Abstract: Process for isomerization of a feedstock that contains aromatic compounds with eight carbon atoms characterized in that it comprises at least one isomerization stage a) that is carried out in the presence of a catalyst that contains at least one metal of group VIII and that is activated according to an activation process that comprises at least one sulfurization stage and at least one stage for passivation with ammonia, and at least one dehydrogenation stage b).

Abstract: The present invention relates to functionalized molecular sieves that are useful as shape-selective adsorbents and catalysts. The inventive molecular sieves have a crystalline framework and include micropores of substantially uniform size and shape formed therein. These micropores contain one or more accessible organic moieties that are linked to the crystalline framework by a carbon-silicon ond. Shape selectivity of the inventive molecular sieves may be modulated by varying the size and shape of the micropores (which is a function of the particular molecular sieve being synthesized) and the organic moiety incoporated therein.

Abstract: Provided herein is are acidic Z5M-5 zeollte materials which are highly active and selective in the synthesis of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) and similar ethers. The materials are obtained by the preparation method comprising the main steps of: i) impregnation of zeolites with fluorine species using ammonium fluoride as precursor, preferably with a F loading of ca.1.9×103 mol.g−1 of zeolite; and ii) stepwise activation in air at preferably 250° C. and then preferably at 300° C. to 500° C., preferably 450° C. The method is preferably applied to desilicated ZSM-5 zeolite and provides conversion rates to MTBE superior to those obtained with prior art commercial AMBERLYSF™ resin (gas phase reaction at 70-80° C.) is obtained. No by-products, commonly produced by prior art commercial organic resin catalyst, are detected in the product spectrum.

Abstract: Difluoromethane (R-32) is of current interest as a partial replacement for chlorodifluoromethane (R-22) refrigerant heretofore widely used in vapor compression refrigeration systems. R-32 has, however, proved to be more reactive than is desirable with the zeolite A adsorbent-desiccant compositions used in such systems to prevent corrosion and freeze-up problems. The potassium cation form of a zeolite A molecular sieve—with at least 60 percent of the sodium cations replaced with potassium ions, agglomerated with a clay binder, and pore-reduced to essentially exclude the adsorption of R-32 having essentially no reactivity with difluoromethane, and having a surface ratio of silicon to aluminum of less than about 1.7 mol/mol as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy—has been found to be an effective desiccant for refrigerants comprising difluoromethane.

Abstract: A catalyst composition prepared by a method which comprises incorporating at least one transition metal into a calcined zeolite-silica material, calcining the resulting transition metal-incorporated calcined zeolite-silica material and contacting the resulting calcined transition metal-incorporated calcined zeolite-silica material with ammonium sulfide is disclosed. The thus-obtained catalyst composition is employed as a catalyst in the conversion of a hydrocarbon feedstock to at least one aromatic.

Abstract: A novel loop/slurry olefin polymerization process is provided which produces ultra-high molecular weight ethylene homopolymer.

Abstract: A method is described for improving the catalytic performances of titanium silicalite having formula (I) by the activation of the catalyst (I) in an aqueous medium with hydrogen peroxide, in the presence of precursors of fluoride ions or anionic species containing fluorine. The activated catalyst (I) is particularly useful in oxidation processes with hydrogen peroxide of organic substrates and, in particular, in hydroxylation reactions of aromatic compounds, amoximation reactions of carbonyl compounds, epoxidation reactions of olefinic compounds and oxidation reactions of nitrogenated compounds.

Abstract: A process for the production of a bleaching clay product which includes the steps of selecting a naturally occurring hormite clay product, cleaning and crushing the clay product to form clay clumps less than 2 in. in diameter, aging the crushed hormite clay and activating the clay with extremely small amounts of acid, in the range of less than 1 percent, by weight. The process may also be conducted without an aging step. Also, an acceptable bleaching clay product can be produced without the addition of any acid to the aged hormite clay.

Abstract: A mesopore molecular sieve having a hydrocarbon group bonded directly to a silicon atom in the metal oxide skeleton constituting the molecular sieve, wherein the content of said hydrocarbon group is from 0.01 to 0.6 mol per mol of the metal oxide. Also disclosed is a process for producing a mesopore molecular sieve having a hydrocarbon atom bonded to a silicon atom in the molecular sieve skeleton, which comprises synthesizing the mesopore molecular sieve, in the presence of a template, from: a silane compound represented by the following formula (1): RnSiX(4−n)  (1) wherein R represents a hydrocarbon group selected from C1-16 hydrocarbon groups and hydrocarbon groups substituted with an N—, O-, S-, P- or halogen-containing group; n represents 1, 2 or 3; and X is selected from C1-6 alkoxy groups, aryloxy groups, a hydroxyl group and halogen atoms and a plurality of X may be the same or different; and a metal oxide and/or a precursor thereof.

