Abstract: Petrochemicals are produced by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the improved process, the principal product is removed, carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as a byproduct, is oxidized to carbon dioxide and part of the gaseous effluent, comprised mainly of carbon dioxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor. Removal of carbon monoxide from the recycle stream reduces the hazard of a fire or explosion in the reactor or associated equipment. The use of carbon dioxide as the principal diluent increases heat removal from the reactor, thereby increasing the production capacity of the reactor.

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: This invention provides a process for producing methyltetrahydrophthalic anhydride characterized in that maleic anhydride and a C.sub.5 fraction are subjected to Diels-Alder reaction in the presence of a radical polymerization inhibitor and oxygen. According to the process of this invention, formation of gels as byproduct is substantially completely inhibited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst for producing phthalic anhydride by gas phase catalytic oxidation of o-xylene and/or naphthalene with molecular oxygen or gas containing molecular oxygen and, to a process for producing phthalic anhydride by using said catalyst. The catalyst is made by supporting, on a heat-resistant inorganic carrier, a catalytic active substance which comprises: vanadium oxide; anatase type titanium dioxide having specific surface area of 10 to 60 m.sup.2 /g; niobium; at least one element selected from potassium, cesium, rubidium and thallium; phosphorus; and antimony. The catalytic active substance is prepared by using a five-valent antimony compound as an antimony source. The process for producing phthalic anhydride comprises use of said catalyst.

Abstract: The production of phthalic anhydride by the catalytic vapor-phase oxidation of a mixture of ortho-xylene and naphthalene is accomplished advantageously by a method which comprises packing in a reaction vessel, as a former-stage catalyst, a catalyst produced by supporting on an inactive carrier a catalytic substance composed of vanadium oxide and a specific anatase type titanium dioxide, Nb, P, Sb, and at least one component selected from the group consisting of K, Cs, Rb, and Tl as oxide and, as a latter-stage catalyst, a catalyst similar to the former-stage catalyst excepting the amount of the at least one component selected from among K, Cs, Rb, and Tl is in the range between 17 and 63% by weight as an oxide based on the amount of the same component used in the former-stage catalyst, both in specified bed heights feeding to this reaction vessel the mixture of ortho-xylene and naphthalene and a molecular oxygen-containing gas at a temperature in the range between 300.degree. and 450 .degree. C.

Abstract: Phthalic anhydride is prepared in a multiple tube reactor provided with separate salt baths, the temperature of the salt bath used for cooling the first layer of catalyst, as regarded in the direction of flow of the reaction mixture, being from 2.degree. to 20.degree. C. higher than that of the salt bath(s) associated with the following layer(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to the oxidation of organic compounds in a non-uniform fluidized solid catalyst reaction system characterized in that a temperature profile is maintained in the reaction system such that a predominance of the oxidation occurs in a higher temperature zone, unreacted organic compound is adsorbed on the catalyst surface in a lower temperature zone, direct back-circulation of catalyst is restricted between zones and catalyst containing adsorbed organic compound is circulated from the lower temperature zone to the higher temperature zone.

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to the conventional process for the production of phthalic anhydride. In particular, the present invention enables the crude phthalic anhydride product to be recovered in a more efficient manner.

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: An improved process is provided for the production of a petrochemical by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst to produce a flammable gaseous product stream comprising the desired petrochemical, unreacted hydrocarbon, oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In the improved process, a cooled or liquefied inert gas is injected as a quench fluid into the gaseous product stream exiting the hydrocarbon oxidation reactor, thereby cooling the stream to a temperature below the autoignition temperature of the flammable components of the stream, the petrochemical is recovered from the gaseous product and unreacted hydrocarbon is removed from the gaseous product and recycled to the reactor.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for the production of an anhydride by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the improved process, the anhydride product is removed, carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as a by-product, is oxidized to carbon dioxide and part of the gaseous effluent, comprised mainly of carbon dioxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor. Removal of carbon monoxide from the recycle stream reduces the hazard of a fire or explosion in the reactor or associated equipment. The use of carbon dioxide as the principal diluent increases heat removal from the reactor, thereby increasing the production capacity of the reactor.

