Abstract: Dialkyl carbonates can be prepared by the reaction of carbon monoxide with alkyl nitrites in a continuous gas phase reaction, using a platinum group metal catalyst on an alumosilicate zeolite having acidic centers, preferably in the H.sup.+ form, as a support, which catalyst may optionally comprise additional material of a compound of antimony, bismuth, aluminum, copper, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, tin, iron, cobalt, nickel or a mixture of a plurality of these, and hydrogen halide being added in the course of the reaction intermittently or continuously. In this reaction, the dialkyl carbonates are formed with almost quantitative selectivity; the corresponding dialkyl oxalates cannot be detected in most cases.

Abstract: A first alkanol having 1 to 3 C atoms or a mixture of this first alkanol with water or water itself can be separated off from oxygen-containing organic compounds having 3 to 7 C atoms from the group comprising second alkanols and dialkyl carbonates, which always have at least 2 C atoms more than the first alkanol, by permeation on membranes if a membrane obtained by plasma polymerization is employed.

Abstract: Di-(C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl) carbonates can be prepared by catalysed counter-current reesterification of ethylene glycol carbonate or propylene glycol carbonate with a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alcohol in a column, ethylene glycol carbonate or propylene glycol carbonate being introduced into the upper part of the column and a dialkyl carbonate-containing C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alcohol being introduced into the central or lower part of the column and pure alcohol being additionally introduced below the introduction of the dialkyl carbonate-containing alcohol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an aromatic carbonate or polycarbonate from a phenol or bisphenol, methanol, carbon monoxide and oxygen comprising the steps of 1) reacting phenol or bisphenol with acetic anhydride to form (bis)phenyl acetate; 2) reacting dimethyl carbonate with (bis)phenyl acetate from step 1 to produce a phenyl carbonate or polycarbonate and methyl acetate; and 3) reacting the methyl acetate with carbon monoxide to produce acetic anhydride for use in step 1. In a desirable embodiment the dimethyl carbonate may also be prepared by reaction of methanol, carbon monoxide and oxygen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel catalyst having a stable catalytic activity for catalyzing the reaction of an alcohol with carbon monoxide and oxygen to produce carbonic acid esters (i.e., carbonate), and also the present invention relates to a method of producing carbonic acid esters using this catalyst. The catalyst of the present invention comprises a copper halide and at least one hydroxide compound selected from a group consisting of alkali metal hydroxides and alkali earth metal hydroxides carried on a porous carrier, and also provide a process of regenerating a catalytic activity of the catalyst.

Abstract: A process is provided for separating alkyl carbonate from a feedstock comprising at least one alkyl carbonate and at least one alkanol comprising extracting the alkyl carbonate from the feedstock in a liquid-liquid extraction step comprising a first extraction solvent comprising hydrocarbon selective for extracting alkyl carbonates relative to alkanol in an amount sufficient to extract a substantial portion of the alkyl carbonate from the feedstock and a second solvent comprising water in an amount sufficient to extract a substantial portion of the alkanol from the feedstock.

Abstract: A process for producing an organic carbonate which comprises reacting an organic hydroxy compound, carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising(a) palladium or a palladium compound, (b) a cuprous or cupric compound such as cupric acetate, (c) a quinone or an aromatic diol formed by reduction of the quinone or a mixture thereof such as hydroquinone, and (d) a halogenated onium compound such as (C.sub.4 H.sub.9)NBr is disclosed.According to the invention, an organic carbonate such as diphenyl carbonate can be produced efficiently and economically.

Abstract: Catalytic procedure in gas phase for the preparation of a symmetrical or asymmetrical organic carbonate having the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R and R', the same or different, represent a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl radical, linear or branched, which includes reacting at least one alcohol having the general formula (II):R--OH or R'--OHwith carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst composed of oxides, salts or complexes of cobalt.

Abstract: Dialkyl carbonates can be prepared by the reaction of carbon monoxide with alkyl nitrites in a continuous gas phase reaction, using a platinum metal catalyst on an amorphous alumosilicate having a content of 30-80 atom% Al, based on the sum of Al and Si, as a support, which catalyst may optionally comprise additional material of a compound of antimony, bismuth, aluminium, copper, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, tin, iron, cobalt, nickel or a mixture of a plurality of these, and hydrogen halide being added in the course of the reaction intermittently or continuously. In this reaction, the dialkyl carbonates are formed with almost quantitative selectivity; the corresponding dialkyl oxalates cannot be detected in most cases.