Abstract: An electron accepting developer useful for producing visible images by reaction with an electron donor in carbonless paper and photo-imaging systems, the developer comprising an acid-treated, water insoluble alkali metal-modified, inorganic oxide or an acid-treated molecular sieve.

Abstract: A hydrocarbon conversion process in which the rate of coke formation is reduced without a significant sacrifice in light olefin and BTX yield by the use of a silylated, stabilized metal promoted zeolite catalyst. Another embodiment includes a novel silylated spinel/zeolite catalyst. Another embodiment includes a process for producing a zinc or gallium promoted zeolite in which the promoter is stabilized by a high temperature water vapor treatment in the presence of a metal oxide such as alumina and thereafter the stabilized catalyst precursor is calcined and silylated.

Abstract: Novel synthetic zeolite compositions of extremely small particle sizes that have increased loading capability, and process technology for producing such compositions are described. So far as is presently known, it has never been possible to form such compositions heretofore. The process technology involves, inter alia, contacting the zeolite cake formed in its production with a specified type of treating agent and then subjecting the treated zeolite to physical subdivision.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an amorphous alumino-silicate derivative which involves reacting a solid corresponding starting material with MOH where M is alkali metal or ammonium cation. The solid corresponding starting material may be selected from montmorillonite, kaolin, natural zeolite (e.g., clinoliptolite/heulandite) as well as illite, palygorskite and saponite and additional reactant MX wherein X is halide may be utilized in conjunction with MOH. The invention also includes alumino-silicate derivatives of the general formula MpAlqSi2Or(OH)sXt.uH2O as well as alumino-silicate derivatives of the general formula MpAlqSi2Or(OH)s.uH2O.

Abstract: A high silica content zeolite-based catalyst for use in a reaction which uses a feedstock containing an aromatic hydrocarbon or which gives a product containing an aromatic hydrocarbon, which catalyst satisfies the following requirements (1), (2), (3) and (4): (1) the zeolite constituting a zeolite-based catalyst has an SiO2/Al2O3 molar ratio of from 20 to 200; (2) the zeolite constituting a zeolite-based catalyst has a primary particle diameter of from 0.3 to 3 &mgr;m; (3) when a zeolite-based catalyst is converted into H type, the H type zeolite-based catalyst has a ratio of the number of surface acid sites to the total number of acid sites is from 0.03 to 0.15; and (4) a zeolite-based catalyst exhibits a pyridine-desorbed amount (B) as measured at a temperature of from 500° C. to 900° C. by a hot desorption method when converted into H type after being subjected to a steam treatment at an H2O partial pressure of 0.8 atm and a temperature of 650° C.

Abstract: The formation of new materials in the form of alumino-silicate derivatives from 2:1 layer clay materials which are obtained by the chemical modification of 2:1 layer clay minerals by reaction with a salt having the formula MX wherein M is ammonium ion or alkali metal cation and X is a halide. The new materials have the following characteristics: (a) an amorphous x-ray diffraction signal manifest as a broad hump using x-ray powder diffraction between 22° and 32° 2&thgr; using CuK&agr; radiation; and (b) the presence of primarily tetrahedrally coordinated aluminum.

Abstract: Applicants have prepared a novel zeolite identified as LZ-281. This zeolite has the framework topology of zeolite EMT. The LZ-281 zeolite is prepared by removing framework aluminum atoms from EMC-2 zeolite while simultaneously replacing the aluminum atoms with extraneous silicon atoms. This increases the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio versus the starting EMC-2 zeolite and results in the LZ-281 zeolite having increased thermal stability, increased number and/or strength of acid sites and increased activity in hydrocarbon processes requiring strong acid sites.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the use of a catalyst that contains at least one dioctahedral phyllosilicate 2:1, which is preferably synthesized in a fluoride medium in the presence of HF acid and/or another source of fluoride anions, whose reticulate distance is equal to at least 20×10−10 m (2 nm) and which includes pillars that are based on at least one oxide from the elements of groups IVB, VB, VIB, VIII, IB, IIB, IIA, IVA, or any combination of these oxides, and preferably selected from the group composed of SiO2, Al2O3, TiO2, ZrO2, and V2O5, or any combination of the latter and at least one element from group VIII, in a process for isomerization of a feedstock that contains mainly normal paraffins that carry 5 to 10 carbon atoms per molecule.

