Abstract: A discrete polyolefin catalyst activator is disclosed. A salient feature of invention borate-based activators is that at least one of the ligands on the borate non-coordinating anion (NCA) comprises a fluorinated aryl group linked to the boron atom through an acetylenic group appropriate pairing of invention activators with olefin polymerization. Catalyst precursors yield increased catalytic activity. Polymerization results are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a heteropolyacid catalyst and method for preparing methacrylic acid using thereof. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing heteropolyacid catalyst, which is produced by the recrystallization of a heteropolyacid and/or its salt dissolved in a basic organic solvent and heat-treatment, and further to a method for preparing metachrylic acid using thereof, wherein the use of the heteropolyacid catalyst increases the activity of oxidation reaction induced by the modified electronic properties of heteropolyanions and provides high efficiency production of methacrylic acid from methacrolein, since the basic property of solvent inhibits peculiar acidic property of heteropolyacid.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical products which are suited for use as co-catalysts and which can be obtained by reacting a compound of formula (I), M1R1R2(R3)m with a compound of formula (II), (R4X)q-(G)*(M2R5R6)g. In formula (I), R1, R2 and R3 are the same or different and represent a hydrogen atom, C1–C20 alkyl, C1–C20 alkyl halide, C6–C20 aryl, C6–C20 aryl halide, C7–C40 arylalkyl, C7–C40 arylalkyl halide, C7–C40 alkylaryl or C7–C40 alkylaryl halide; M1 represents an element of the second or third main group of the periodic table of elements, and; m equals 0 or 1, whereby m is equal to 1 when M1 represents an element of the third main group, and m is equal to 0 when M1 represents an element of the second main group.

Abstract: A catalyst system useful for polymerizing olefins is disclosed. The catalyst system includes an organometallic complex that incorporates a Group 3 to 10 transition metal and a hydroxyl-depleted calixarene ligand that is chelated to the metal. Molecular modeling studies reveal that organometallic complexes incorporating such calixarene ligands, when combined with an activator such as MAO, should actively polymerize olefins.

Abstract: As-prepared AlPO4—B2O3—Na2O-based glasses were placed in an autoclave together with distilled water and were treated at 150° C. for two hours. Although the specific surface area of the as-prepared glass prior to autoclave treatment was negligibly small, the autoclave treatment dissolved most of the borate component and the sodium component to obtain a mesoporous material having a specific surface area of 236 m2/g and a pore size distribution of 5 to 10 nm. This mesoporous material is hydrophobic and has weak solid acidity and small polarity.

Abstract: A transition metal catalyst component for polymerization, composed of a metal complex comprising specific ligands and a specific substituted boron group and having a bridging group, which exhibits a very high activity for an olefin type (co)polymerization or an olefin-aromatic vinyl compound copolymerization, whereby the molecular weight of a copolymer obtainable, is high. A method for producing an olefin (co)polymer and an aromatic vinyl compound-olefin copolymer, by means thereof.

Abstract: A robust, high temperature mixed metal oxide catalyst for propellant composition, including high concentration hydrogen peroxide, and catalytic combustion, including methane air mixtures. The uses include target, space, and on-orbit propulsion systems and low-emission terrestrial power and gas generation. The catalyst system requires no special preheat apparatus or special sequencing to meet start-up requirements, enabling a fast overall response time. Start-up transients of less than 1 second have been demonstrated with catalyst bed and propellant temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The catalyst system has consistently demonstrated high decomposition effeciency, extremely low decomposition roughness, and long operating life on multiple test particles.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite device whereby surface reflection and interference colors can be inhibited, photocatalytic decomposition performance may be improved and hydrophilicity-acquiring rate may be improved. A mixture film (14) is deposited on the surface of a base (12). The mixture film (14) is a colorless and transparent mixture film with a high light transmittance made of a mixture of boron oxide and photocatalytic titanium oxide.

Abstract: An ethylene oxide catalyst is provided which is essentially transition metal and rhenium free and which consists essentially of silver, alkali metal, sulfur and boron components on a support such as alumina, optionally with a fluorine or chlorine component.