Abstract: A method for making aromatic organic carbonate, such as diphenyl carbonate is provided which employs a transition metal catalyst in the form of a palladium catalyst mixture. The palladium catalyst can be used in combination with an organic cocatalyst, such as a terpyridine and a cobalt cocatalyst in the form of a cobalt complex containing a pentadentate ligand. The aromatic organic carbonate is separated from the carbonylation reaction mixture as a 1:1 molar adduct of aromatic organic carbonate such as diphenyl carbonate and aromatic organic hydroxy compound, such as phenol. The transition metal catalyst has been found to be recyclable allowing for the introduction of make up aromatic organic hydroxy compound into the reactor under ambient conditions.

Abstract: Disclosed a process for purifying dimethyl carbonate which comprises distillating a mixture of dimethyl carbonate and methanol in the presence of dimethyl oxalate to separate and remove methanol.

Abstract: A carbonic acid diester is stably and safely produced at a high selectivity and at a high yield by catalytically reacting carbon monoxide with a nitrous acid ester in a gas phase in the presence of a solid catalyst comprising a catalytic solid material carried on a solid carrier and comprising:(a) a platinum group metal and/or a compound thereof,(b) a compound of Fe, Cu, Bi, Co, Ni and/or Sn, and(c) a vanadium compound, molybdenum compound, tungsten compound, sulfuric acid and/or phosphoric acid.

Abstract: Dialkyl carbonates can be prepared by reaction of carbon monoxide with alkyl nitrites in a continuous gas phase reaction, in which a platinum metal catalyst of oxidic or hydroxidic compounds of elements from group Vb of the Periodic Table (Mendeleev) as supports and, if desired, addition of an antimony, bismuth, aluminium, copper, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, tin, iron, cobalt, nickel compound or a mixture of a plurality thereof on this catalyst are used, and the hydrogen halide which is discharged from the reactor together with the reaction mixture is batchwise or continuously replaced in the course of the reaction. This results in the formation of dialkyl carbonates in almost quantitative selectivity; the corresponding dialkyl oxalates can, in most cases, not be detected.

Abstract: A method is provided for making aromatic carbonates, such as diphenyl carbonate by the carbonylation of an aromatic hydroxy compound, such as phenol in the presence of a palladium catalyst and an organic cocatalyst, such as a terpyridine compound.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of alkylene carbonates is disclosed. Alkylene carbonates are prepared by reacting alkylene oxides and carbon dioxide in the presence of a metal phthalocyanine catalyst.

Abstract: A process for efficiently producing an organic carbonate which comprises reacting an organic hydroxy compound and carbon monoxide in the absence of oxygen and in the presence of a catalyst comprising (a) palladium or a palladium compound, (b) a quinone or an aromatic diol formed by reduction of the quinone or a mixture thereof, and (c) a halogenated onium compound is disclosed.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of dialkyl carbonates by oxidative carbonylation of the corresponding alcohol in the presence of a copper-containing catalyst at elevated temperature and elevated pressure, which process permits simple separation of the copper-containing catalyst by sedimentation, and of the reaction water in the case of methanol by simple distillation from the reaction solution.

Abstract: A process for the continuous splitting of polycarbonates into dihydroxy compounds and carbonic acid esters is disclosed. Accordingly there are reacted in a distillation column a polycarbonate resin and a monohydroxy compound in the presence of a transesterification catalyst. The polycarbonate, in molten form or as a solute, is continuously fed into the upper part of the column and the monohydroxy compound in vapor phase is continuously fed into the lower part of the column. The resulting carbonic acid ester and dihydroxy compounds are continuously being removed from the column. The process is eminently suitable for the recycling of polycarbonate waste.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing urethanes and carbonates from an amine or an alcohol, carbon dioxide and a hydrocarbyl halide. The amine or alcohol is reacted with carbon dioxide in a suitable solvent system and in the presence of an amidine or guanidine base, to form the ammonium carbamate or carbonate salt which is then reacted in a polar aprotic solvent with a hydrocarbyl halide. Polymer products can also be prepared utilizing this process or utilizing the resulting urethanes and carbonates under standard polymerization conditions.

Abstract: A carbonic acid ester is produced by reacting an alcohol with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a cupric salt of a weak acid and/or a cupric halide and an alkaline earth metal salt of a weak acid and/or an alkaline earth metal halide.