Abstract: A process for the reduction of ketones or aldehydes to alcohols has been developed. The process involves contacting the ketone or aldehyde with a primary or secondary alcohol and a catalyst at reduction conditions. The catalyst is a molecular sieve having the empirical formula: (MwSnxTiySi1-x-y-zGez)O2 where M is a trivalent metal such as aluminum or boron. These molecular sieves have a microporous three dimensional framework structure of at least SiO2 and SnO2 tetrahedral units, a crystallographically regular pore system and the characteristic x-ray diffraction pattern of zeolite beta.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are thermally stable ZSM-5 zeolite materials. The novel materials having substantially uniform micropores narrower (about 0.49 nm) or wider (about 0.55 nm and above) than those of conventional ZSM-5 zeolite (0.52-0.54 nm). Also disclosed is a preparation method (desilication/reinsertion/stabilization or DRS) for converting conventional ZSM-5 zeolite materials to the thermally stable zeolite materials of the present invention. The method of the present invention comprises the steps of sequentially treating ZSM-5 zeolite with aqueous solutions of sodium carbonate and sodium hydroxide to obtain a desilication of the zeolite, reinserting some of the silicon species (mainly sodium orthosilicate and sodium pyrosilicate) which have been selectively removed from the zeolite framework during the desilication operation, and activating the resulting materials in air or in the presence of steam at high temperatures. The amount of the reinserted silicon species depends on the pore size wanted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to zeolites and the process for forming such zeolites. In addition, the instant invention relates to modified zeolites having a reduced water content while retaining the reactivity toward the acid species. The reduction in the water content is achieved by shock annealing or coating. The modified zeolite is useful as a stabilizer for halogen containing polymers.

Abstract: A catalyst for removing olefins from aromatic compounds or mixtures of aromatic compounds wherein the catalyst is a naturally acidic smectite clay containing exchangeable cations wherein the naturally acidic smectite clay has a cation exchange capacity of 40 to 80 meq./100 g. and wherein the exchangeable cations include 5 to 70 meq./100 g. of Al.sup.3+ cations, a process for the preparation of this catalyst including treating a naturally acidic smectite clay with an aluminum salt solution wherein the salt solution includes Al.sup.3+ ions at a concentration of at least 10 meq./100 g. of the catalyst, and a process for the removal of olefins from aromatic compounds or mixtures of aromatic compounds using the above-described catalyst.

Abstract: The invention concerns a NU-86 zeolite comprising silicon and at least one element T selected from the group formed by aluminium, iron, gallium and boron, preferably aluminium, characterized in that element T has been extracted from the framework, and in that it has a global Si/T atomic ratio of more than about 20. Element T is extracted from the zeolitic framework (or network) by means of at least one heat treatment, optionally carried out in the presence of steam, followed by at least one acid attack using at least one solution of a mineral or organic acid, or by direct acid attack. The invention also concerns a catalyst comprising the zeolite which is at least partially in its acid form, and the use of the catalyst for the conversion of hydrocarbons, in particular for the oligomerization of olefins.

Abstract: There is disclosed a new form of zeolite beta which shows substantially greater stability and greater catalyst lifetime when used in the alkylation and transalkylation of aromatic compounds. The new, surface-modified zeolite beta is characterized by having surface aluminum 2p binding energies, as measured by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, of at least 74.8 electron volts. This surface-modified zeolite beta is prepared by treating an as synthesized and templated zeolite beta with an acid at a pH between about 0 and about 2 at a temperature up to about 125.degree. C. for a time sufficient to modify the chemical environment of the surface aluminum atom without bringing about dealumination of the zeolite beta, then calcining the acid-treated templated material at 550-700.degree. C. to remove the template.

