Abstract: A process for the production of tetrahydrofuran, gamma butyrolactone, 1,4-butane diol and the like from a hydrogenatable precursor such as maleic acid, succinic acid, corresponding esters and their mixtures and the like in the presence of hydrogen and a noble metal catalyst, wherein oxidizing agents such as hydrogen peroxide, oxygen or air are used to regenerate spent noble metal catalyst for further use in the process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (HOMeTHF) by contacting HOMeTHF with hydrogen in the presence of an acidic, supported catalyst comprising a Group VIII metal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel acyclic chiral derivatives of Hibiscus acid of formula I, wherein: R1=R5=lower aryl or alkyl ester or substituted aryl or alkyl alcohol R3=substituted aryl or alkyl ester or substituted aryl alcohol R2=R4=hydroxyl or and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved for the hydrogenation of an immiscible mixture of an organic reactant in water. The immiscible mixture can result from the generation of water by the hydrogenation reaction itself or, by the addition of, water to the reactant prior to contact with the catalyst. The improvement resides in effecting the hydrogenation reaction in a monolith catalytic reactor from 100 to 800 cpi, at a superficial velocity of from 0.1 to 2 m/second in the absence of a cosolvent for the immiscible mixture. In a preferred embodiment, the hydrogenation is carried out using a monolith support which has a polymer network/carbon coating onto which a transition metal is deposited.

Abstract: A process for production of tetrahydrofuran and gamma butyrolactone by hydrogenation of maleic anhydride recovered from a process of conversion of a n-butane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for the preparation of 3-hydroxymethyl tetrahydrofuran of formula IV with hydroformylation as one of the key steps. The process comprises reacting 9-hydroxymethyl-7,12-dioxaspiro[5,6]dodecane of the formula III with an alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst and recovering the 3-hydroxymethyl tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: In a process for preparing THF (tetrahydrofuran) by reaction of a 1,4-butanediol-containing reaction mixture over an acid catalyst, the reaction mixture comprises further alcohols different from 1,4-butanediol and is essentially free of water.

Abstract: A two-stage process for producing tetrahydrofuran and gammabutyrolactone in varying proportions from maleic, succinic anhydride or fumaric acid esters, by vapor phase hydrogenation. The first stage occurs on a copper-based catalyst to produce a mixture of tetrahydrofuran, gammabutyrolactone and butanediol. The second stage occurs on an acidic silica rich silica-alumina type catalyst to convert butanediol to tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: Process for the production of tetrahydrofuran, gammabutyrolactone and butanediol starting from maleic anhydride esters, consisting of two subsequent hydrogenations.

Abstract: A process for the production of at least one C4 compound selected from 1,4-butanediol, gamma-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran, in which a solution of maleic anhydride in a high boiling ester is esterified with a C1 to C4 alcohol to form the corresponding maleate ester which is hydrogenated to form the at least one C4 compound. The specified high boiling ester has a boiling point which is about 30 degrees C. higher than that of the di-(C1-C4 alkyl)maleate.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of improving the catalytic performance of palladium or ruthenium, rhenium-on-carbon hydrogenation catalysts operating in aqueous media where loss of soluble rhenium may result in rapid catalytic failure. A rhenium-containing hydrogenation catalyst comprised of rhenium on a support material is regenerated by first treating the catalyst with aqueous perrhenic acid or potassium perrhenate followed by treating the catalyst under reducing conditions at elevated temperature and pressure. Treatment of the catalyst as described replenishes dispersed fresh finely divided rhenium which enhances the activity of the catalyst while at the same time allowing the operations to be carried out in situ in the hydrogenation reactor or in a side stream reactor with significant savings in reducing reactor down time and precious metal expenses.