Abstract: A process for producing a carbonic acid ester which comprises reacting an alcohol with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a compound of divalent copper is disclosed, wherein the catalyst deactivated as a result of the carbonic acid ester-producing reaction is regenerated by subjecting a reaction mixture or a concentrate thereof containing the deactivated catalyst to water-replacement treatment, followed by heat treatment and weak-acid treatment.

Abstract: To prepare C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -dialkyl carbonates, C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkanols are reacted with CO and O.sub.2 at a relatively high temperature in a salt melt containing Cu salts.

Abstract: Dialkyl carbonates can be prepared in a continuous manner by transesterification of ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate with alcohols in the presence of a catalyst in a column equipped with packing or baffles, by passing the reactants in countercurrent such that the ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate are metered into the upper part of the column and the alcohol is metered into the lower part of the column and the catalyst is arranged as a fixed bed in the column or is also metered into the upper part of the column in solution or suspension, the dialkyl carbonate formed, if appropriate as a mixture with alcohol, being removed at the top of the column and the ethylene glycol or propylene glycol formed from the ethylene carbonate or propylene carbonate being removed at the foot of the column, if appropriate together with the catalyst.

Abstract: Dialkyl carbonates can be prepared by reaction of carbon monoxide with alkyl nitrites in continuous gas phase reaction, in which a platinum metal halide catalyst on aluminum oxides, aluminum oxide hydrates or aluminum hydroxides as support and, if desired, an additive comprising an antimony, bismuth, aluminum, copper, vanadium, niobium, tantalum, tin, iron, cobalt, nickel compound or a mixture of a plurality thereof on this catalyst are used and hydrogen halide is replaced during the course of the reaction batchwise or continuously in at least the amount which is discharged from the reactor together with the reaction mixture. This results in the formation of dialkyl carbonates in almost quantitative selectivity, while the corresponding dialkyl oxalates can not in most cases be detected. The abovementioned supports are characterized by a BET surface area of more than 1 m.sup.2 /g.

Abstract: Di(organo) esters of pyrocarbonic acid, e.g., dialkyl pyrocarbonates, such as diethyl pyrocarbonate, are prepared by reaction of the corresponding organohaloformate with aqueous alkali metal hydroxide, e.g., sodium hydroxide, in the substantial absence of an organic solvent and in the presence of a catalytic amount of a bis[poly(oxy(C.sub.2 -C.sub.4)alkylene)] C.sub.6 -C.sub.20 aliphatic amine, e.g., coco bis(polyoxyethylene) amine.

Abstract: A method for producing a carbonic acid ester, which comprises reacting an aliphatic alcohol with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of 1 a platinum group metal or its salt, 2 metal copper, a copper salt or a copper complex, 3 at least one member selected from the group consisting of alkali metal salts and alkaline earth metal salts, and 4 a 2-hydroxypyridine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing urethanes and carbonates from an amine or an alcohol, carbon dioxide and a hydrocarbyl halide. The amine or alcohol is reacted with carbon dioxide in a suitable solvent system and in the presence of an amidine or guanidine base, to form the ammonium carbamate or carbonate salt which is then reacted in a polar aprotic solvent with a hydrocarbyl halide. Polymer products can also be prepared utilizing this process or utilizing the resulting urethanes and carbonates under standard polymerization conditions.

Abstract: A melt transesterification process for the production of polycarbonates, wherein at least one bis(aryl)carbonate is reacted with at least one dihydric phenol in the melted state, in the presence of a transesterification catalyst comprising at least one heterocyclic borate salt of the formula:M.sup.+ B(R).sub.n (A).sup.-.sub.4-n (I)where M.sup.+ is an alkali metal, tetra-alkylammonium, tetra-arylammonium, tetra-alkylphosphonium and tetra-arylphosphonium ion; R is H, alkyl, aryl or aralkyl; n is an integer from 0-3; and A is an aromatic or aliphatic heterocyclic ring.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of dialkyl carbonates is described in which an alkylene carbonate is first formed from alkylene oxides and CO.sub.2 and this alkylene carbonate is then transesterified with alkanols. Both reaction steps are carried out in the presence of a bifunctional catalyst of the formula[A.sub.a -X.sub.b ].sub.m .multidot.[B.sub.c Y.sub.d ].sub.n (I)wherein A, B, X, Y and the indices a, b, c, d, m and n have the meaning indicated in the description.