Abstract: Disclosed is a novel cathode ray-luminescent phosphor which is a composite body consisting of a dealuminized zeolite carrying a specified amount of a metal such as tin, cobalt and nickel or an oxide thereof within the pores of the dealuminized zeolite structure. The cathode ray-luminescent phosphor is prepared by a method comprising the steps of: (a) heating an ammonium-form zeolite in the presence of steam to effect dealuminization of the zeolite; (b) impregnating the dealuminized zeolite with an aqueous solution of a metal salt in an amount of the metal salt in the range from 10 to 60 parts by weight calculated as metal per 100 parts by weight of the dealuminized zeolite; (c) drying the dealuminized zeolite impregnated with the aqueous metal salt solution; and (d) calcining the dried zeolite in a reducing or oxidizing atmosphere at a temperature in the range from 450 to 600.degree. C. for 1 to 5 hours to form a composite of the dealuminized zeolite and the metal or an oxide of the metal, respectively.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for improving the pour point of a feed comprising paraffins containing more than 10 carbon atoms, in which process the feed to be treated is brought into contact with a catalyst comprising NU-85 zeolite and at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element, at a temperature which is in the range 170.degree. C. to 500.degree. C., a pressure in the range 1 to 250 bar and an hourly space velocity in the range 0.05 to 100 h.sup.-1, in the presence of hydrogen in a proportion of 50 to 2000 l/l of feed. The oils obtained have good pour points and high viscosity indices (VI). The process is also applicable to gas oils and other feeds requiring a reduction of pour point. The invention also concerns a NU-85 zeolite from which a portion of elements T (Al, Ga, Fe or B) have been removed and which has an Si/T atomic ratio of at least 18.

Abstract: A process for producing a crystalline silicate catalyst having a monoclinic structure, the process comprising providing a crystalline silicate of the MFI-type having a silicon/aluminum atomic ratio lower than 80; treating the crystalline silicate with steam and thereafter leaching aluminum from the crystalline silicate by contact with an aqueous solution of a leachant to provide a silicon/aluminum atomic ratio in the catalyst of at least 80 whereby the catalyst has a monoclinic structure.

Abstract: Novel crystalline zeolitic materials of the faujasite structure having an increased ratio of zeolitic surface area to mesoporous surface area and distinctive X-Ray Diffraction peak ratios are produced by calcining zeolite Y of low sodium content at temperatures above 600.degree. C.

Abstract: A catalyst is described on the basis of acid-activated smectitic clay minerals for removing olefins from aromatic compounds or mixtures of aromatic compounds which is characterized in that the acid-activated clay mineral contains at least 5 milli-equivalents/100 g of exchangeable Al.sup.3+ cations.

Abstract: A catalyst, method for preparing the catalyst, and method for using the catalyst having improved conversion and/or selectivity in the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons. The catalyst being prepared by modifying and impregnating a mazzite zeolite. Modification of the original mazzite zeolite may include steps for ion-exchanging, dealuminating, physically mixing with chromic oxide, shaping, and calcining. Once modified, the mazzite zeolite may be impregnated with at least one metal selected from the group consisting of chromium, molybdenum, tungsten and oxides of these metals.

Abstract: The instant invention is directed to a process for selectively removing detrital material from boro-aluminosilicate selected from EUO, NES and intergrown mixtures of EUO and NES boro-aluminosilicate topology zeolites having a Si/M ratio of greater than about 40, comprising treating said boro-aluminosilicate with a base for a time and at a temperature sufficient to remove said detrital material from said boro-aluminosilicate wherein the concentration of said base is less than about 0.5 normal. Base concentrations in excess of this level may cause the removal of framework components leading to subsequent structural degradation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an activated clay for refining aromatic hydrocarbons such as BTX (benzene, toluene, xylene), etc., satisfying the requirements of both excellent life and excellent side-reaction-preventing property. The activated clay for treating aromatic hydrocarbons is obtained by treating dioctahedral smectite clay minerals with an acid so as to possess a BET specific surface area of not smaller than 250 m.sup.2 /g and to contain iron in an amount of not smaller than 2.5% by weight calculated as Fe.sub.2 O.sub.3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new crystalline, molecular sieve CIT-6 that has the topology of zeolite beta. CIT-6 can be in an all-silica form, in a form wherein zinc is in the crystal framework, or a form containing silicon oxide and non-silicon oxides. In a preferred embodiment, CIT-6 has a crystal size of less than one micron and a water adsorption capacity of less than 0.05 g/g.

Abstract: A process for preparation of fluidized catalytic cracking (FCC) catalyst, comprising silicon stabilized large crystallite sized synthetic faujasite zeolite, aluminum depleted and normal kaolin clay, alumina and silica. The cracking catalyst is highly active and selective for bottom upgradation, it produces less coke and higher gasoline and total cycle oil (TCO) and possesses improved metal tolerance properties when evaluated and compared with a commercial catalyst under conditions of a typical FCC unit in a petroleum refinery.