Abstract: A process is described for the production of butane-1,4-diol, &ggr;-butyrolactone and/or tetrahydrofuran. A vaporous stream containing maleic anhydride, water, and carbon oxides is contact in an absorption zone with a high boiling ester as solvent to form a solution of maleic anhydride in the high boiling ester which has a boiling point at the atmospheric pressure at least about 30° C. higher than that of maleic anhydride and is selected from di-(C1 to C4 alkyl) esters of alkyl dicarboxylic acids containing up to 3 carbon atoms, mono- and di-(C10 to C18 alkyl) esters of maleic acid, fumaric acid, succinic acid, and mixtures thereof, (C1 to C4 alkyl) esters of naphthalene-monocarboxylic acids, tri-(C1 to C4 alkyl) esters of aromatic tricarboxylic acids, and di-(C1 to C4 alkyl) esters of isophthalic acid.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (3-MeTHF) from 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (3-HOMeTHF) by a plurality of process steps comprising (1) esterifying 3-HOMeTHF to produce a carboxylate ester of 3-HOMeTHF, (2) pyrrolyzing the carboxylate ester to produce 3-methylenetetrahydrofuran (3-methyleneTHF), and (3) hydrogenating the 3-methyleneTHF to produce 3-MeTHF. The 3-MeTHF produced in accordance with the present invention is useful as an industrial solvent and as a monomer in the manufacture of polymers such as elastomers.

Abstract: A process for the production of at least one C.sub.4 compound selected from butane-1,4-diol, .gamma.-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran comprises contacting a vaporous stream containing maleic anhydride vapour, water vapour, and carbon oxides in an absorption zone with a high boiling organic solvent thereby to form a solution of maleic anhydride in the high boiling organic solvent. Maleic anhydride in this solution is reacted under esterification conditions in an esterification zone with a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkanol to form a solution of the corresponding di-(C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl) maleate in the high boiling solvent. This solution of the di-(C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl) maleate in the high boiling solvent is contacted with a gaseous stream containing hydrogen thereby to strip di-(C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl) maleate therefrom and to form a vaporous stream comprising hydrogen and di-(C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl) maleate.

Abstract: An efficent synthesis of furan sulfonamide compounds of formula ##STR1## comprising reacting a compound of formula 11 with a Grignard reagent in a reaction inert solvent, wherein R' is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl. The compound of formula II is prepared by reacting a compound of formula III with a compound of formula IV wherein R' is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl with a chorinating reagent and an acid scaverger in an inert solvent. The invention also includes a novel compound of the formula ##STR2## wherein R' is (C.sub.1 -C.sub.6)alkyl and Q is halo, hydroxy or amino.

Abstract: An improved two step (dual stage catalysis) aqueous hydrogenation process and a novel trimetallic hydrogenation catalysts consisting essentially of highly dispersed, reduced ruthenium and rhenium metals in the presence of a third metal tin on carbon support particular useful in the second stage of the process. Such process and catalyst exhibit high conversion rates in aqueous solution hydrogenation of hydrogenatable precursors (e.g., maleic acid, succinic acid, corresponding esters, .gamma.-butyrolactone, etc.) to tetrahydrofuran, .gamma.-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol and mixtures thereof wherein the relative molar ratio of 1,4-butanediol to tetrahydrofuran products being produced can be controlled.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for producing 3-methyl-tetrahydrofuran which comprises the step 1 of subjecting the compound represented by the general formula [I]ROOC--CH(CH.sub.3)--CH.sub.2 --CHO [I]wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 3 carbon atoms and the formyl group may be present as an acetal having an alkanol with 1 to 8 carbon atoms, to hydrogenation and alcohol-eliminating cyclization to synthesize 2-methyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone; the step 2 of separating the 2-methyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone formed in the step 1 from alcohols by means of distillation, etc.; and the step 3 of hydrogenating the 2-methyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone which is formed in the step 2. The above process enables the production of the objective highly-pure 3-methyltetrahydrofuran substantially free from an alcohol in high efficiency and high conversion through simplified production steps.

Abstract: An improved catalyst for the hydrogenation of maleic acid, maleic anhydride or other hydrogenatable precursor to 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran has been discovered. This hydrogenation catalyst comprises palladium, silver, rhenium and at least one of iron, aluminum, cobalt and mixtures thereof, all on a carbon support.