Abstract: Disclosed is a continuous process for preparing dimethyl carbonate which comprises:a first step of introducing a gas containing carbon monoxide and methyl nitrite into a reactor filled with a solid catalyst to obtain a reaction product containing dimethyl carbonate;a second step of separating the reaction product to a non-condensed gas and a solution containing dimethyl carbonate by adding dimethyl oxalate;a third step of introducing the non-condensed gas into a regenerating column to contact it with a molecular state oxygen-containing gas and methanol whereby regenerating nitrogen monoxide to methyl nitrite, so as to contain 2 to 7% by volume of nitrogen monoxide in a non-absorbed gas at an outlet of the column, which in turn is introduced in the reactor of the first step;a fourth step of extracting, distilling and separating dimethyl carbonate from the solution by further adding dimethyl oxalate to remove methanol; anda fifth step of distilling and separating dimethyl carbonate from a mixed solution to remo

Abstract: A carbonic acid diester is produced at a high stability and selectivity by catalytically reacting carbon monoxide with a nitrous acid ester in gas phase in the presence of a solid catalyst comprising a catalytic solid material carried on a solid carrier and comprising:(1) a first component consisting of a platinum group metal or a compound thereof,(2) a second component consisting of a compound of Fe, Cu, Bi, Co, Ni or Sn,(3) a third component consisting of a compound of V, Mo or W, and(4) a fourth component consisting of a halides, for example, fluorides or chlorides, organic acid salts, for example, formates or acetates, or phosphates of an alkali or alkaline earth metal.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the cogeneration of ethylene glycol and dimethyl carbonate by reacting methanol and ethylene carbonate in the presence of a heterogeneous, phosphine-bound polymer catalyst. Dimethyl carbonate and ethylene glycol are generated in greater than 98% selectivity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for producing an aromatic carbonate or aromatic carbonate mixture by a transesterification reaction between a starting material selected from a dialkyl carbonate, an alkyl aryl carbonate and a mixture thereof and a reactant selected from an aromatic hydroxy compound, an alkyl aryl carbonate and a mixture thereof, wherein the starting material and the reactant are continuously fed to a continuous multi-stage distillation column to effect a transesterification reaction therebetween in the presence of a catalyst in the distillation column, while continuously withdrawing the produced aromatic carbonate or aromatic carbonate mixture as a high boiling point product in a liquid form from a lower portion of the distillation column and continuously withdrawing the by-product as a low boiling point product in a gaseous form from an upper portion of the distillation column by distillation, thereby enabling the aromatic carbonate or aromatic carbonate mixture to be produced continuously.

Abstract: A process for preparing ethers which comprises contacting a carboxylated ether with a metal oxide catalyst under conditions effective to produce the ether.

Abstract: Dimethyl carbonate is prepared by means of a continuous process:* by feeding, to a reaction chamber, methanol, carbon monoxide and oxygen, to a liquid reaction mixture with substantially constant composition and volume, containing methanol, dimethyl carbonate, water, and a copper catalyst;* vaporizing from the reaction mixture a stream of methanol, water and dimethyl carbonate, which is developed together with the carbonmonoxide-containing gas stream; and* recovering water and dimethyl carbonate from said vaporized mixture, in amounts substantially equal to the respective amounts thereof which are formed in the reaction chamber and recycling the other components.The process, which is essentially characterized in that in the liquid reaction mixture a methanol concentration and a water concentration are maintained which are respectively equal to, or higher than, 30% by weight, and equal to, or lower than, 10% by weight, makes it possible dimethyl carbonate to be obtained with an improved productivity.

Abstract: A process is described for preparing a di-alkyl carbonate, e.g. dimethylcarbonate, via oxidative carbonylation of the corresponding alkanol, e.g. methanol, in the presence of a catalyst system which comprises a copper alkoxy-halide and a quantity of between 0.5 and 10 mol % of C.sub.u X.sub.2 or HX with respect to the total moles of copper. In this manner extremely high di-alkyl carbonate formation rates are obtained.

Abstract: Basic cesium compounds are effective transesterification catalysts for the conversion of symmetric dialkyl carbonates to unsymmetric dialkyl carbonates. Crown ethers, polyalkylene glycols, and polyalkylene glycol ethers are useful cocatalysts for the process. Methyl tert-butyl carbonate and methyl tertamyl carbonate, useful octane enhancers for gasoline, can be prepared using the process.

