Abstract: Aluminum phosphate compositions are provided which are characterized simultaneously by high porosity and phosphorous-to-aluminum ratios of approximately 1.0. The high porosity of these compositions is a function of high pore volume coupled with low surface area, resulting in high average pore diameter. These materials have excellent properties as catalysts and catalyst supports. Methods of making the compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A composition of matter comprises trifluoromethanesulfonic acid on a solid support material which contains boron phosphate and/or boron sulfate. Preferred support materials are boron phosphate, boron phosphate-coated silica and boron sulfate-coated silica. The above composition is used as a catalyst for alkylating at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.7 alkane (preferably isobutane or an isopentane) with at least one C.sub.2 -C.sub.7 alkene (preferably butene-2).

Abstract: Thermally stable ceric oxide-based compositions, well suited as catalysts/catalyst supports for a wide variety of reactions, notably for the catalytic conversion of exhaust gases emanating from internal combustion engines, comprise particulates of immixture of a major amount of ceric oxide with at least one other metal oxide of magnesium, gallium, boron, scandium, or mixture thereof, and having a specific surface greater than 10 m.sup.2 /g after calcination at 800.degree. C.

Abstract: This system for priming the animic polymerization of (meth)acrylates includes at least one primer of the formula R--M (I) in which M represents a metal selected from alkaline and alkaline earth metals and R represents an alkyl radical with a straight or branched chain containing 2 to 6 atoms of carbon or an aryl radical or an arylalkyl radical. H is characterized in that it further contains at least one organic derivative of an alkaline metal, with the proviso that said organic derivative is neither an alcoholate nor a carboxyl acid ester substituted in position .alpha. by said metal. Applications in the anionic polymerization of (meth)acrylates.

Abstract: A composition of matter, which is an effective alkylation catalyst composition, is prepared by a method comprising heating, at a temperature of about 40.degree.-90.degree. C., (a) aluminum chloride, (b) boron phosphate, (c) alumina and/or silica, and (d) at least one chlorinated hydrocarbon (preferably CCl.sub.4), and subsequently separating the formed solid from the chlorinated hydrocarbon. The thus-prepared catalyst composition is employed in the alkylation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.7 alkane(s) with C.sub.2 -C.sub.7 alkene(s).

Abstract: A process for the production of carboxylic anhydrides from aromatic hydrocarbons in gas phase oxidation by using a high activity and high selectivity fluid catalyst, comprising 50 to 95% by weight calculated as TiO.sub.2 +SiO.sub.2 +B.sub.2 O.sub.3 of component (A) which comprises titanium oxide, silicon dioxide and boron oxide and5 to 50% by weight calculated as V.sub.2 O.sub.5 +M.sub.2 O (M represents an alkali metal) +SO.sub.3 of component (B) comprising vanadium oxide, an alkali metal oxide and sulfuric anhydride, wherein weight ratios of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 to TiO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 to TiO.sub.2 in said component (A) are in the range of 0.02 to 0.5 and 0.25 to 1.0, respectively, is provided.

Abstract: A contact material composition of an intimately mixed halogencontaining mixed oxide of at least one cationic species of a naturally occurring Group IIIB element, at least one cationic species of a Group IIA metal of magnesium, calcium, strontium and barium and at least one cationic species of germanium and gallium, as well as methods for hydrocarbon conversion using such contact material compositions are provided.

Abstract: A composition useful for catalyzing alkylation and transalkylation reactions comprises a molecular sieve having alkylation and/or transalkylation activity, an inorganic refractory oxide component and greater than 3.5 weight percent water. Such a catalyst has been found to maintain a long life when used to produce ethylbenzene in an integrated process in which benzene is alkylated with ethylene and transalkylated with diethylbenzene. The catalyst can also be used to produce cumene via an integrated process in which benzene is alkylated with propylene and transalkylated with diisopropylbenzene.

