Abstract: A platinum metal-containing supported catalyst in which the support contains mixed oxides of metals, transition metals and semiconductor elements, which can act as redox catalysts under the reaction conditions is disclosed. Also disclosed is the preparation of these catalysts and their use in a process for preparing diaryl carbonates.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIIIB metal, preferably palladium; an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halide, preferably sodium bromide; and at least one sulfone such as sulfolane. The catalyst system also preferably contains a compound of another metal, preferably lead.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIIIB metal, preferably palladium; an iodide salt, preferably sodium iodide; and at least one organic bisphosphine such as 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphino)propane or 1,4-bis(diphenylphosphino)butane. The catalyst system also preferably contains a compound of cerium or lead.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system having catalytic amounts of the following components: a Group VIII B metal source; a combination of inorganic co-catalysts including a copper source and at least one of a titanium source or a zirconium source; an onium chloride composition; and a base. Alternative embodiments include inorganic co-catalyst combinations of a lead source and at least one of a titanium source or a manganese source.

Abstract: The method of the present invention comprises reaction of a gaseous mixture of oxygen and carbon monoxide with an aromatic hydroxy compound in the presence of a catalyst under controlled pressure, wherein the partial pressure of oxygen is optimized to effect increased yields at reduced overall pressure.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing titanium. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing lead and a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing titanium. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: An improved method for producing an aromatic carbonate by reacting an aromatic hydroxy compound, carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst system comprising at least one of palladium or a palladium compound; at least one lead compound; at least one halide source; and at least one desiccant, wherein the ratio of equivalents of lead co-catalyst relative to equivalents of palladium catalyst is optimized to increase reaction rate, as well as to allow production of aromatic carbonate in an economically feasible continuous process.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system having an effective amount of an iron source as the primary catalyst component in the absence of a Group VIII B metal source. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include at least one inorganic co-catalyst, as well as a halide composition and/or a base.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds is disclosed. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system having an effective amount of a nickel source as the primary catalyst component in the absence of a Group VIII B metal source. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include at least one inorganic co-catalyst, as well as a halide composition and/or a base.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII metal having an atomic number of at least 44, preferably palladium; an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halide, preferably sodium bromide; at least one carboxylic acid amide such as N-methylpyrrolidone or dimethylacetamide; and a cocatalyst which is a compound of one or more metals including copper, titanium, zinc, lead, cerium and manganese.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system having an effective amount of a cobalt source in the absence of a Group VIII B metal source. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include at least one inorganic co-catalyst, as well as a halide composition and/or a base.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the method includes the step of contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system having an effective amount of a manganese source in the absence of a Group VIII B metal source. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include at least one inorganic co-catalyst, as well as a halide composition and/or a base.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIIIB metal, preferably palladium; an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halide, preferably sodium bromide; and a promoter compound which is at least one C2-8 aliphatic or C7-10 aromatic mono- or dinitrile, preferably acetonitrile or adiponitrile. The catalyst system also preferably contains a compound of a non-Group VIIIB metal, preferably lead.

Abstract: A process for separation between dialkyl carbonate and alkyl carbamate which comprises adding an aromatic hydroxy compound to a liquid comprising alkyl carbamate having an alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms and dialkyl carbonate having alkyl group having 3 to 6 carbon atoms to obtain a mixed liquid, and distilling the mixed liquid thus obtained in a distillation column to obtain a mixture comprising the dialkyl carbonate and the aromatic hydroxy compound from a top section of the distillation column and a liquid comprising the alkyl carbamate from a bottom section of the distillation column.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing copper. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of aromatic oligocarbonates from dihydroxy compounds, CO and O.sub.2 in the presence of a platinum metal catalyst, a cocatalyst, a quaternary salt and a base, which is carried out in an inert organic solvent which, under the reaction conditions, forms an azeotrope with water, and this azeotrope is removed from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing ytterbium. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing zinc. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of a combination of inorganic co-catalysts containing manganese and nickel; manganese and iron; manganese and chromium; manganese and cerium; manganese and europium; manganese, cerium, and europium; manganese, iron, and europium; or manganese and thorium. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various other inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are carbonylated with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a Group VIII metal having an atomic number of at least 44, preferably palladium; an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal halide, preferably sodium bromide; and at least one aliphatic polyether such as a polyethylene glycol dimethyl ether or a crown ether. The catalyst system also preferably contains a compound of another metal, preferably lead.