Abstract: Catalysts for olefin polymerization which consist essentially of a transition metal compound, a modified clay compound and an organic aluminum compound, wherein the modified clay compound comprises a reaction product of a clay mineral and a proton acid salt of a specific amine compound, as well as a method of polymerizing olefins using such catalysts. It is possible thereby to obtain olefin polymers with high productivity and low ash content.

Abstract: An improved zeolite catalyst containing an acid-treated zeolite, a boron component and a zinc component manufactured by a novel method having certain process steps necessary for providing the improved zeolite catalyst. The process steps include a first steam treatment of an acid-treated zeolite, followed by incorporation of such zeolite with a boron component and a zinc component, followed by a second steam treatment. Processes are also disclosed for using the improved zeolite catalyst in the conversion of hydrocarbons, preferably non-aromatic hydrocarbons, to lower olefins (such as ethylene and propylene) and aromatic hydrocarbons (such as benzene, toluene, and xylene).

Abstract: A composition of matter represented by the formulaM.sup.n+.sub.z/n [Si.sub.(2-x-y) Al.sub.(y) Zn.sub.(x) ]O.sub.4 .multidot..cndot.wH.sub.2 OwhereinM is a cation selected from Groups 1, 2, 7, 10, 11, 12 and the f block elements as defined by the Periodic Table of the elements as adopted by IUPAC; n is the valence of the selected cation, M; x is greater than or equal to 0.02 but less than or equal to 1;y is less than or equal to 0.98; z>0.54; and w ranges from 0 to about 8;provided that when z.gtoreq.0.80, then 2x+y does not equal z;which composition of matter has the FAU structure with zinc residing in tetrahedral positions in the framework of the FAU structure;and whereupon such composition of matter is converted to a hydrated sodium form, the hydrated sodium form of the composition of matter exhibits a lattice constant (a.sub.0)wherein ##EQU1## where R represents the Si/Al molar ratio of the composition of matter.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel crystalline molecular sieves having the framework of ETS-10 titanium silicate which contain both octahedral and tetrahedral titanium atoms and are in acid form. The sieves are prepared by adding a complexing agent such as hydrogen peroxide during synthesis or by treating a synthesized titanium silicate molecular sieve with a reagent that replaces tetrahedral silicon with tetrahedral titanium atoms.

Abstract: A method of producing .epsilon.-caprolactam from cyclohexanone in the gaseous phase using MFI catalysts on whose surface symmetrically arranged OH groups are present.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a modified ammonium mordenite, characterized in that it comprises the steps of(1) drying an ammonium mordenite under conditions such that the mordenite is maintained in ammonium form and(2) treating the dried ammonium mordenite thus obtained with tetrachlorosilane in the gas phase at a temperature of between 300 and 600.degree. C.The modified ammonium mordenite obtained by this process is suitable for use as a catalyst in the production of methylamines by reaction of ammonia and methanol, allowing high selectivities in dimethylamine.

Abstract: A catalyst, method for preparing the catalyst, and method for using the catalyst having improved para-selectivity in the conversion of alkyl-substituted benzene to para-dialkyl-substituted benzene. The catalyst being prepared by calcining a starting zeolite material, selectivating the calcined zeolite using a silicon-containing selectivating agent, physically mixing the calcined and selectivated zeolite with a binder, shaping the resulting zeolitic physical blend into a form suitable for use in a hydrocarbon conversion process, selectivating the shaped zeolitic physical blend using a silicon-containing selectivating agent, and calcining the selectivated shaped zeolitic physical blend.

Abstract: A method is provided for preparing fully lattice-inserted titanium zeolites by post-synthesis processing of the synthetic zeolite optionally containing titanium with an inorganic acid, wherein the post-synthesis processing comprises processing the zeolite in the presence of at least one titanium source with a solution containing at least one oxidizing inorganic acid having a higher redox potential than an acidic tetravalent titanium solution. The invention is also directed to the use of the zeolites.

Abstract: A method for preparing novel zeolitic catalyst compositions having a high Si/Al ratio and a crystallinity of at least about 70%. The method involves cation exchanging an as synthesized faujasite material having an Si/Al greater than about 4 with a component selected from the group consisting of ammonium ions and mineral acids, then steam calcining said cation exchanged faujasite in a single steam calcination step at a temperature from about 900.degree. F. to about 1 500.degree. F.