Abstract: A process is provided for isomerizing an olefinic hydrocarbon feedstock and producing an olefinic isomerate product, wherein the feedstock comprises at least 10 weight percent of an olefinic hydrocarbon having 5 carbon atoms, comprising contacting the feedstock at isomerization conditions with an isomerization catalyst, the isomerization catalyst comprising from about 0.01 weight percent to about 50 weight percent borosilicate and from about 20 weight percent to about 99.99 weight percent of silica.

Abstract: A process for the metathesis of olefins and functionalized olefins on Re.sub.2 O.sub.7 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -containing catalysts, which comprises effecting metathesis reaction in the presence of one or more halogen-free organoaluminum compounds as activators.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a catalyst containing vanadium antimony and tin in the oxide state which comprises making an aqueous slurry of a mixture of source batch materials comprising compounds of the elements to be included in the final catalyst followed by drying and heat calcining the mixture to an active catalyst, using as the source batch material for tin a stannous salt of a C.sub.1 to C.sub.18 acyclic, monocarboxylic acid containing no ethylenic or acetylenic carbon-to-carbon unsaturation.

Abstract: Novel cyclopentadienyl dicarbollide complexes of titanium, zirconiun and hafnium constitute a new class of neutral, 14-electron, d.degree., mixed-ring, bent-metallocene alkyl complexes which are useful as polymerization catalysts.

Abstract: A method for catalyzing the trimerization of an isocyanate and/or the reaction between an isocyanate and an active hydrogen-containing compound, the improvement which comprises employing a catalyst composition consisting essentially of the addition product of a tertiary amine urethane catalyst and a boron compound of the formulaR.sub.n BX.sub.3-nwheren represents 0, 1, 2 or 3,X represents F, Cl, Br, OCOR', OR" or mixtures thereof, andR, R' and R" independently represent C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A process for converting synthesis gas to paraffin wax by conversion over a partially sulfided rhenium-aluminum borate catalyst containing an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal compound is disclosed. The inventive process and catalyst provide highly efficient and selective conversion of synthesis gas to paraffin wax.

Abstract: A catalyst is disclosed comprising a thin outer shell of catalytic material bonded to an inner core of catalytically inert material. The catalyst is made by coating a catalytically inert core such as alpha alumina, with a thin layer of finely divided catalytically active material in a slurry of colloidal boehmite/pseudo boehmite then calcining to convert the boehmite/pseudo boehmite into .gamma. alumina thereby bonding it to the inert core. Catalysts made by this technique containing an outer shell of platinum on fluorided alumina in an inert core of alpha alumina .gamma. are attractive isomerization catalysts.

Abstract: A catalyst for the selective reduction of nitrous oxide with ammonia contains, in addition to titanium oxide as component (A), at least one oxide of W, Si, B, Al, P, Zr, Ba, Y, La, Ce and at least one oxide of V, Nb, Mo, Fe, Cu as component (B), whereby the atomic ratio between the elements of components (A) and (B) amounts to 1:0.001 up to 1. The catalyst can be obtained by kneading reactive titanium oxide with a high specific surface of predominantly anatase with the substances of component (B) or their preliminary stages, adding processing agents, winding up with a homogeneous kneaded mass, extruding the latter, drying the extrudate and calcining in air at 300.degree.-800.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing crystalline zeolites requiring a reaction mixture for crystallization thereof which contains Boron Beta Zeolite as an active source of silicon oxide and boron oxide.

Abstract: A high activity and high selectivity fluid catalyst for use in gas phase oxidation of aromatic hydrocarbons, comprising 50 to 95% by weight (calculated by TiO.sub.2 +SiO.sub.2 +B.sub.2 O.sub.3) of component (A) which comprises titanium oxide, silicon dioxide and boron oxide and 5 to 50% by weight [calculated by V.sub.2 O.sub.5 +M.sub.2 O (M represents an alkali metal)+SO.sub.3 ] of component (B) comprising vanadium oxide, an alkali metal oxide and sulfuric anhydride, wherein weight ratios of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 to TiO.sub.2 and SiO.sub.2 to TiO.sub.2 in said component (A) are in the range of from 0.02 to 0.5 and from 0.25 to 1.0, respectively, is provided.