Abstract: A method and catalyst system for economically producing aromatic carbonates from aromatic hydroxy compounds. In one embodiment, the present invention provides a method of carbonylating aromatic hydroxy compounds by contacting at least one aromatic hydroxy compound with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst system that includes a catalytic amount of an inorganic co-catalyst containing bismuth. In various alternative embodiments, the carbonylation catalyst system can include an effective amount of a palladium source and an effective amount of a halide composition. Further alternative embodiments can include catalytic amounts of various inorganic co-catalyst combinations.

Abstract: Production of diaryl carbonate esters by reaction of a dialkyl carbonate and an aromatic alcohol to form a diaryl carbonate and an alkyl alcohol is accomplished by introducing three reactant streams into an extractive/reactive distillation column in the presence of a transesterification catalyst. The three reactant streams are a first reactant stream containing a dialkyl carbonate, a second reactant stream containing an aromatic alcohol, and a third reactant stream containing an entraining agent. The entraining agent is selected from among compounds that do not form azeotropes with the dialkyl carbonate or the alkyl alcohol and that boil at a higher temperature than either the dialkyl carbonate or the alkyl alcohol. The first reactant stream is introduced into the column below the second reactant stream, and the second reactant stream is introduced into the column below the third reactant stream. A product stream containing diaryl carbonate esters is recovered from the bottom of the column.

Abstract: Carbonate ester is produced by acid hydrolysis of the reaction product of cupric alkoxide induced reaction between a hydroxy compound and a sulfur compound in a melt process. Diaryl carbonate is produce by hydrolysis of the resulting orthoester.

Abstract: Reactive distillation equipment applicable to a relatively complicated reaction composed of at least two steps of equilibrium reactions, and a reactive distillation method capable of performing the reaction efficiently. Raw material feeding pipes 5, 6 and 7 are connected to a reactive distillation column 1. The raw material feeding pipes 5, 6 and 7 are disposed on different stages of the reactive distillation column 1 in this order from the top of the column downward. It is preferred that the reactive distillation column 1 includes a stage to which no raw material feeding pipe is connected between a first stage connected to the raw material feeding pipe 5 and a second stage connected to the raw material feeding pipe 6, and between the second stage and a third stage connected to the raw material feeding pipe 7.

Abstract: A continuous flow process for converting hydroxyaromatic compounds to diaryl carbonates by reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst system typically comprising a group VIIIB metal or compound thereof, an inorganic co-catalyst, an organic co-catalyst and a hexaalkylguanidinium bromide or chloride, preferably bromide, wherein at least two components of the catalyst system, preferably lead oxide and hexaalkylguanidinium bromide, are introduced separately into the reactor.

Abstract: A process for preparing organic carbonates, such as dimethyl carbonate, without the use of phosgene and with a high yield and selectivity to the desired carbonate, by reacting a formaldehyde-acetal with a source of oxygen, in the presence of a catalyst.

Abstract: In the process for preparing an aromatic carbonate from an aromatic hydroxy compound, CO and O.sub.2 in the presence of a quaternary salt and a base, use is advantageously made of supported catalysts which, in the reaction-ready state, contain a platinum metal, a platinum metal compound or a complex containing a platinum metal compound on a support comprising a metal oxide whose metal can occur in a plurality of oxidation states.

Abstract: Catalytic materials including divalent palladium compounds, divalent cobalt compounds and bromide sources such as tetraalkylammonium and hexaalkylguanidinium bromides are removed from organic carbonylation reaction mixtures comprising said materials in combination with diaryl carbonate and hydroxyaromatic compound. The removal steps include extraction with an aqueous complexing solution for palladium, extraction with an aqueous non-basic and preferably ionic extractant for cobalt, and extraction with water to remove bromide source. These steps may be combined into an integrated process. Further steps of recycle of the palladium by reduction to elemental palladium and conversion to a catalytically active species, and conversion of cobalt to a catalytically active species, may be included in the integrated process.

Abstract: Addition of phosphine ligands can produce high yields of tetraphenoxymethane, TPM, and diphenylcarbonate, DPC, in short reaction times and improved reaction rates by a copper-induced condensation of phenol and carbon disulfide, CS.sub.2. Either aromatic or aliphatic substituted phosphine ligands can be employed. The copper(I) oxide utilization is significantly improved in reactions containing phosphine ligands, such that yields exceeding 100% tetraphenoxymethane are observed. Some of the sulfur-containing byproduct is transferred to the phosphine in the form of phosphine sulfide.