Abstract: A method of producing dehydration products from one or more 5-carbon or 6-carbon sugars includes reacting said one or more sugars at 40.degree.-240 .degree. C. for 1 to 96 hours in the presence of 10-90% sulfuric acid, separating the reaction products, and recovering levulinic acid. The sugars can be generated from strong acid hydrolysis of biomass, such as rice straw, paper, cotton and other cellulosic materials.

Abstract: The present invention is based upon the surprising discovery that a 5-carbon compound selected from the group of 4-oxopentanoic acid, at least one lactone of 4-oxopentanoic acid, and combinations thereof, may be hydrogenated with a bimetallic catalyst of a noble metal in combination with a second metal and preserve the pendant methyl group. It was further unexpectedly discovered that the same conditions of bimetallic catalyst in the presence of hydrogen are useful for catalyzing the different intermediate reactions for example angelicalactone to gamma-valerolactone and gamma-valerolactone to 1,4-pentanediol. Finally, it was surprising that levulinic acid could be converted to 2-methyltetrahydrofuran with heating in the presence of the bimetallic catalyst and hydrogen in a single process vessel. The method of the present invention unexpectedly produced a fuel or fuel component having 2-methyltetrahydrofuran either in a yield greater than 4.5 mol % or in combination with alcohols.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two-step process wherein (1) 2,3-dihydrofuran is reacted with a trialkyl orthoformate in the presence of an acidic catalyst to produce a 2-alkoxy-3-(dialkoxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran intermediate and (2) the intermediate is contacted with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII noble metal or rhenium and a strong acid to convert the intermediate to a mixture of 3-methyltetrahydrofuran (3-MeTHF) and 3-(hydroxymethyl)tetrahydrofuran (3-HOMeTHF). The 3-MeTHF produced in accordance with the present invention is useful as an industrial solvent and as a co-monomer in the manufacture of polymers such as elastomers. 3-HOMeTHF may be used as a solvent and in the manufacture of pharmaceutical and agricultural chemicals and acrylate and methacrylate esters for use in preparing polymers such as polyacrylates.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of supported bimetallic catalyst useful for the hydrogenation of esters of dicarboxylic acids, which comprises impregnating activated alumina powder with transition metal by contacting the said solid alumina powder with an aqueous solution of a salt of a transition metal, treating the said transition metal salt impregnated alumina powder with an aqueous solution of a salt of group (IV) metal in acidic medium so as to have ratio of transition metal to group (IV) A metal in the range of 1:5 to 1:20, further treating the bimetallic impregnated alumina powder with an alkali solution followed by a solution of boron containing compound, finally washing and drying the resultant supported catalyst.

Abstract: Maleic acid, maleic anhydride or other hydrogenatable precursor are catalytically hydrogenated to 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran. It has been discovered that high yields of 1,4-butanediol are achieved when the hydrogenation catalyst comprises at least one noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table and at least one of rhenium, tungsten or molybdenum on a carbon support wherein the carbon support has been contacted with an oxidizing agent prior to the deposition of the metals. This hydrogenation catalyst is prepared by the steps of(i) oxidizing the carbon support by contacting the carbon support with an oxidizing agent,(ii) impregnating in one or more impregnation steps comprising contacting the carbon support with a source of Group VIII metal and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of rhenium, tungsten and molybdenum being in at least one solution,(iii) after each impregnation step, drying at a temperature under about 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for preparing 3-methyltetrahydrofuran is herein disclosed which comprises reacting a methacrylic acid ester with carbon monoxide and a lower aliphatic alcohol to obtain a methylsuccinic acid diester, and hydrogenating and dehydrating/cyclizing this methylsuccinic acid diester. According to this process, 3-methyltetrahydrofuran can efficiently be obtained from inexpensive starting materials.