Abstract: A catalyst for the metathesis of olefins and functionalized olefins, which contains a compound having the formula B.sub.2 O.sub.3 -Re.sub.2 O.sub.7 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 -SiO.sub.2.

Abstract: An amine-boron composition for catalyzing the urethane reaction, particularly in preparing a polyurethane foam, consisting essentially of the addition product of a tertiary amine and a boron compound of the formula R.sub.n B(OH).sub.3-n wheren=0 or 1, andR=C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl, C.sub.5 -C.sub.8 cycloalkyl or C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl.Preferred catalysts are prepared by mixing triethylenediamine with boric acid.

Abstract: Compositions of the formula IMO.sub.12 P.sub.a V.sub.b X.sup.1.sub.c X.sup.2.sub.d X.sup.3.sub.e Sb.sub.f Re.sub.g S.sub.h O.sub.n (I)whereX.sup.1 is potassium, rubidium and/or cesium,X.sup.2 is copper and/or silver,X.sup.3 is cerium, boron, zirconium, manganese and/or bismuth,a is from 0.5 to 3.0,b is from 0.01 to 3.0,c is from 0.2 to 3.0,d is from 0.01 to 2.0,e is from 0 to 2.0,f is from 0.01 to 2.0,g is from 0 to 1.0,h is from 0.001 to 0.5 andn is a number determined by the valency and content ofthe elements different from oxygen in I, are used as catalysts for preparing methacrylic acid by gas-phase oxidation of methacrolein.

Abstract: Methylene bridged derivatives of novel cyclopentadienyl dicarbollide complexes of titanium, zirconium and hafnium display high activity as ethylene polymerization catalysts in the absence of a cocatalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst for the metathesis of olefins and functionalized olefins, which contains a compound having the formula B.sub.2 O.sub.3 --Re.sub.2 O.sub.7 /Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 --SiO.sub.2.

Abstract: The invention relates to chemical compounds and their use as catalysts in the solvolysis of alkyl halides. The chemical compounds, when dry, have formula (I):(EO.sub.4 M).multidot.(Imp)p (I)wherein E is selected from the group consisting of phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and bismuth, and is preferably phosphorus, and M is a metal or a mixture of metals.Imp corresponds to a basic impregnating compound consisting of alkaline earth metal, or preferably alkali metal, and their mixtures in combination with a counter-anion to ensure electrical neutrality.The coefficient p is between 10.sup.-2 and 1/3.

Abstract: Boron, aluminum and gallium C.sub.1 -C.sub.18 perfluoroalkane-sulfonates (CF.sub.3 (CF.sub.2).sub.n SO.sub.3).sub.3 M (M=B, A1, Ga; n=0-17) as well as perfluororesin sulfonates such as Nafionates are new, highly effective Friedel-Crafts catalysts. In contrast to volatile aluminum and boron trihalides, the Group III-B perfluoroalkanesulfonates are generally of low or no volatility and, except for boron triflate and some of its homologs, only sparingly soluble incommon organic solvents. This allows their use as solid or supported Friedel-Crafts catalysts of wide utility and scope in continuous heterogenous catalytic processes. At the same time, boron triflate and related lower perfluoroalkanesulfonates are particularly efficient soluble catalysts in solution reactions.

Abstract: A crystalline zeolite SSZ-31 is prepared by various methods using quaternary ammonium ion templates.

Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing aluminum, boron, oxygen and at least one metallo element selected from Group IA of the Periodic Table is described. Also described is the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, the new materials having the general formula:(x) M.sub.2 O.(y) Al.sub.2 O.sub.3.(z) B.sub.2 O.sub.3where M is at least one metallo element selected from Group IA of the Periodic Table having atomic number from 11 through 55, inclusive, and x, y and z are numbers representing molar amounts of the oxides are described as well as the use of such materials in various catalyzed processes including synthesis of methacrylic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making an activated antimony and vanadium-containing catalyst in oxide form having an atomic ratio of Sb:V in the range from 0.8-4, which comprises calcining such an oxidic vanadium and antimony-containing composition at a temperature of over 750.degree. C., and thereafter contacting said calcined catalyst with a hydroxy compound in liquid form selected from (1) cyclohexanol, (2) cyclopentanol, (3) a monohydroxy, acyclic hydrocarbon having 1-8 C atoms, and (4) a dihydroxy, acyclic hydrocarbon having 2-4 carbon atoms, and separating as a liquid said compound from said catalyst insofar as it is present beyond the amount wetting said catalyst, and thereafter drying said catalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst precursor for methanol synthesis using copper sulfate recovered from low-cost copper etching waste solution as the source of copper, which comprises using recovered copper sulfate containing the mother liquor in the amount of 10% by weight or less, and adding a zinc or aluminum compound, and, optionally, further adding a boron compound to the recovered copper sulfate. The catalyst prepared by such method has all of the characteristics of a catalyst prepared with an expensive starting material, such as conventional metal nitrates. By using such method, the catalyst cost can be reduced to a great extent, thus rendering the method of great commercial value.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method which comprises the reaction in a reaction zone of a nitrile, RCN, with a hydroxyl compound, R'OH, in the presence of an inorganic catalyst introduced into the reaction zone, thereby producing a reaction mixture containing at least one amide selected from R--CONHR' and R--CON(R').sub.2, whereineach of R and R' contains no acetylenic unsaturation and 1 to 30 carbon atoms,each of R and R' is independently selected from a hydrocarbyl group and a hydrocarbyl group that is substituted with a group selected from cyano, carbamoyl, hydrocarbylcarbamoyl, dihydrocarbylcarbamoyl, and hydroxyl,wherein said inorganic catalyst is selected from phosphates and sulfates of Be, Ng, Al and B, and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: There is provided a boron-containing aluminosilicate zeolite corresponding to the substantially aluminum and boron free silicate zeolite described in the Hinnenkamp et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,376,757. Also provided are methods for making this borosilicate zeolite and methods for the catalytic conversion of organic charges to desired products with this borosilicate zeolite.

Abstract: A catalytic process for gas phase oxidative coupling of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds to produce higher molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds, the catalyst being a mixed basic metal oxide or sulfide catalyst. One preferred mixed basic metal oxide catalyst is boron/alkali metal promoted metal oxide.

Abstract: Process for applying a catalyst layer (4) composed of noble metals and/or noble-metal compounds to a ceramic carrier (1), in which process at least one ceramic intermediate layer (2) based on a glaze is applied, subjected to a heat treatment and cooled down. The catalyst layer (4) is in turn deposited as a chemical, electrochemical or physical deposit. Variants with .gamma.-Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 intermediate layer or with SiO.sub.2 intermediate layer or with Si intermediate layer.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalyst compositions comprised of chemically-mixed, copper-titanium oxides and the use of such catalyst compositions in the hydrogenation of certain esters to obtain the alcohol corresponding to the acid residue of the ester.

Abstract: A catalyst for making polyalkylenepolyamines by the reaction of a monoalkanolamine with an alkyleneamine which contains phosphorus and fluorine on a metal oxide support, the metal being selected from Groups IIIA, IIIB, IVB and VB of the periodic chart. The surface of a support, e.g. titania, is impregnated with at least one compound which contains fluorine and one which contains phosphorus. The same compound can contain both elements, e.g. a fluorophosphoric acid, or two or more compounds, which together contain the required elements, can be employed.

Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing at least one transition element, aluminum, boron and oxygen are described. Also described is the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, new materials comprising(a) crystalline LnAl.sub.1.67+0.67X (B.sub.4 O.sub.10)O.sub.X, and(b) crystalline LnAl.sub.2.67+0.33Z (B.sub.4 O.sub.11)O.sub.Zwhere Ln is at least one transition element, X is a number ranging from 0 to 1, and Z is a number ranging from 0 to 2, each crystalline phase having a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern are described as well as the use of such materials in various catalyzed processes including oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, dehydrogenation to functionalize alkylaromatic compounds, and ammoxidation of alkylaromatic compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for treating a new or regenerated catalyst containing a support having as a base at least one metal or metalloid oxide and at least one active metal, comprising treating the catalyst with at least one sulfuration agent dissolved in a solvent.The invention is charcterized in that the sulfuration agent is a polysulfide with the following general formulaR'--S.sub.y --R--S.sub.x --R--S.sub.y).sub.n R'where R is a linear or a branched organic radical comprising from 2 to 12 carbon atoms; R' is an alkyl, alkenyl, arylalkyl or arylalkenyl radical comprising from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, R' possibly comprising at least one heteroatom selected from the group consisting of oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur; x has a value of from 1 to 4; y has a value of from 1 to 8 and n is such that the average molar mass of the polymer is about 5000.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane and to a catalyst system for use in the method.In more detail a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane in which a mixture comprising methane and oxygen is heated to a temperature of from 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. and the heated mixture is contacted with a catalyst system which comprises a first component which is a non-reducible metal compound and which first component is sufficiently refractory to withstand the operative temperature and a second component which is one or more oxycompounds of boron or phosphorus provided on the surface of the first component.

Abstract: A mixed basic metal sulfide catalyst having the formula:xA.yB.zC.qSwherein A is an alkali metal selected from lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium and mixtures thereof; B is a cation which has an ionization state 1 greater than the ionization state of C; B is selected from scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, actinium, aluminum, boron and mixtures thereof when C is selected from beryllium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium, radium, zinc, cadmium, mercury and mixtures thereof and B is selected from titanium, zirconium, hafnium, silicon and mixtures thereof when C is selected from scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, actinium, aluminum, boron and mixtures thereof; x and y are in mole fractions of z such that when z=1 then x=0.001 to 0.25, and y=0.001 to 0.25; and q is a number necessary to maintain charge balance with S being sulfur.

Abstract: A process is described for producing crystalline copper aluminum borate by forming an aqueous composition comprising a volatile organic liquid having at least partial miscibility with water, a source of copper(II) ions, a source of alumina, and a source of boria at a pH in range from about 4 to about 12 to form a homogeneous gel, drying the gel to form a superficially dry solid, and calcining the dry solid at a sufficiently high temperature to form crystalline copper aluminum borate. Also described is a method for producing a copper aluminum borate precursor which when dried and/or calcined to a sufficiently high temperature forms crystalline copper aluminum borate.

Abstract: Compositions comprising boron-promoted reducible metal oxides (especially reducible oxides of Mn) containing alkali and alkaline earth metal components are disclosed, as well as use thereof for hydrocarbon conversions characterized by formation of by-product water. Particular processes comprise the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and the dehydrogenation of dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons, e.g., dehydrogenation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkanes to form the corresponding olefins.

Abstract: Disclosed is ammoxidation of C.sub.3 to C.sub.5 acyclic alkanes with NH.sub.3 and O.sub.2 using (1) a mole ratio of alkane:NH.sub.3 in the range from 2 to 16 and a mole ratio of alkane:O.sub.2 in the range 1 to 10 and (2) a mixture of particulate catalyst compositions, the first being especially effective to promote formation of an unsaturated nitrile and an olefin from the paraffin, and the second catalyst composition being especially effective to promote the conversion of the olefin to the unsaturated nitrile. Catalyst compositions useful in the process are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the ammoxidation of paraffins having 3-5 C atoms using a complex metal oxide catalyst having the ingredients and the proportions which are represented by the following empirical formula:VSb.sub.m P.sub.n A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c T.sub.t O.sub.xwhereA is one or more of W, Wn, Mo, B and Ge;B is one or more of Fe, Co, Ni, Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Te, Pb and As;C is one or more of an alkali metal and TlT is one or more of Ca, Sr and Baand where m is greater than 1 and up to 10; n is greater than zero and up to 10, a is 0-10; b is 0-3; c is 0-1; t is 0-1; a is equal to or less than m; b is equal to or less than m; n is equal to or less than m; and wherein the antimony has an average valency higher than +3 and the vanadium has an average valency lower than +5, and the catalyst and how to make the catalyst.

