Abstract: A transparent, activated, nonparticulate alumina with a total porosity of about 63% which consists of a unique pore morphology and size distribution and is thermally stable up to about 1200.degree.C. at which temperature it can be nondestructively converted to alpha alumina is disclosed as well as a method of preparing said alumina by hydrolyzing aluminum alkoxides to form a particular sol which is essentially clear to the naked eye and the gel of which retains its integrity during drying and pyrolysis. The alumina thus produced is useful as a catalyst, absorbent and desiccant. In addition, a method of preparing the intermediate clear colloidal sol or gel consisting essentially of aluminum monohydrate is disclosed. This intermediate can be used to coat various substrates.

Abstract: A process of carbo-chlorination of AlPO.sub.4 wherein AlPO.sub.4 or AlPO.sub.4 -containing material is introduced into a reactor along with chlorinating agents and a source of carbon. The reactor is heated to approximately 600.degree. to 1200.degree.C and forms aluminum chlorides, phosphorous oxides, phosphorous chlorides, phosphorous oxychlorides and carbon oxides. These reaction products are then separated into three fractions by condensation, the first fraction being P.sub.2 O.sub.5, the second fraction being AlCl.sub.3 and AlCl.sub.3 .POCl.sub.3 and the third fraction being remaining gasses, namely PCl.sub.3, PCl.sub.5, P.sub.2 O.sub.3, CO and CO.sub.2. The second fraction is reacted in a further reactor to give AlCl.sub.3 and P.sub.2 O.sub.3 which are separated by distillation. The phosphorous chlorides from the third fraction are oxidized, along with the P.sub.2 O.sub.3 of the second fraction, to form P.sub.2 O.sub.5.