% of the pore volume is constituted of pores having a diameter of at least about 10 microns.

Abstract: Chemically and thermally stable monolithic catalysts are disclosed having platinum or alkali metal-vanadium active phases for use in the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide. The platinum catalyst comprises a foraminous ceramic support which has at its wall surfaces a high surface area substrate for an active catalyst phase, and a combination of a platinum active phase and a promoter on the substrate. The substrate preferably comprises silica, provided, for example, by application of a silica washcoat. The promoter is selected from among compounds of zirconium, hafnium and titanium.The alkali-vanadium catalyst comprises a foraminous ceramic support having a porous silica substrate for the active phase at its foraminal wall surfaces. An alkali metal-vanadium active catalyst is in the pores of the porous silica.

Abstract: Chemically and thermally stable monolithic catalysts are disclosed having platinum or alkali metal-vanadium active phases for use in the conversion of sulfur dioxide to sulfur trioxide. The platinum catalyst comprises a foraminous ceramic support which has at its wall surfaces a high surface area substrate for an active catalyst phase, and a combination of a platinum active phase and a promoter on the substrate. The substrate preferably comprises silica, provided, for example, by application of a silica washcoat. The promoter is selected from among compounds of zirconium, hafnium and titanium.The alkali-vanadium catalyst comprises a foraminous ceramic support having a porous silica substrate for the active phase at its foraminal wall surfaces. An alkali metal-vanadium active catalyst is in the pores of the porous silica.

Abstract: A method for oxidizing organic compounds by contacting organic compounds with molecular oxygen in the presence of a noble metal pyrochlore having the formula:A.sub.2+x B.sub.2-x O.sub.7-ywherein A is a pyrochlore structure metal cation, and B is one or more of Ru, Rh, Ir, Os, and Pt; x and y are greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 1.0, at a temperature up to about 200.degree. C.

Abstract: Processes are given for which a microcrystalline support having a noble metal located within its pores, is used as a permselective catalyst to oxidize formaldehyde and similar materials while avoiding poisoning by N-phosphonomethylamines. The permselective catalyst can be used as a co-catalyst with activated carbons in the oxidation of N-phosphonomethyliminodiacetic acid to N-phosphonomethylglycine.