Abstract: A process for producing 3-methyltetrahydrofuran, wherein in a first step, prussic acid is reacted with methyl methacrylate to produce methyl 3-cyanoisobutyrate. The methyl 3-cyanoisobutyrate is then reacted with water and sulfuric acid to produce a resultant product which is reacted with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 aliphatic alcohol to produce a methylsuccinic acid ester. The methylsuccinic acid ester is catalytically hydrogenated to prepare the 3-methyltetrahydrofuran. Alternatively, the methyl 3-cyanoisobutyrate is hydrated to produce methyl 3-carbamoylisobutyrate, which is then reacted with a formic acid ester to form a methylsuccinic acid ester and formamide and the resultant methylsuccinic acid ester is catalytically hydrogenated. The 3-methyltetrahydrofuran is produced in high selectivity and in a commercially advantageous manner from inexpensive reactants. The 3-methyltetrahydrofuran is useful as a commoner for producing polyether glycol, which is utilized as starting raw material for preparing spandex fiber.

Abstract: 2-Methyl-1,4-butanediol and 3-methyltetrahydrofuran are prepared by reacting a compound of the general formula I or II ##STR1## where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are each hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkyl and the formyl group of II may also be present as acetal with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 -alkanol, is reacted with hydrogen in the presence of copper or of a metal of groups 7 to 10 of the Periodical Table of elements or of a compound of these metals.

Abstract: Abstract of the Disclosure: Products of the reduction of 4-hydroxybutyric acid derivatives of the formula IIa ##STR1## where one of A and B is methylene and the other is cyclopropylidene, or of C.sub.1 --C.sub.4 --alkyl esters (IIb) or lactones (IIc) of these acids IIa, are prepared by hydrogenating the compounds IIa or IIb or IIc catalytically using hydrogen in the presence of a heterogeneous hydrogenation catalyst, giving novel compounds which can be used to prepare polymers.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the production of 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran by the catalytic hydrogenation in the gas phase of .gamma.-butyrolactone using a solid catalyst comprising copper and silicon, copper, chromium, and manganese or copper, chromium, manganese and barium.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of tetrahydrofuran or tetrahydrofuran and .gamma.-butyrolactone from the product of the hydrogenation of maleic acid, succinic acid, maleic anhydride, succinic anhydride and/or fumaric acid, by treating the crude hydrogenation product, without prior work-up, at from 100.degree. to 300.degree. C. with a protic acid, and isolating pure tetrahydrofuran and .gamma.-butyrolactone from the resultant reaction mixture by distillation.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline compounds having an optionally active .gamma.-lactone ring of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a group selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## n and e are each independently 0 or 1; R.sup.3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is a group of the formula: --(CO).sub.m --R.sup.4 ; m is 0 or 1; R.sup.4 is hydrogen atom or an alkyl having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; and the symbol * is an asymmetric carbon atom, and an intermediate thereof, and process for the production of the same.

Abstract: A process for hydrogenating bound oxygen-containing organic feeds into their corresponding alcohols by contact with a coprecipitated copper-aluminum catalyst that has been activated by contact with reducing gas at a temperature that gradually increases.

Abstract: A process is described for isolating tetrahydrofuran from mixtures containing tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-butanediol, -butyrolactone and succinic acid esters, in which the mixtures are heated to from 150.degree. to 250.degree. C. in the presence of phyllosilicates, the resultant tetrahydrofuran and water of reaction are removed from the reaction mixture by distillation, and the tetrahydrofuran is separated from the distillate.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for the production of 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran by the catalytic hydrogenation in the gas phase of .gamma.-butyrolactone using a solid catalyst comprising copper and silicon, copper, chromium, and manganese or copper, chromium, manganese and barium.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuran and optionally gamma-butyrolactone are prepared from at least one of maleic anhydride or succinic anhydride in the absence of alcohols by catalytically hydrogenating vaporous maleic anhydride or vaporous succinic anhydride in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst comprising the mixed oxides of copper, zinc and aluminum.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuran and gamma-butyrolactone are prepared from at least one of maleic anhydride or succinic anhydride by catalytically hydrogenating vaporous maleic anhydride or vaporous succinic anhydride in the presence of hydrogen in contact with a catalyst comprising an essentially inert, at least partially porous support having an outer surface, and a catalytically active oxide material coating onto the outer surface of the support which strongly adheres to the support, wherein the catalytically active oxide material comprises the mixed oxides of copper, zinc and aluminum.

