Abstract: Silanes are produced by the disproportionation and/or redistribution reaction of chlorosilanes using a novel catalyst having a longer life and consisting of a quaternary phosphonium salt bonded to an organic macromolecule or polymer, represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein .circle.P.circle. is an organic macromolecule or polymer, A is a bridging group between phosphorus and the organic macromolecule or polymer, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl groups and aralkyl groups such as benzyl and phenethyl groups, which can contain oxygen or halogen atoms, and X is a halogen atom.

Abstract: Silanes are produced by the disproportionation and/or redistribution reaction of chlorosilanes using a novel catalyst having a longer life and consisting of a quaternary phosphonium salt bonded to an organic macromolecule or polymer, represented by the following general formula: ##STR1## wherein .circle.P is an organic macromolecule or polymer, A is a bridging group between phosphorus and the organic macromolecule or polymer, R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 alkyl groups and aralkyl groups such as benzyl and phenethyl groups, which can contain oxygen or halogen atoms, and X is a halogen atom.

Abstract: A process for improving the catalyst life of zeolites employed in the conversion of alcohols (e.g. methanol) and/or their ether derivatives (e.g. dimethyl ether) wherein a suitable zeolite is modified in a 2-stage procedure by providing a controlled low amount of a coke precursor deposit on the external surface of the zeolite, and then heating this treated zeolite in an inert gas at specifically controlled temperatures for a minimum time is disclosed. A process of employing this modified zeolite to produce lower olefins is also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for improving the catalyst life of zeolites employed in the conversion of alcohols (e.g. methanol) and/or their ether derivatives (e.g., dimethyl ether) wherein a suitable zeolite is modified in a 2-stage procedure by providing a controlled low amount of a coke precursor deposit on the external surface of the zeolite, and then heating this treated zeolite in an inert gas at specifically controlled temperatures for a minimum time is disclosed. A process of employing this modified zeolite to produce lower olefins is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved process for producing an alcohol by hydrating an olefin wherein the improvement comprises hydrating an olefin in the presence of a hydrogen-type catalyst having a silica/alumina molar ratio of 20 to 500 and a solvent using either:A. hydrogen-type mordenite or hydrogen-type zeolite Y, and a sulfone; orB. hydrogen-type crystalline aluminosilicate in which the entrance of the main void is formed by a 10-membered or 12-membered oxygen ring, and a C.sub.2 to C.sub.5 oxy acid or the lactones, lactides, methyl or ethyl esters thereof.

Abstract: An improved process for producing an alcohol by hydrating an olefin, wherein the improvement comprises hydrating an olefin in the presence of hydrogen-type mordenite or hydrogen-type zeolite Y as a catalyst each having a silica/alumina molar ratio of 20 to 500.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the manufacture of ketones which comprises oxidizing an n-olefin in the presence of a catalyst containing palladium, copper, a halogen, and at least one of specific tertiary amines.

Abstract: Secondary alcohols are produced by the hydration of a n-olefin substantially free from an isoolefin in the presence as catalyst of an acidic cation exchange resin such as a sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and in the presence of an oxy acid or lactone thereof such as .gamma.-valerolactone. The process is especially useful for hydrating a n-butene feed or a feed consisting essentially of n-butenes and butane to produce secondary butyl alcohol.

Abstract: Tertiary alcohols are produced by the hydration of an isoolefin in the presence as catalyst of an acidic cation exchange resin such as a sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer, and a polyhydric neo-type alcohol such as neopentyl glycol. The process is useful for separating isobutylene from a hydrocarbon mixture containing its isomers via preparation of the alcohol, separation from the unreacted hydrocarbons and dehydration of the tertiary butyl alcohol to isobutylene.

Abstract: Tertiary alcohols are produced by the hydration of an isoolefin in the presence as catalyst of an acidic cation exchange resin such as a sulfonated styrene-divinylbenzene copolymer and in the presence of an oxy acid or lactone thereof such as .gamma.-valerolactone. The process is useful for separating isobutylene from a hydrocarbon mixture containing its isomers via preparation of the alcohol, separation from the unreacted hydrocarbons and dehydration of the tertiary butyl alcohol to isobutylene.

Abstract: Isobutylene in a C.sub.4 hydrocarbon mixture with n-butenes and butanes is selectively hydrated to tertiary butyl alcohol by carrying out the reaction with water at a temperature not above 100.degree. C. in the presence of an acidic cation exchange resin and a sulfone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of an unsaturated glycol diester by the reaction of a conjugated diene compound, a carboxylic acid and molecular oxygen in the presence of a solid catalyst. For example, 1,4-diacetoxy-2-butene is prepared at high conversion and high selectivity by reacting butadiene, molecular oxygen and acetic acid in the presence of a solid catalyst containing palladium, tellurium and at least one element selected from the group consisting of tin, germanium and lead. The product is an intermediate for the preparation of 1,4-butanediol.