Abstract: A process for making ethylene copolymers is disclosed. Ethylene copolymerizes with an ?-olefin in the presence of a catalyst system comprising an activator and a silica-supported, bridged indenoindolyl metal complex having “open architecture.” The supported complex incorporates comonomers with exceptional efficiency, and the process gives ethylene copolymers having high molecular weights (Mw>100K) and very low densities (<0.910 g/cm3). Open architecture catalysts that include bridging through the indolyl nitrogen of the indenoindolyl framework are also described. Additionally, supported and unsupported indeno[1,2-b]indolyl catalysts provide exceptional activities in the preparation of elastomeric polypropylene and ethylene copolymers.

Abstract: Composite combustion catalyst particles are described and disclosed. A metal core of a combustible metal can be coated with a metal oxide coating. Additionally, a catalyst coating can at least partially surround the metal oxide coating to form a composite catalyst particle. The composite catalyst particles can be dispersed in a variety of fuels such as propulsion fuels and the like to form an enhanced fuel. During initial stages of combustion, the catalyst coating acts to increase combustion of the fuel. As combustion proceeds, the metal core heats sufficiently to disturb the metal oxide coating. The metal core then combusts in highly exothermic reactions with an oxidizer and the catalyst coating to provide improved energy densities to the enhanced fuel.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention is a polymerizable composition comprising a) an organoborane amine complex; b) one or more of monomers, oligomers or polymers having olefinic unsaturation which is capable of polymerization by free radical polymerization; c) one or more compounds, oligomers or prepolymers having a siloxane backbone and reactive moieties capable of polymerization; and d) a catalyst for the polymerization of the one or more compounds, oligomers or prepolymers having a siloxane backbone and reactive moieties capable of polymerization. This composition may further comprise a compound which causes the organoborane amine complex to disassociate.

Abstract: The invention concerns an oxazaborolidine compound fixed on a material selected among Raney nickel, Raney cobalt and Raney iron, the method for preparing same, and the use of the compound as reduction reaction catalyst of ketone to produce chiral alcohols.

Abstract: The invention pertains to new catalyst systems for polycondensation reactions, for example for producing polyethylene terephthalate. In accordance with the invention, complex compounds with hydrotalcite-analogous structures of general formula [M(II)1−xM(III)x(OH)2]x+(An−x/n).mH2O are used, wherein M(II) represents divalent metals, preferably Mg or Zn or NI or Cu or Fe(II) or Co, and M(III) represents trivalent metals, for example Al or Fe(III), and A represents anions, preferably carbonates or borates. These catalysts can be calcinated and can be used in combination with phosphorus compounds that contain at least one hydrolyzable phosphorus-oxygen bond.

Abstract: Initiator systems of the present invention include both a complexed initiator and a carboxylic acid decomplexer. For example, dicarboxylic acid decomplexer, carboxylic acid ester decomplexers, and monocarboxylic acid decomplexers (preferably those comprising an alkyl group having at least nine carbon atoms for low odor compositions) are useful in the present invention.

Abstract: An ethylene oxide catalyst is provided which is essentially transition metal and rhenium free and which consists essentially of silver, alkali metal, sulfur and boron components on a support such as alumina, optionally with a fluorine or chlorine component.

Abstract: The invention is an amine-organoborane complex wherein the organoborane is a trialkyl borane and the amine is an amine having an amidine structural component; an aliphatic heterocycle having at least one nitrogen in the heterocyclic ring wherein the heterocyclic compound may also contain one or more nitrogen atoms, oxygen atoms, sulfur atoms, or double bonds in the heterocycle; a primary amine which in addition has one or more hydrogen bond accepting groups wherein there is at least two carbon atoms, preferably three, between the primary amine and the hydrogen bond accepting group, such that due to inter- or intramolecular interactions within the complex the strength of the B—N bond is increased; or a conjugated imine. Preferred hydrogen bond accepting groups include the following: a secondary amine, a tertiary amine, an ether, a halogen, a polyether group or a polyamine group.

Abstract: A new method for preparing lithium phosphate catalysts is disclosed. The method comprises precipitating a lithium phosphate from a mixture comprising a first aqueous solution which contains lithium and sodium ions and a second aqueous solution which contains phosphate and borate ions. The resultant lithium phosphate catalyst has increased activity and selectivity in the isomerization of an alkylene oxide to the corresponding allylic alcohol.