Abstract: Catalyst systems with a content of a platinum-group-metal catalyst, a co-catalyst, a quaternary salt and a base for the oxidative carbonylation of aromatic hydroxy compounds to the corresponding diaryl carbonates are according to the invention obtained as a mother liquor by suspension crystallization and can be returned into the carbonylation reaction or worked up to valuable materials. The crystallizate, which consists predominantly of diaryl carbonate and the parent aromatic hydroxy compound, is worked up to pure diaryl carbonate and pure hydroxy compound.

Abstract: A process for decolorizing organic carbonates, for example, cyclic alkylene carbonates, which involves contacting a discolored organic carbonate with hydrogen peroxide, is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved method of synthesizing unsymmetric linear organic carbonates comprising the reaction of two symmetric dialkyl carbonates, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, in the presence of a nucleophilic reagent or an election donating reductant as a catalyst, wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 can be either saturated or unsaturated alkyl or aryl groups, is described. The present invention further provides a preparation method for a nonaqueous organic electrolyte having an unsymmetric linear organic carbonate as a co-solvent.

Abstract: Diaryl carbonates such as diphenyl carbonate are prepared by reaction of hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising a Group VIIIB metal such as palladium or a compound thereof, a bromide source such as a quaternary ammonium or hexaalkylguanidinium bromide and a polyaniline in partially oxidized and partially reduced form. The polyaniline is preferably halide-doped and in the form of a blend with a binder polymer containing ether or ester groups and a complex-forming salt.

Abstract: An improved continuous process for removal of water from a process for producing organic carbonates, particularly diphenyl carbonate, by treating the water containing products of the reaction with a condensable stripping agent in a gaseous state and recycling a major portion of the water poor reaction products back to the reaction for producing the organic carbonate. The stripping agent, preferably n-pentane, is condensed upon removal from the water stripping step and recycled back to the water stripping step.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are converted to diaryl carbonates by reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst package which comprises a Group VIIIB metal, preferably palladium, salt of at least one aliphatic .beta.-diketone such as 2,4-pentanedione. The catalyst package also preferably comprises an inorganic cocatalyst, an organic cocatalyst and a bromide or chloride, preferably bromide, source such as a hexaalkylguanidinium bromide. The use of the .beta.-diketone salt confers such advantages as long shelf life under normal storage conditions, high activity upon recycle and capability of carbonylation at relatively low temperatures.

Abstract: A method of producing a carbonic diester involves allowing an alcohol to react with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a supported catalyst wherein the support is an activated carbon obtained from a vegetable or polymeric raw material, a support having an aluminum content of up to 2% by weight, or a support having sulfur content of up to 1% by weight.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of carbonates having aromatic ester groups by the reaction of aromatic hydroxy compounds with phosgene in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts, phosgene still present being removed from the stream of waste gas by returning the waste gas to an additional reactor.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are converted to diaryl carbonates by reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst package which typically comprises a group VIIIB metal or compound thereof, an inorganic cocatalyst, an organic cocatalyst and a hexaalkylguanidinium bromide or chloride, preferably bromide. The use of the hexaalkylguanidinium salt causes an increase in the yield of diaryl carbonate without a decrease in selectivity.

Abstract: Hydroxyaromatic compounds such as phenol are converted to diaryl carbonates by reaction with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalyst package which typically comprises a group VIIIB metal or compound thereof, an inorganic cocatalyst, an organic cocatalyst and a hexaalkylguanidinium bromide or chloride, preferably bromide. The use of the hexaalkylguanidinium salt causes an increase in the yield of diaryl carbonate without a decrease in selectivity.

Abstract: A process for preparing a diaryl carbonate from a diaryl oxalate in a liquid phase by decarbonylation is conducted by the steps of:1) performing a decarbonylation reaction of a diaryl oxalate in the presence of an organic phosphorus compound catalyst to give a reaction mixture of a diaryl carbonate and the organic phosphorus compound catalyst;2) recovering the diaryl carbonate from the reaction mixture; and3) performing a decarbonylation reaction of a diaryl oxalate in the presence of the reaction mixture from which the diaryl carbonate has been recovered and to which a halogen atom-containing compound is added, to give a reaction mixture of a diaryl carbonate and the organic phosphorus compound catalyst.

Abstract: A catalyst composed of an organic phosphorus compound having a trivalent or pentavalent phosphorus atom and at least one carbon-phosphorus bonding or a combination of the organic phosphorus compound and a halogen atom-containing compound is effective for decarbonylation, that is, for releasing carbon monoxide from a compound containing a moiety of --CO--CO--O-- in its molecular structure.

