Abstract: Preparation of an aliphatic carboxylic acid having (n+1) carbon atoms, where n is an integer up to 6, and/or an ester or anhydride thereof may be achieved by contacting an aliphatic alcohol having n carbon atoms and/or a reactive derivative thereof with carbon monoxide substantially in the absence of the halogens or derivatives thereof at a temperature in the range 250-600° C. and at a pressure in the range 10 to 200 bars, in the presence of a catalyst consisting essentially of a mordenite which has, as framework elements, silicon, aluminum and one or more of gallium, boron and iron, and which has been ion-exchanged or otherwise loaded with copper, nickel, iridium, rhodium or cobalt.

Abstract: A carbonylation process for producing a carbonylation product by contacting carbon monoxide with a feed comprising an alcohol and/or a reactive derivative thereof in the vapour phase using an heterogeneous heteropolyacid catalyst comprising one or more metal cations selected from Cu, Fe, Ru, Os, Co, Rh, Ir, Ni, Pd and Pt and wherein there is at least 0.5 wt % water present in the feed.

Abstract: Process for the removal of oxygen from a gas mixture comprising oxygen, at least one olefin, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and optionally at least one alkyne, the ratio of oxygen:hydrogen in the gas mixture being 1 part by volume of oxygen to at least 5 parts by volume of hydrogen. The process comprises contacting the gas mixture with a catalyst in a reaction zone under conditions sufficient to oxidise at least a portion of the hydrogen and to oxidize at least a portion of the carbon monoxide and without significant hydrogenation of the at least one olefin. The catalyst comprises at least one metal or oxide of a metal from the 10th group of the Periodic Table of Elements, the metal or oxide of the metal being supported on an oxide support, provided that the catalyst also comprises tin.

Abstract: Process for dewatering organic liquids admixed with water wherein the admixture is brought into contact with a molecular sieve. The moleculat sieve is pretreated so as to reduce its acid site concentration and attain an ammonia TPD value of 18 mmol/g or less prior to contact with the admixture. The present invention relates to a process for dewatering organic liquids admixed with water, said process comprising bringing the admixture into contact with a molecular sieve, characterized in that the molecular sieve is pretreated so as to reduce its acid site concentration and attain an ammonia TPD value of 18 mmol/g or less prior to contact with the admixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for dewatering organic liquids admixed with water, said process comprising bringing the admixture into contact with a molecular sieve, characterized in that the molecular sieve is pretreated so as to reduce its acid site concentration and attain an ammonia TPD value of 18 mmol/g or less prior to contact with the admixture.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the production of lower aliphatic esters, said process comprising reacting a lower olefin with saturated lower aliphatic mono-carboxylic acid in the vapour phase in the presence of a heteropolyacid catalyst, characterised in that the reactants are rendered substantially free of basic nitrogenous compounds prior to being brought into contact with the heteropolyacid catalyst.

Abstract: This application relates to a process for making glycol ethers, said process comprising reacting an olefin oxide with an alcohol over a catalyst comprising a crystalline metallosilicate which is basic in character, wherein the molar ratio of alcohol to olefin oxide employed is at least 2:1.