Abstract: A robust, high temperature mixed metal oxide catalyst for propellant decomposition, including high concentration hydrogen peroxide, and catalytic combustion, including methane air mixtures. The uses include target, space, and on-orbit propulsion systems and low-emission terrestrial power and gas generation. The catalyst system requires no special preheat apparatus or special sequencing to meet start-up requirements, enabling a fast overall response time. Start-up transients of less than 1 second have been demonstrated with catalyst bed and propellant temperatures as low as 50 degrees Fahrenheit. The catalyst system has consistently demonstrated high decomposition efficiency, extremely low decomposition roughness, and long operating life on multiple test articles.

Abstract: A two component catalyst activator comprises: 1) a Lewis acidic organoboron (or an orgonoaluminum) component; and 2) a component defined by the formula AOSO2R wherein A is a pseudo cationic group and R is a hydrocarbyl or substituted hydrocarbyl. The catalyst activator is used in combination with a transition metal catalyst for the polymerization of olefins. The catalyst activator provides improved catalyst activities. It is especially useful in solution polymerizations because of desirable solubility characteristics in comparison to the borate salts used in prior activators.

Abstract: A mixed metal oxide, which may be an orthorhombic phase material, is improved as a catalyst for the production of unsaturated carboxylic acids, or unsaturated nitrites, from alkanes, or mixtures of alkanes and alkenes, by: contacting with a liquid contacting member selected from the group consisting of organic acids, alcohols, inorganic acids and hydrogen peroxide to form a contact mixture; recovering insoluble material from the contact mixture; and calcining the recovered insoluble material in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.

Abstract: A composition comprising a promoter, a metal oxide, a support component, and a silicon-containing material, wherein at least a portion of the promoter is present as a reduced valence promoter and methods of preparing such composition are disclosed. The thus-obtained composition is employed in a desulfurization zone to remove sulfur from a hydrocarbon stream.

Abstract: This invention provides a composite device whereby surface reflection and interference colors can be inhibited, photocatalytic decomposition performance may be improved and hydrophilicity-acquiring rate may be improved. A mixture film (14) is deposited on the surface of a base (12). The mixture film (14) is a colorless and transparent mixture film with a high light transmittance made of a mixture of boron oxide and photocatalytic titanium oxide.

Abstract: Vanadium antimony oxide catalysts useful for the selective oxidation and ammoxidation of paraffins, olefins, and aromatic compounds are manufactured in a process comprising (i) forming a catalyst precursor slurry comprising a vanadium containing compound and an antimony containing compound in a liquid solvent medium which comprises an organic solvent, and (ii) recovering a vanadium antimony oxide from the slurry by drying the slurry in order to remove water and organic solvent.

Abstract: In one embodiment the invention is a polymerizable composition comprising a) an organoborane amine complex; b) one or more of monomers, oligomers or polymers having olefinic unsaturation which is capable of polymerization by free radical polymerization; c) one or more compounds, oligomers or prepolymers having a siloxane backbone and reactive moieties capable of polymerization; and d) a catalyst for the polymerization of the one or more compounds, oligomers or prepolymers having a siloxane backbone and reactive moieties capable of polymerization. This composition may further comprise a compound which causes the organoborane amine complex to disassociate.

Abstract: Initiator systems of the invention comprise a complexed initiator comprising a complex of an amidine complexing agent and an initiator; and a decomplexer. The initiator systems are useful for initiating polymerization of at least one monomer to form polymerized compositions. Kits of the invention useful for forming the polymerized compositions comprise a polymerizable composition and an initiator component, wherein the initiator component comprises a complexed amidine initiator. Bonding compositions can be prepared by mixing the polymerizable composition of the kit with the respective initiator component.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for modifying a microporous metalloaluminophosphate molecular sieve, the method comprising the steps of a) introducing a metal hydride compound within the cages of said microporous molecular sieve, and b) reacting said metal hydride compound with the acid groups located in the cages of the molecular sieve, wherein the metal hydride compound is selected from the group consisting of hydrides of metals of Groups 1 and 2 of the Periodic Table, compounds of formula M1M2H4 and mixtures thereof, M1 being a metal belonging to Group 13 of the Periodic Table and M2 being a metal belonging to Group 1 of the Periodic Table. The invention also relates to modified metalloaluminophosphate molecular sieves, to catalyst particles containing them and the use of the modified metalloaluminophosphate molecular sieves in catalytic processes.