Abstract: The addition of hafnium to oxidation catalysts provided by a heavy transition metal-bromine ion catalyst combination containing cobalt-manganese-bromine or manganese-bromine or cobalt-bromine and a soluble source of hafnium uniquely increases catalytic activity of the said catalyst combination for converting methyl groups on the benzene nucleus. The presence of hafnium in the total reactor contents is equal to or less than 250 parts per million by weight of the total reactor mother liquor. The solubility of the hafnium in the reactor solvent is such that reactor product cake contains less than 0.3 ppm by weight. Bromine emissions can be reduced.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of anhydrides from hydrocarbons by reaction with an oxygen-containing gas comprising oxygen, air or a gas enriched in oxygen relative to air, in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the process, a selective separator provides recycle of a substantial portion of the unreacted hydrocarbon as well as for a controlled amount of a gaseous flame suppressor in the system. The gaseous flame suppressor comprises a substantially unreactive hydrocarbon containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen when present in the feed to the oxidation reactor. The use of air or oxygen-enriched air in the feed to the oxidation reactor is particularly advantageous from an economic view in combination with a pressure swing adsorption unit as the selective separator. The process is characterized by high selectively to the formation of the anhydride product.

Abstract: A catalytic chemical process is carried out non-adiabatically using as a catalyst a body with two sets of channels throughout the body. One set of channels leads the process fluid towards one of two parallel walls of the catalyst chamber, the other set towards the outer wall, In slits between walls and catalyst heat is exchanged between process fluid and at least one of these walls upon reflecting the process fluid leaving channels of one set and entering channels of the other. The body may be made of alternatingly corrugated and plane sheets using in turn two different orientations for the corrugated sheets. It is preferred that the sheets are arranged orthogonal to the heat transmitting wall(s) and parallel to the overall direction of flow. The method is preferred for endothermic processes, especially steam reforming of hydrocarbon(s).

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved titanium dioxide rutile-based catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the rutile form a discontinuous monolayer amount of at least one source of a Group IA metal oxide; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the Group IA metal oxide source into the corresponding Group IA metal oxide; (c) depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating; and (d) calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: Catalyst compositions are disclosed containing potassium pyrosulfate, cesium pyrosulfate, supported on an inorganic oxide. The catalysts will selectively oxidize naphthalene and/or o-xylene to phthalic anhydride in a fluidized- or fixed-bed reactor system. Sulfur-containing gaseous promoter may be fed with the aromatic hydrocarbon to enhance selectivity.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of phthalic anhydride by the catalytic oxidation of naphthlene and/or ortho-xylene which comprises contacting a mixed gas containing naphthalene and/or ortho-xylene and a molecular oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst bed comprising a first catalyst packed on the upstream side of the flow of mixed gas and a second catalyst packed on the downstream side of the flow, wherein the first catalyst has carried on a nonporous inactive carrier a catalytically active component composed of 90 to 67% by weight of titanium dioxide, 8 to 30% by weight of vanadium pentoxide, 2 to 5% by weight of a cesium compound and 0.11 to 0.2 of cesium compound/vanadium pentoxide (molar ratio) (calculated as Cs.sub.2 SO.sub.4), and the second catalyst has carried on the nonporous inactive carrier a catalytically active component composed of 94 to 67% by weight of titanium dioxide, 5 to 30% by weight of vanadium pentoxide and not more than 0.

