Abstract: Methanol is produced from bacterially oxidized waste methane by reaction with Pd+2, Cu+2, air, and molten phthalic anhydride in an entrained oxidizer generating half ester of methyl phthalate which is reaction distilled to produce methanol and recycle phthalic anhydride containing the Pd+2, Cu+2 phthalate catalyst.

Abstract: This invention involves a process for the carbonylation of a carbonylatable reactant, e.g., an alkyl ester, a dialkyl ether or mixtures thereof by reacting the same with carbon monoxide. The process comprises effecting the carbonylation in the presence of a solution of a catalyst system containing a rhodium compound, an iodide and a lithium component at a temperature of from 50.degree. C. to 400.degree. C. at a carbon monoxide partial pressure of 1 psig to 15,000 psig. Hydrogen may also be present. The invention also concerns a carbonylation catalyst system effective for the addition of carbon monoxide to a carbonylatable reactant which comprises a solution containing as essential components a rhodium containing active component, an iodide and a lithium component.

Abstract: A catalyst system having high activity and selectivity to carbonylation products comprises a rhodium-containing catalytically active component and a halogen-containing promoter component, the halogen being selected from the group consisting of bromine, iodine, bromide compounds, and iodide compounds.

Abstract: A catalyst system having high activity and selectivity to carbonylation products comprises a rhodium-containing catalytically active component and a halogen-containing promoter component, the halogen being selected from the group consisting of bromine, iodine, bromide compounds, and iodide compounds.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a polyester having an acid number which is not greater than 65 which comprises reacting an acid anhydride with a monoterminal epoxide in such a way that a self-sustaining reaction is initiated within 200 seconds of the reactants being mixed together and said reaction results in the attainment of a maximum temperature in excess of 200.degree. C within 200 seconds of initiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a foamed polyester which comprises initiating a reaction between a poly-terminal epoxide, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt and a blowing agent, heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside.

Abstract: The invention provides a polymeric material comprising a polyester prepared by initiating a reaction between a poly-terminal epoxide, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt, heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside and an inert filler material.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a polyester which comprises initiating a reaction between a polyterminal epoxide being the reaction product of one mole bisphenol A and two moles of epichlorohydrin, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the production of a polyester having an acid number which is not greater than 65 which comprises reacting an acid anhydride with a monoterminal epoxide in the presence of a solvent for the polyester in such a way that a self-sustaining reaction is initiated within 200 seconds of the reactants being mixed together and said reaction results in the attainment of a maximum peak temperature within 200 seconds of initiation.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the production of a polyester which comprises initiating a reaction between a poly-terminal epoxide, a mono-terminal epoxide and a cyclic diacid anhydride in the presence of a catalytically effective quaternary salt heating to a point at which the reaction becomes a self-sustaining exothermic reaction and controlling the reaction such that the temperature of the mixture is not reduced until after the exothermic reaction has begun to subside.

Abstract: Bitumen filled polyester foams are provided through a process which comprises forming a solution of a bitumen having a softening point of at least about 80.degree. C. and a cyclic diacid anhydride at a temperature above the softening point of a bitumen, the bitumen solution is then mixed with a monoterminal epoxide and a polyterminal epoxide in the presence of a blowing agent resulting in the initiation of an exothermic reaction. The process for producing bitumen filled polyester foams through the in situ polymerization of polyesters in a solution of bitumen and the foams produced by the process constitute the invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of dicarboxylic acids, specifically by the reaction of non-vicinal glycols; halogen containing derivatives in which the OH radical of the glycol is substituted by Cl, Br, or I; ester derivatives of glycols; and cyclic ether derivatives of glycols; with carbon monoxide in the presence of catalyst compositions essentially comprising rhodium or iridium compounds and complexes, together with a halide promoter.

Abstract: Toluene and toluene derivatives are dehydrocoupled to stilbene and stilbene derivatives in a vapor phase reaction in the presence of a metal oxide. The stilbene products are purified of by-product polar impurities. The purified stilbene can be catalytically reacted in the vapor phase with ethylene to produce styrene.