Abstract: The invention relates to a heat-activated initiator for polymerising and/or cross-linking polyorganosiloxane-type monomers, oligomers and/or polymers with organofunctional groups, comprising a boron derivative of formula (I): (A)xB(R′)y, wherein the symbols R′ are the same or different and represent an alkyl or alkenyl radical in C1-C12, an alkoxy radical in C1-C12, a phenyl radical substituted by at least one electroattractor element, an aryl radical containing at least two aromatic rings such as biphenyl, naphthyl, optionally substituted by at least one electroattractor element, especially a halogen atom (particularly fluorine), or an electroattractor group, especially a CF3, NO2, CN group; and a radical —C2H4—Si(Q)3 with the symbols Q being the same or different and representing an alkyl or alkoxy group in C1 to C10 or a siloxane oligomer with less than 10 silicon atoms. The invention also relates to a corresponding cross-linkable composition and to the uses thereof.

Abstract: A process for preparing an antimonate-based mixed metal oxide catalyst in a catalytically active oxidized state, wherein the catalyst is represented by the empirical formula MeaSbbXcQdReOf, wherein Me, X, Q, R, a, b, c, d, e, and f are as defined herein, comprising (a) contacting an aqueous Sb2O3 slurry with HNO3 and one or more Me compounds, and, optionally, one or more compounds selected from X, Q, or R compounds to form a first mixture; (b) heating and drying the first mixture to form a solid product; and (c) calcining the solid product to form the catalyst, the catalysts prepared by the process, and the use of the catalysts in ammoxidation and oxidation processes. The catalysts of the invention are particularly useful for the production of acrylonitrile from propylene, ammonia, and an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: The invention relates to a shell catalyst whose active material shell is a multimetal oxide that contains the elements Mo, V and Te and/or Sb. The invention further relates to the use of said shell catalyst for gas-phase catalytic oxidation of propane to acrylic acid.

Abstract: Initiator systems of the invention comprise a complexed initiator comprising a complex of an amidine complexing agent and an initiator; and a decomplexer. The initiator systems are useful for initiating polymerization of at least one monomer to form polymerized compositions. Kits of the invention useful for forming the polymerized compositions comprise a polymerizable composition and an initiator component, wherein the initiator component comprises a complexed amidine initiator. Bonding compositions can be prepared by mixing the polymerizable composition of the kit with the respective initiator component.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the hydrogenation of carbon monoxide. The process involves contacting a feed stream comprising hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a catalyst system in a reaction zone maintained at conversion-promoting conditions effective to produce an effluent stream, preferably comprising hydrocarbons. In accordance with this invention the catalyst system used in the process includes at least one catalytic material for Fischer-Tropsch reactions (e.g., iron, cobalt, nickel and/or ruthenium), preferably comprising cobalt, and a support comprising aluminum borate. The catalyst system can be prepared by impregnating alumina with a boron-containing composition to form an aluminum borate support and applying a Fischer-Tropsch catalytically active material to the aluminum borate to form a supported catalyst system.

Abstract: The invention is polymerizable composition comprising a) an organoborane/amine complex wherein the organoborane is a trialkyl borane or an alkyl cycloalkyl borane and the amine is selected from the group of amines having an amidine structural component; aliphatic heterocycles having at least one nitrogen in the heterocyclic ring; an alicyclic compound having bound to the ring a substituent having an amine moiety; primary amines which in addition to a primary amine have one or more hydrogen bond accepting groups of an ether, polyether, thioether or halogen wherein there is an alkylene chain of at least two carbon atoms between the primary amine and the hydrogen bond accepting group, and conjugated imines; and, b) one or more of monomers, oligomers or polymers having olefinic unsaturation; and optionally c) an effective amount of a compound which causes the complex to disassociate wherein the compound which causes disassociation of the complex is kept separate from the complex until initiation of polymerizat

Abstract: A silicon-containing alumina support, a process for preparing the support, and a catalyst containing the support are provided. The alumina support includes an additive silicon enriched on its surface, with the difference between the atomic ratio of silicon to aluminum on the surface of alumina support and that of the alumina support is at least 0.10. The process for preparing the silicon-containing alumina support comprises adding a nanometer silicon compound. The inventive alumina support can be used in manufacturing a catalyst for hydrotreating hydrocarbons with good physico-chemical properties and performance.