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, dyring 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: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form a discontinuous monolayer amount of at least one source of a Group VIB metal oxide; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the Group VIB metal oxide source into the corresponding group VIB metal oxide; (c) depositing upon amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form at least a monolayer amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible to vanadium oxide upon calcining; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the tantalum oxide source into the oxide form; (c) depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and at least one metal oxide source selected from the group consisting of oxides of Sb, Ga, Ge, In, T.sub.1, Pb, Se, Te, P and Bi, which is convertible into the corresponding metal oxide upon heating and which is reactive with V.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of phthalic anhydride by oxidation in the gas phase of an o-xylol naphthalene mixture. By producing a solution of 1 to 80 parts by mass naphthalene in 99 to 20 parts by mass o-xylol at a temperature of 0.degree. to 80.degree. C., storing the solution at that temperature, heating the solution only shortly prior to the reaction to 110.degree. to 180.degree. C., atomizing the heated solution into a hot airflow, passing the heated solution over metal oxide catalysts in the gas phase and collecting phthalic anhydride product, a problem-free manufacture of phthalic anhydride is attained.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of hydrocarbons to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide catalyst solids in the anatase form a continuous monolayer amount of at least one source of titanium oxide, calcining the thus-formed catalyst percursor under conditions sufficient to convert the titanium oxide source into the oxide form, depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a continuous monolayer amount of at least one vanadium compound which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: A process and catalyst are disclosed for selectively oxidizing alkylaromatics, e.g., o-xylene, to oxygenated aromatics, e.g., phthalic anhydride. The catalyst of the process comprises a layered titanate which contains interspathic polymeric silica and a heavy metal element, e.g., vanadium.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of an aromatic hydrocarbon to form the corresponding aromatic carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form a continuous monolayer amount of at least one source of zirconium dioxide, calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the zirconium oxide source into the oxide form, depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium compound which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: A novel process for producing oxygen-containing organic compounds with high selectivity and good yield by oxidizing organic compounds under mild conditions is provided, which process comprises using as a catalyst for the oxidation, a complex (M.sub.m X.sub.n.L.sub.l) consisting of a transition metal compound (M.sub.m X.sub.n) and an organic phosphorous compound (L) as a ligand, wherein M represents a transition metal belonging to group I, group IV.about.VII or iron group in group VIII of the periodic table; X represents an anion such as a halogen; ligand L represents an organic phosphorous compound; and m and n mean a number of the atomic valence of said transition metal (ion) M and said anion X, respectively, and l means a number of said ligand.

Abstract: In apparatuses for the preparation of phthalic anhydride and/or maleic anhydride by catalytic oxidation of naphthalene or o-xylene with air, reduced pressure is generated using liquid-jet pumps, and wash liquid is removed from the exit gas washer as a pump fluid for the liquid-jet pumps and is subsequently recycled to the exit gas washer.

Abstract: A mixture will involve a risk of explosion if a concentration limit is exceeded. For this reason only part of the liquid is admixed to the gas in a first mixing zone so that the concentration limit above which there is a risk of explosion will not be exceeded. In a second mixing zone, the remaining quantity of liquid is added to the mixture withdrawn from the first mixing zone and the explosive concentration is exceeded. That mixture, in which the gas and liquid are distributed as homogeneously as possible, is reacted in a reaction zone. The reaction zone directly succeeds the second mixing zone.

Abstract: (.+-.)4-demethoxy-6(and-11-)-deoxydaunomycinone which are starting materials for anthracycline antitumor antibiotics are prepared by reacting 1,2,3,6-tetrahydrophthalic anhydride with an alcohol of the formula ROH, wherein R is lower alkyl, substituted lower alkyl or aryl to form a monoester, subjecting the monoester to a Friedel-Crafts reaction with acetyl chloride, followed by mild alkaline treatment, to give the corresponding .alpha.,.beta. unsaturated ketone, catalytically reducing same to form the corresponding 4-acetyl-perhydrophthalate reacting the latter with 1,4-dimethoxynaphthalone in the presence of tritluoroacetic anhydride and trifluoroacetic acid to form a mixture of two isomeric compounds, submitting said mixture of isomers to a catalytic reduction of the benzylic carbonyl function, followed by treatment thereof with sulphuric acid at room temperature to afford a mixture of tetracyclic isomers, treating the mixture of tetracyclic isomers with sulphuric acid at 80.degree. C.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form at least a monolayer amount of at least one source of vanadium oxide, (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium oxide source into the oxide form, (c) depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and at least one metal oxide source selected from the group consisting of oxides of Sb, Ga, Ge, In, Tl, Pb, Se, Te, P and Bi, which is convertible into the corresponding metal oxide upon heating and which is reactive with V.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of an aromatic hydrocarbon to form the corresponding aromatic carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form a discontinuous monolayer amount of at least one source of tantalum oxide, calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the tantalum oxide source into the oxide form, depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium compound which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and calcining the vanadium-deposited solids under conditions sufficient to convert the vanadium compound into vanadium oxide.

Abstract: A vanadium, phosphorus oxygen containing catalyst composition capable of partially oxidizing hydrocarbons (e.g., n-butane) to form a carboxylic anhydride (e.g., maleic anhydride), a process for preparing this catalyst, and a process for using this catalyst to form such anhydrides is disclosed. The catalyst composition is prepared by an organic heterogenous technique followed by a water treatment step and activation.

Abstract: A heterogeneous process for preparing a vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen containing catalyst for use in the preparation of carboxylic anhydrides is disclosed. This process employs an activation procedure in an air-hydrocarbon atmosphere.