Abstract: A method for preparing a catalyst and the use of such catalyst for converting an oxygenate feed to olefins wherein the catalyst is modified or treated with the aid of electromagnetic energy.

Abstract: A midbarrel hydrocracking catalyst includes the following:a. 10-75% by weight of a Y-type molecular sieve;b. 10-25% by weight of a small pore alumina;c. 0-40% by weight of an amorphous aluminosilicate;d. 0-25 % by weight of a large pore alumina;e. 12-32% by weight of a Group VIB metal oxide, andf. 3-8% by weight of a Group VIII metal oxide.The Y-type molecular sieve is a high silica Y-type molecular sieve USSSY of a Na.sub.2 O content of no more than 0.2% by weight, a SiO.sub.2 to AJ.sub.2 O.sub.3 molar ratio of 6-40, a relative crystallinity of more than 80% and a unit cell size of 2.426-2.44 nm.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for improving the pour point of a feed comprising paraffins containing more than 10 carbon atoms, in which process the feed to be treated is brought into contact with a catalyst comprising an NU-87 zeolite comprising silicon and at least one clement T selected from the group formed by Al, Fe, Ga and B, from which at least a portion of clement T has been removed, and having a global Si/T ratio of over 20, the catalyst also containing at least one hydro-dehydrogenating element. The process is carried out at a temperature which is in the range 170.degree. C. to 500.degree. C., a pressure in the range 1 to 250 bar and at an hourly space velocity in the range 0.05 to 100 h.sup.-1, in the presence of hydrogen in a proportion of 50 to 2000 l/l of feed. The oils obtained have good pour points and high viscosity indices (VI). The process is also applicable to gas oils and other feeds requiring a reduction of pour point. The catalyst is also claimed.

Abstract: Anionic clay compounds such as hydrotalcite-like compounds can be made by a process wherein a non-hydrotalcite-like compound (or a hydrotalcite-like compound) are heat treated and then hydrated to form hydrotalcite-like compounds having properties (e.g., increased hardness and/or density) that differ from those of hydrotalcite-like compounds made by prior art methods wherein non-hydrotalcite-like compounds (or hydrotalcite-like compounds) are not similarly heat treated and hydrated to form such hydrotalcite-like compounds.

Abstract: A process is provided for the production of a catalyst useful for removing nitrogen oxides out of exhaust gases from internal combustion engines operated under lean burn conditions. The catalyst is produced by supporting at least one catalytic metal, such as platinum, iridium, rhodium, other transition metals and alkaline earth metals, as the active component on a support, such as a zeolite, by either wash-coating a solution of the catalytic metal components onto the support; evaporating off solvent from a mixture of solvent, catalyst material and support, or rapidly drying droplets of support and catalyst material containing slurry with a hot gas. The supported catalyst is activated by heating to a temperature of 150 to 300.degree. C. for a period of time sufficient to desorb catalytic material components, such as water, chlorine and ammonia, out of the pores of the catalyst that adversely affect the activity and heat resistance of the catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a modified kaolin from a kaolin group mineral which includes expansion and contraction of layers of the kaolin group mineral. The layers comprising one Si-tetrahedral sheet and one Al-octahedral sheet. The expansion and contraction may be initiated by initial intercalation of a reagent which can penetrate kaolin layers to reach an interlayer region therebetween to form an intercalate. Subsequently, the intercalation nay be followed by de-intercalation which involves the removal of the reagent. By the above process, there is provided crystalline modified kaolins having the following properties: (i) an increased interlayer space compared to corresponding kaolin group minerals; (ii) an increased susceptibility to intercalation by cations, anions or salts compared to corresponding kaolin group minerals; and (iii) an increased exfoliated morphology compared to corresponding kaolin group minerals.

Abstract: A substantially dust-free, inert absorbent derived from clay is described. Raw clay having strong surface acidity sites is combined with a metal salt, then heat treated to produce vitrified clay granules suitable as a carrier for labile chemical or biological materials.

Abstract: Zeolite catalysts useful for the production of phenol and its derivatives by oxidative hydroxylation of benzene and its derivatives by nitrous oxide, e.g. at temperatures of 225.degree.-450.degree. C., having substantially enhanced process characteristics resulting from hydrothermal treatment using a gas containing from about 3 to 100 mole percent water vapor, e.g. in nitrogen, at a temperature ranging from about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Two hours of hydrothermal treatment has been shown to be effective.