Abstract: A method of producing composite particles of titanium dioxide and a compound inactive as a photocatalyst, comprising the steps of preparing a water based slurry of pH 3 to 5 comprising titanium dioxide, preparing a water based solution comprising a compound inactive as a photocatalyst, and reacting the slurry and the water based solution together at a pH within a range from 4 to 10 is provided, together with highly active photocatalyst particles produced using such a method, and potential uses of such photocatalyst particles.

Abstract: Catalyst powders from nanoscale powders dispersed on coarser carrier powders. The composition of the dispersed fine powders may be oxides, carbides, nitrides, borides, chalcogenides, metals, and alloys. Nano-dispersed submicron powders and nano-dispersed nanopowders are discussed.

Abstract: A method of bonding two or more substrates together which comprises I. contacting the components of the composition comprising a) an organoborane/amine complex wherein the amine is selected from the group of amines having an amidine structural component; aliphatic heterocycles having at least one nitrogen in the heterocyclic ring; an alicyclic compound having bound to the ring a substituent having an amine moiety; primary amines which in addition to a primary amine have one or more hydrogen bond accepting groups of an ether, polyether, thioether or halogen wherein there is an alkylene chain of at least two carbon atoms between the primary amine and the hydrogen bond accepting group, and conjugated imines; b) one or more of monomers, oligomers or polymers having olefinic unsaturation; and, c) optionally an effective amount of a compound which causes the complex to disassociate or heating the composition to a temperature at which the complex dissassociates; II.

Abstract: A method of modifying the surface of a low surface energy polymer by contacting the surface with a composition comprising a) an organoborane/amine complex wherein the amine is selected from the group of amines having an amidine structural component; aliphatic heterocycles having at least one nitrogen in the heterocyclic ring; an alicyclic compound having bound to the ring a substituent having an amine moiety; amines which in addition to a primary amine have one or more hydrogen bond accepting groups of an ether, polyether, thioether or halogen wherein there is an alkylene chain of at least two carbon atoms between the primary amine and the hydrogen bond accepting group, and conjugated imines; b) one or more of monomers, oligomers or polymers having olefinic unsaturation; and optionally, c) an effective amount of a compound which causes the complex to disassociate.

Abstract: A method of coating a substrate which comprises coating a substrate with the composition comprising a) an organoborane/amine complex wherein the amine is selected from the group of amines having an amidine structural component; aliphatic heterocycles having at least one nitrogen in the heterocyclic ring; an alicyclic compound having bound to the ring a substituent having an amine moiety; primary amines which in addition to a primary amine have one or more hydrogen bond accepting groups of an ether, polyether, thioether or halogen wherein there is an alkylene chain of at least two carbon atoms between the primary amine and the hydrogen bond accepting group, and conjugated imines; b) one or more of monomers, oligomers or polymers having olefinic unsaturation, and c) an effective amount of a compound which causes the complex to disassociate; together under conditions such that polymerization is initiated.

Abstract: The invention is a method of polymerization comprising contacting the components of the polymerizable composition of a) an organoborane/amine complex wherein the amine is selected from the group of amines having an amidine structural component; aliphatic heterocycles having at least one nitrogen in the heterocyclic ring; an alicyclic compound having bound to the ring a substituent having an amine moiety; primary amines which in addition to a primary amine have one or more hydrogen bond accepting groups of an ether, polyether, thioether or halogen wherein there is an alkylene chain of at least two carbon atoms between the primary amine and the hydrogen bond accepting group; and conjugated imines; b) one or more of monomers, oligomers or polymers having olefinic unsaturation; and c) in the presence of an effective amount of a compound which causes the complex to disassociate or at a temperature at which causes the complex to disassociate.