Abstract: Disclosed is the reaction of C.sub.3 to C.sub.4 paraffins with O.sub.2 and NH.sub.3 to make .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated nitriles and olefins, using certain complex metal oxide catalysts containing V, Sb, W and certain optional elements.

Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing cobalt, boron, oxygen and, optionally, aluminum, is described. Also described is the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, the new material Co(BO.sub.2)OH is described as well as the use of such material in various catalyzed processes including oxidation of organic compound processes. A particularly useful process is a heterogeneous catalyzed partial oxidation of an alkylaromatic followed by complete oxidation to an aromatic polycarboxlic acid in a water phase.

Abstract: Layered chalcogenide materials of high thermal stability and surface area which contain interspathic polymeric chalcogenides such as polymeric silica are prepared by ion exchanging a layered metal oxide, such as layered titanium oxide, with organic cation, to spread the layers apart. A compound such as tetraethylorthosilicate, capable of forming a polymeric oxide, is thereafter introduced between the layers. The resulting product is treated to form polymeric oxide, e.g. by hydrolysis, to produce the layered oxide material. The resulting product may be employed as catalyst material in the conversion of organic compounds.

Abstract: A new crystalline borosilicate molecular sieve, boronaaronate, having a composition in terms of mole ratios of oxides:0.9.+-.0.2M.sub.2/n O:B.sub.2 O.sub.3 :ySiO.sub.2 :zH.sub.2 Owherein M is a cation of valence n, y is between 2 and about 700, and z is between 0 and about 200, and having a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern. The boronaaronate is prepared by reacting under crystallization conditions, in substantial absence of a metal hydroxide, an aqueous mixture containing an oxide of silicon, an oxide of boron, ethylenediamine, and an organic material comprised of a heterocyclic nitrogen-containing aromatic compound or an aliphataic alcohol. Boronaaronate is useful in hydrocarbon conversion processes.

Abstract: An oxidation catalyst formed from V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and TiO.sub.2 of rutile structure is obtained by a process which comprises the following stages:(a) preparation of a solution of Ti(IV) by dissolution (partial hydrolysis) of TiCl.sub.4 in an aqueous solution at a final pH below 1.0,(b) preparation of a solution of V(IV) by heating, in order to dissolve it, solid V.sub.2 O.sub.5 suspended in an aqueous oxalic acid solution,(c) precipitation of metatitanic acid from the Ti(IV) solution at a pH not higher than 1.3,(d) precipitation of vanadium oxide from the said V(IV) solution in the presence of the metatitanic acid obtained in (c), and(e) separation of the precipitate, drying and calcination thereof at an elevated temperature.The process provides a catalyst formed from V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and TiO.sub.2 of rutile structure, which has a specific surface area of the order of 10 to 60 m.sup.

Abstract: Catalysts for the preparation of alkyl halides produced by reacting (1) transition metal carbonyl complex capable of oxidatively adding H.sub.2 or HCl and (2) a Lewis acid from the group consisting of aluminum halides, antimony halides and mixtures thereof, with an adsorbent solid containing surface hydroxyl groups, in a solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is ammoxidation of C.sub.3 to C.sub.5 acyclic alkanes with NH.sub.3 and O.sub.2 using (1) a mole ratio of alkane:NH.sub.3 in the range from 2 to 16 and a mole ratio of alkane:O.sub.2 in the range 1 to 10 and (2) a mixture of particulate catalyst compositions, the first being especially effective to promote formation of an unsaturated nitrile and an olefin from the paraffin, and the second catalyst composition being especially effective to promote the conversion of the olefin to the unsaturated mononitrile. Catalyst compositions useful in the process are also disclosed.