Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (HOMeTHF) or 3-formyltetrahydrofuran (FTHF) by contacting HOMeTHF or 3-formyltetrahydrofuran with a secondary alcohol in the presence of a hydrous zirconia catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a novel process for preparing alpha- and beta-methyl-gamma-butyrolactones (MeGBL) and/or 3-Methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (HOMeTHF), 3-formyltetrahydrofuran (FTHF) or a mixture thereof by contacting HOMeTHF, FTHF, or a mixture thereof with a catalyst comprising copper on hydrous zirconia under conditions of temperature and pressure conducive to the formation of MeGBL and/or MeTHF The process may be performed in the presence of an inert atmosphere and/or hydrogen gas. Further, the process may be performed in the presence of a secondary alcohol.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (HOMeTHF) or 3-formyltetrahydrofuran (FTHF) by contacting HOMeTHF or 3-formyltetrahydrofuran with a secondary alcohol in the presence of a hydrous zirconia catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (HOMeTHF) by contacting HOMeTHF with hydrogen in the presence of an acidic, supported catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (3-MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (3-HOMeTHF) by a plurality of process steps comprising (1) esterifying 3-HOMeTHF to produce a carboxylate ester of 3-HOMeTHF, (2) pyrrolyzing the carboxylate ester to produce 3-methylenetetrahydrofuran (3-methyleneTHF), and (3) hydrogenating the 3-methyleneTHF to produce 3-MeTHF. The 3-MeTHF produced in accordance with the present invention is useful as an industrial solvent and as a monomer in the manufacture of polymers such as elastomers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-alkyltetrahydrofurans by a two-step process wherein 2,3-dihydrofuran is reacted with an acetal to form an intermediate compound which may be converted to a 3-alkyltetrahydrofuran by contacting the intermediate with hydrogen in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Group VIII noble metal or rhenium, water and a strong acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the recovery of formyltetrahydrofurans (FTHF's) produced by the rhodium-catalyzed hydroformylation of 2,5-dihydrofuran (2,5-DHF) wherein the FTHF's are recovered as an equilibrium mixture of 2- & 3-FTHF and their hydrates, 2- and 3-?di(hydroxy)methyl!tetrahydrofuran from a hydroformylation product solution comprising a rhodium catalyst, 2- and 3-FTHF and an organic hydroformylation solvent obtained as a liquid product take-off from a hydroformylation process wherein 3-FTHF is produced by the hydro-formylation of 2,5-DHF 3-FTHF is a valuable organic intermediate useful, for example, in the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran and 3-amino-methyltetrahydorfuran.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (3-MeTHF) which comprises contacting 3-formyltetrahydrofuran with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII noble metal or rhenium and a strong acid under hydrogenolysis conditions of temperature and pressure to produce 3-MeTHF. The 3-MeTHF produced in accordance with the present invention is useful as an industrial solvent and, more importantly, as a monomer in the manufacture of polymers such as elastomers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-alkyltetrahydrofurans by a two-step process wherein 2,3-dihydrofuran is reacted with an acetal to form an intermediate compound which may be converted to a 3-alkyltetrahydrofuran by contacting the intermediate with hydrogen in the presence of a catalytic amount of a Group VIII noble metal or rhenium, water and a strong acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step process wherein (1) 2,3-dihydrofuran is reacted with a trialkyl orthoformate in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a 2-alkoxy-3-(dialkoxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran intermediate and (2) the intermediate is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII noble metal or rhenium and a strong acid to convert the intermediate to a mixture of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (3-MeTHF) and 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (3-HOMeTHF). The 3-MeTHF produced in accordance with the present invention is useful as an industrial solvent and as a co-monomer in the manufacture of polymers such as elastomers. 3-HOMeTHF may be used as a solvent and in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals and acrylate and methacrylate esters for use in preparing polymers such as polyacrylates.