Abstract: A mixed metal oxide, which may be an orthorhombic phase material, is improved as a catalyst for the production of unsaturated carboxylic acids, or unsaturated nitrites, from alkanes, or mixtures of alkanes and alkenes, by contact with a liquid contacting member selected from the group consisting of organic acids, alcohols, inorganic acids and hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: The present invention is for a transition metal-free catalyst system for synthesizing high molecular weight, linear polymers. The system comprises a catalyst composition having: (a) a neutral compound having the formula AlR3, wherein R is an alkyl or hydride group; (b) a Lewis acid or Lewis acid derivative cocatalyst different from the neutral compound, wherein the cocatalyst reacts with the neutral compound to form an initiator; and (c) an activity-enhancing modifier, wherein the modifier reacts with the initiator to form the catalyst composition. The instant invention is also directed to a method for polymerizing at least one olefinic monomer comprising the step of contacting a feed containing the olefinic monomer under polymerization conditions with the transition metal-free catalyst composition.

Abstract: A catalytic composition useful for cracking and reducing the viscosity of heavy hydrocarbons. The catalytic composition comprises Portland cement, a volcanic ash component, titanium dioxide, and a transition metal salt. Optionally, a hydrogen source is added to the catalytic composition.

Abstract: A supported catalyst comprising a mixed metal oxide is useful for the vapor phase oxidation of an alkane or a mixture of an alkane and an alkene to an unsaturated carboxylic acid and for the vapor phase ammoxidation of an alkane or a mixture of an alkane and an alkene to an unsaturated nitrile.

Abstract: A catalyst comprising vanadium phosphorus oxide combined with a thermally conductive material is particularly useful for the selective hydrocarbon oxidations (e.g., butane to maleic anhydride) and can be prepared by forming a suspension comprising a vanadium (IV) phosphate compound in a liquid medium (via hydrochloric acid digestion of V2O5 and H3PO4 in an aqueous solvent or via heating vanadium pentoxide with at least one substantially anhydrous unsubstituted alcohol having 1-10 carbon atoms, 1-3 hydroxyl groups free from olefinic double bonds to form a feed of vanadium pentoxide reduced to a valence between 4 and 4.6, and then contacting the feed with a solution of orthophosphoric acid and at least one unsubstituted alcohol), adding a thermally conductive material to the suspension under agitation at moderated temperature between 40° C. and 120° C., followed by drying, optionally but preferably washing and calcining (either in situ or ex situ) the material thus formed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for depositing one or more catalytically reactive metals on a carrier, said process comprising selecting a carrier and depositing a catalytically effective amount of one or more catalytically reactive metals on the carrier, the deposition effected by submersing the carrier in an impregnation solution wherein the hydrogen ion activity of the impregnation solution has been lowered. The invention further relates to catalysts made from the process.

Abstract: The present invention provides catalyst components comprising a compound having a weakly coordinating anion salt and a reactive cation, in particular a compound of the formula MxQy. Preferably, each M is independently a cation with at least one M being a reactive cation as defined herein. Q is a fluorinated polyhedral borate moiety. And x and y are absolute values of the oxidation states of Q and M, respectively. The present invention also provides processes for using the catalyst components defined herein.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer. This invention also provides compositions that are useful for polymerizing at least one monomer to produce a polymer, wherein said composition comprises a post-contacted organometal compound, a post-contacted organoaluminum compound, and a post-contacted treated solid oxide compound.

Abstract: A modified carrier carrying on at least a part of an inert carrier surface an oxide which is represented by the formula (1): XaYbZcOd (wherein X is at least an element selected from alkaline earth metals; Y is at least an element selected from Si, Al, Ti and Zr; Z is at least an element selected from Group IA elements and Group IIIb elements of the periodic table, B, Fe, Bi, Co, Ni and Mn; and O is oxygen; a, b, c and d denote the atomic ratios of X, Y, Z and O, respectively, where a=1, 0<b≦100, 0≦c≦10, and d is a numerical value determined by the extents of oxidation of the other elements) is provided. A catalyst formed with the use of this modified carrier carrying a complex oxide containing Mo and V is useful as a vapor phase catalytic oxidation catalyst, and is particularly suitable as a catalyst for preparing acrylic acid through vapor phase catalytic oxidation of acrolein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mesoporous gel comprising an alumina matrix in which one or more oxides selected from silica, boron oxide, phosphorus oxide, oxides of metals of groups VIII and VIB, may be uniformly dispersed. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of this gel and its uses as carrier, as catalyst for acid-catalyzed reactions and as hydrotreating catalyst.