Abstract: Carbonic acid esters are important compounds as a gasoline extender, an octane number improver, an organic solvent and a reacting agent in place of phosgene for production of isocyanates, polycarbonates and various intermediates of agricultural chemicals and pharmaceuticals.According to the present invention, carbonic acid esters can be prepared by reacting an alcohol with carbon monoxide and oxygen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a copper halide and a tertiary organophosphorus compound having phenyl group or alkyl group.

Abstract: Dimethyl carbonate and methyl tert-butyl ether are prepared by a continuous integrated process comprising:a) feeding methanol, carbon monoxide and oxygen into a reaction environment maintained under methanol oxidative carbonylation conditions, to form a liquid reaction mixture containing dimethyl carbonate and unaltered methanol;b) at least partly eliminating the water from the reaction mixture of stage a);c) feeding the dehydrated mixture of stage b) and isobutene, or a hydrocarbon fraction containing isobutene, into a reaction environment maintained under etherification conditions, to form a liquid reaction mixture containing dimethyl carbonate and methyl tert-butyl ether; andd) recovering the dimethyl carbonate and methyl tert-butyl ether from the reaction mixture of stage c).

Abstract: Glycerine derivatives of the formula ##STR1## wherein the residues R.sup.1, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 have the significance given in the description, and their hydrates, which inhibit blood platelet activating factor (PAF), are described.

Abstract: An integrated process for the production of dimethyl carbonate is disclosed. The processes utilizes oxygen and an inexpensive carbon source such as natural gas as reactants. Other reactants are generated within the process and used without isolation. The process produces dimethyl carbonate and water with other by-products being recycled.

Abstract: A method for the manufacture of alkylene carbonates is disclosed. Alkylene carbonates that are free of halogen contaminants are prepared by reacting alkylene oxides and carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of cerous acetate, ceric ammonium nitrate, cerous nitrate hexahydrate, and ceric potassium nitrate.

Abstract: A process for making dihydrocarbyl carbonates is disclosed. In this process an alcohol having the structural formula R-OH, where R is alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl, is reacted with oxygen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a heterogeneous copper-containing, halogen-free catalyst.

Abstract: A process for producing a diaryl carbonate in high yield and with high selectivity which comprises disproportionating an alkylaryl carbonate in the presence of a lead catalyst to produce a diaryl carbonate and a dialkyl carbonate and recovering the diaryl carbonate from the reaction products. Use of the lead catalyst is effective in avoiding corrosion problems normally caused by other catalyst systems.

Abstract: 2-Propyl-2-pentanoic acid (valproic acid) esters and (E)-2-propyl-2-pentenoic acid [(E)-2-valproenoic acid] esters surprisingly proved to have valuable properties, in that they show anticonvulsive and antiepileptic activities comparable with those of valproic acid, as well as an improved bioavailability and a markedly reduced toxicity.

Abstract: A process for preparing a diester of carbonic acid which comprises bringing carbon monoxide into contact with an ester of nitrous acid in a vapor phase at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure in the presence of a solid catalyst having (a) a platinum group metal or a compound thereof and (b) at least one metal compound of a metal selected from the group consisting of iron, copper, bismuth, cobalt, nickel and tin; carried on a carrier.

Abstract: A continuous process is described for preparing a di-alkyl carbonate, e.g. dimethylcarbonate, via oxidative carbonylation of the corresponding alkanol, e.g. methanol, in the presence of a catalyst system containing a copper alkoxy-halide and water with a mole ratio of the water to the copper salt of between 0.25 and 2.0 and preferably between 0.5 and 1. In this manner extremely high di-alkyl carbonate formation rates are obtained.

Abstract: Di-tert.-butyl dicarbonate having a high purity is prepared by reacting alkali metal tert.-butyl carbonate with methanesulfonyl chloride optionally in the presence of a phase transfer catalyst or an aromatic amine.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of dialkyl carbonates of the general formula I ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 denotes C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 -alkyl, by reaction of alcohols R.sup.1 OH with a gaseous carbon monoxide/oxygen mixture in the presence of a copper catalyst and a co-solvent at elevated temperature and pressure wherein the co-solvent used is a cyclic urea of the general formula II ##STR2## in which n is equal to 2, 3 or 4 and R.sup.2 denotes hydrogen or C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl.

Abstract: A process for the continuous synthesis of dialkyl carbonates of the general formula I ##STR1## in which R denotes C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl, by reaction of C.sub.1 -C.sub.