Abstract: A process of producing 1,4-butanediol and tetrahydrofuran by catalytically hydrogenating maleic acid anhydride and/or succinic acid anhydride in a gas phase and in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: An alcohol and/or an ether is produced from a carboxylic acid ester by reacting the ester with hydrogen at elevated temperature in the presence as catalyst of a composition comprising an alloy of (i) at least one noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements and (ii) at least one metal capable of alloying with the aforesaid Group VIII noble metal.

Abstract: Tetrahydrofuran and optionally gamma-butyrolactone are prepared from at least one of maleic anhydride or succinic anhydride by catalytically hydrogenating vaporous maleic anhydride or vaporous succinic anhydride in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst comprising the mixed oxides of copper, zinc and aluminum.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of 1,4-butanediol or tetrahydrofuran or both by the catalytic hydrogenation of maleic anhydride, succinic anhydride, maleic acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, or the alkyl esters of these acids at temperatures of from 100.degree. C. to 350.degree. C. and pressures of from 50 bar to 350 bar over a catalyst containing cobalt as the active metal and one or both of the elements copper and phosphorus, if necessary in the presence of an aliphatic alcohol.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline compounds having an optically active .gamma.-lactone ring of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 is a group selected from the group consisting of ##STR2## n and e are each independently 0 or 1; R.sup.3 is an alkyl group having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; R.sup.2 is a group of the formula: --(CO).sub.m --R.sup.4 ; m is 0 or 1; R.sup.4 is hydrogen atom or an alkyl having 1 to 15 carbon atoms; and the symbol * is an asymmetric carbon atom, and an intermediate thereof, and process for the production of the same.

Abstract: A continuous process for the preparation of tetrahydrofuran comprises, in a single-stage process, catalytically hydrogenating the solution which results when at least one of maleic anhydride or succinic anhydride is dissolved in a monohydric aliphatic alcohol in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst comprising the mixed oxides of copper, zinc and aluminum.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing 3-substituted tetrahydrofuran, 3- and 4-substituted butyrolactones and mixtures thereof comprising hydrogenating a hydrogenatable precursor in the presence of an aqueous reaction medium and a catalyst comprising palladium and rhenium and at least one support selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide, zirconium oxide, and carbon.

Abstract: One-step process for preparing anhydrous, organic acid alkali or alkaline earth metal salts by contacting and reacting an organic or polymeric acid fluoride, anhydride or ester and an organic alkali or alkaline earth metal silanolate.

Abstract: Mixtures of tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-butanediol at a predetermined mole ratio are produced by the hydrogenation of dimethylsuccinate in the presence of a copper chromite catalyst wherein said ratio is controlled by conducting the hydrogenation within a particular temperature range. Methanol is added to the ester feed to increase conversion and reduce transesterification. Tetrahydrofuran and 1,4-butanediol are separated from a mixture which also contains water and methanol by a series of distillations including a superatmospheric distillation.

Abstract: Lactones, particularly gamma-butyrolactone, are hydrogenated in the vapor phase to glycols over a copper chromite catalyst.

Abstract: Palladium/rhenium-on-carbon catalyst; a method employing said catalyst to produce tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-butanediol or mixtures thereof in selectable ratios from a number of starting reactants; and a method for making the Pd/Re/C catalyst.

Abstract: Palladium/rhenium-on-carbon catalyst; a method employing said catalyst to produce tetrahydrofuran, 1,4-butanediol or mixtures thereof in selectable ratios from a number of starting reactants; and a method for making the Pd/Re/C catalyst.

Abstract: A process is provided for the thermochemical conversion of biomass to useful gaseous and liquid organic products. The inventive process utilizes a catalyst to obtain increased yields of gaseous and liquid organic products and decreased yields, if any, of solid and semisolid tar/oils.

Abstract: Cyclic ethers such as tetrahydrofuran, dioxane, and tetrahydropyran are produced by reacting dimethyl carbonate with an appropriate primary dihalide in the presence of a quaternary ammonium or phosphonium salt.