Abstract: An aromatic carbonate ester is continuously and efficiently prepared by the transesterification of an aromatic carboxylate with an aliphatic carbonate ester and/or aromatic.aliphatic carbonate ester. A raw material including an aromatic carboxylate, aliphatic carbonate ester and/or aromatic.aliphatic carbonate ester, and a catalyst are continuously fed to a first stage of a reactive distillation column (1) through a raw material feeding pipe (5). Meanwhile, an aliphatic carbonate ester (a) whose boiling point is lower than that of a reactant liquid that is present in a second stage lower than the first stage is continuously fed to the second stage through an aliphatic carbonate ester (a) feeding pipe (6). The second stage is preferably a column bottom section of the reactive distillation column (1). The amount of aliphatic carbonate ester (a) fed is preferably 0.001 to 5 times, by weight, more than the amount of the raw material fed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing an aromatic carbonate which comprises transesterifying, in the presence of a metal-containing catalyst, a starting material selected from the group consisting of a dialkyl carbonate, an alkyl aryl carbonate and a mixture thereof with a reactant selected from the group consisting of an aromatic monohydroxy compound, an alkyl aryl carbonate and a mixture thereof, wherein the transesterification is conducted while maintaining a weight ratio (WR) of at least one aromatic group-containing substance selected from the group consisting of a specific aromatic polyhydroxy compound and a residue thereof to the metal of the metal-containing catalyst at 2.0 or less, wherein the weight ratio (WR) is measured with respect to a catalyst-containing liquid-phase mixture in a system for the transesterification, and wherein the aromatic group-containing substance originates from the starting material, the reactant and/or a by-product of the transesterification.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing diaryl carbonates by the reaction of an aromatic hydroxy compound (e.g. phenol) with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst, a co-catalyst, a quaternary salt and a base, which is characterised in that the reaction is conducted in a melt comprising the diaryl carbonate and the hydroxy compound on which the carbonate is based, and further diaryl carbonate is optionally added to this reaction mixture before work-up.

Abstract: A high purity diaryl carbonate is produced with a high efficiency by reacting carbon monoxide with an alkyl nitrite and/or an alkyl alcohol; reacting the resultant dialkyl oxalate with a hydroxyaryl compound, for example, phenol; decarbonylating the resultant diaryl oxalate to produce a diaryl carbonate and carbon monoxide; and collecting the diaryl carbonate from the decarbonylation reaction product mixture, the carbon monoxide produced in the decabonylation step being optionally reused for the production of the dialkyl oxalate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the continuous production of carbonates having aromatic ester groups by reacting aromatic hydroxy compounds with phosgene in the gas phase in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts.

Abstract: A process for producing a carbonic acid diester, which comprises carrying out a reaction in a vapor phase of an alcohol, carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst in a fluidized-bed reactor so that an oxidative carbonylation of the alcohol occurs, thereby obtaining a carbonic acid diester, wherein a heat of reaction is removed by the latent heat of vaporization of the alcohol as a raw material. In the process, for example, either at least part of the alcohol may be directly fed in liquid phase into the fluidized bed or cooling pipes are disposed in the fluidized bed and at least part of the alcohol is introduced in liquid phase into the cooling pipes as a heat transfer medium so that the liquid alcohol is vaporized and fed into the fluidized-bed reactor. Carbon monoxide may be introduced together with the liquid alcohol into the cooling pipes.

Abstract: Catalyst systems with a content of a platinum-group-metal catalyst, a co-catalyst, a quaternary salt and a base for the oxidative carbonylation of aromatic hydroxy compounds to the corresponding diaryl carbonates are obtained according to the invention as a residual melt by melt crystallization and can be returned into the carbonylation reaction or worked up to valuable materials. The melt crystallizate, which consists predominantly of diaryl carbonate and the parent aromatic hydroxy compound, is worked up to pure diaryl carbonate and pure hydroxy compound.

Abstract: In the process for the production of diaryl carbonates by oxidative carbonylation of the underlying aromatic hydroxy compounds in the presence of a catalyst containing a platinum group metal, a co-catalyst, a quaternary salt and a base, the catalyst is used as a supported catalyst in a stationary arrangement or in the fluid phase and the reaction is performed in the condensed phase. The co-catalyst is preferably also attached to the support.