Abstract: A catalyst for the preparation of phthalic anhydride is disclosed which comprises a carrier having an open arcuate configuration, e.g. in the form of half rings, and an active portion including V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and porous TiO.sub.2 with the pores having mostly a radius in the 500 to 1,500 .ANG. range. Also described is a method of preparing phthalic anhydride which utilizes this catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for obtaining phthalic anhydride by oxidizing ortho-xylene, naphthalene, or mixtures of the two, in the presence of a specific catalyst with a vanadium pentoxide and titanium dioxide base, and also regards the catalyst obtained by enactment of said process.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of phthalic anhydride by the catalytic oxidation of naphthelene or ortho-xylene which comprises contacting a mixed gas consisting of naphthalene or ortho-xylene and a molecular oxygen-containing gas with a catalyst bed comprising a first catalyst packed on the upstream side of the flow of mixed gas and a second catalyst packed on the down-stream side of the flow, wherein the first catalyst has carried on a nonporous inactive carrier a catalytically active component composed of 67 to 90% by weight of titanium dioxide, 9 to 30% by weight of vanadium pentoxide and 0.7 to 3% by weight of a rubidium compound (calculated as Rb.sub.2 SO.sub.4), and the second catalyst has carried on the nonporous inactive carrier a catalytically active component composed of 67 to 94% by weight of titanium dioxide, 5 to 30% by weight of vanadium pentoxide and at least one member selected from the group consisting of 0.1 to 1% by weight of a tin compound (calculated as SnO.sub.2) and 0.

Abstract: A method of recovering a catalytic cobalt and/or manganese from a distillation residue in a process for preparing an aromatic carboxylic acid comprising a liquid-phase oxidation of the aromatic hydrocarbon having aliphatic substituent(s) or its oxidized derivatives in the presence of the catalytic cobalt and/or manganese and the distillation of the reaction product, which comprises successively or simultaneously treating the distillation residue with water and with an organic solvent having a relative dielectric constant D of3.0.ltoreq.D.ltoreq.

Abstract: A system for producing phthalic anhydride by the catalytic oxidation of naphthalene, wherein the system is characterized by reduced capital and operating costs due to lower operating pressures.

Abstract: A system for producing phthalic anhydride by the catalytic oxidation of naphthalene, wherein without creating a significant pressure drop in the system substantially all of the catalyst particles are removed from the product stream before the product stream is sent to a battery of switch condensers for recovery of the phthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A process for reactivating a vanadium-containing oxidation catalyst, wherein the catalyst is treated first at from 100.degree. to 600.degree. C., with a volatile phosphorus compound in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas, and then at from 50.degree. to 600.degree. C. with sulfur trioxide or a mixture of a volatile sulfur compound and an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A catalyst for the preparation of phthalic anhydride is disclosed which comprises a carrier having an open arcuate configuration, e.g. in the form of half rings, and an active portion including V.sub.2 O.sub.5 and porous TiO.sub.2 with the pores having mostly a radius in the 500 to 1,500 A range.

Abstract: Catalytic material is prepared by impregnating porous silica with an aqueous solution containing vanadyl oxalate (VOC.sub.2 O.sub.4), potassium sulfate (K.sub.2 SO.sub.4) and potassium bisulfate (KHSO.sub.4). A free-flowing dry-appearing powder is provided comprising particles having substantially all compounds deposited from the impregnating solution attached to the silica particles within pores of the particles. Subsequent calcining of the powder provides a mixture of compounds within the particle pores containing at least one oxide of vanadium and at least one sulfate of potassium. Catalytic material prepared by the disclosed process is characterized in having a substantially uniform concentration of deposited compounds within the pores of the silica support. The catalytic material is particularly useful in a process for fluid bed oxidation of naphthalene to phthalic anhydride, in which oxidation process the catalyst provides high product yield at a low catalyst attrition rate.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phthalic anhydride (PA) of catalytic oxidation of naphthalene or o-xylene with air, a preheated mixture of air and naphthalene or o-xylene being passed into a reactor charged with the catalyst, and the reaction gas leaving the reactor being passed through a separator in which the PA is separated out as a solid, in which process the air fed to the reactor is preheated, before or after the admixture of naphthalene or of o-xylene, by using it to cool the reaction gas in the PA separator.