Abstract: Provided is a process for converting an alkane to an alkene. The process comprises (a) contacting the alkane and either (i) an oxidizing electrophile comprising a main group element in oxidized form, or (ii) an oxidant and a reduced form of the oxidizing electrophile, in a liquid medium comprising an oxygen acid and optionally one or more additives selected from a non-oxidizable liquid, a salt additive, a Lewis acid, and water, to provide an oxidized intermediate and a reduced form of the oxidizing electrophile; (b) optionally separating the oxidized intermediate and the reduced form of the oxidizing electrophile; and (c) performing an elimination reaction on the oxidized intermediate to provide the alkene and the oxygen acid.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polymerizable compound of the formula (I) where the R1, R2, R?1, R?2, X1 to X8, Y1, Y2, M and L have any of values as defined in the specification. The disclosure also provides an oligomer, a homo-polymer, or a co-polymer of compound of the formula (I). The disclosure also provides methods for preparing the compound of the formula (I) and methods for preparing polymers of the compound of the formula (I), and to methods and intermediates useful for preparing them. The disclosure also provides methods for the use of the polymers of formula (I) as chiral catalysts in enantioselective preparative processes.

Abstract: A phenyl ester is produced by allowing benzene, a carboxylic acid and molecular oxygen to react with each other in the presence of a catalyst comprising (A) palladium, (B) at least one element selected from elements of groups 13, 14, 15, and 16 and the fourth to sixth periods of the periodic table, and (C) at least one element selected from elements of groups 3, 4 and lanthanoid elements of the periodic table. Preferably, element (B) is selected from elements of group 16 and the fourth to sixth periods of the periodic table, and element (C) is contained in a metal oxide form in the catalyst. The catalytic activity can be maintained at a high level, and a phenyl ester is stably produced. The phenyl ester can be converted to phenol by a conventional procedure.

Abstract: Feeds comprising methanol, dimethyl ether or a mixture of the two are oxidized by contacting the feed with an oxygen-containing gas and a supported heteropolyacid catalyst containing molybdenum or molybdenum and vanadium. The primary products are methylal (dimethoxymethane) and methyl formate. Production of dimethyl ether from methanol can be inhibited by partial deactivation of acid sites on the Keggin catalyst.

Abstract: A method for producing an organic acid and/or an organic acid ester which utilizes a steam system permitting stable production of an organic acid and/or an organic acid ester and realizing a high thermal efficiency constantly relative to the waste heat generated in the process of the production is provided. More particularly, this invention concerns a method for the production of an organic acid and/or an organic acid ester, wherein heat generated in the process for producing an organic acid and/or an organic acid ester is recovered in the form of steam, and the steam is used in any of the following forms: {circle around (1)} thermal energy, {circle around (2)} dynamic energy, and {circle around (3)} electrical energy in the process for producing an organic acid and/or an organic acid ester.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing monoacetylated hydroquinone compounds of the formula I, to the novel final products of the process and to a process for preparing the precursors.

Abstract: A phenyl carboxylate is produced by allowing benzene, a carboxylic acid and molecular oxygen to react with each other in the coexistence of a palladium catalyst with at least one additive selected from alcohols, aldehydes, cyclic hydrocarbons and formic acid. By using the additive, the reduction of catalytic activity of the palladium catalyst with time is minimized.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of halohydroxydiphenyl compounds useful for protecting organic materials and articles from microorganisms, of the formula by acylation of a halogenated benzene compound (first stage), etherification of the acylated compound with a halogenated phenol compound (second stage), oxidation of the etherified compound (third stage) and hydrolysis of the oxidized compound in a fourth stage, according to the following reaction scheme: in which R1 and R2 independently of one another are F, Cl or Br; R3 and R4 independently of one another are hydrogen; or C1-C4alkyl; m is 1 to 3; and n is 1 or 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 1,8-diacetoxy-3-carboxyanthraquinone, also known as diacerein, via aloin acetylation, oxidation of the acetylated product, and purification of the raw diacerein obtained by means of crystallization from 2-methoxyethanol or N,N-dimethylacetamide and optionally by dissolution of the corresponding salt with triethylamine in methylene chloride, followed by removal of the insoluble residue.

Abstract: A one pot process for the perfluoroalkylation and/or perfluoroacyloxylation of organic substrates is provided. The process comprises contacting a substrate with a perfluoroalkanoic anhydride in the presence of an inorganic peroxygen compound at a temperature of greater than 10.degree. C. Substrates that can be perfluoroalkylated and/or perfluoroacyloxylated include alkylbenzenes, halogenated aromatic compounds, alkoxybenzenes, aryl benzenes, and aromatic and aliphatic disulphides. Preferably, the perfluoroalkanoic anhydride is trifluoroacetic anhydride and the inorganic peroxygen compound is sodium percarbonate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flow liquid-phase chemical reaction system in which a high pressure reservoir unit holds a solvent solution which contains an organic reactant and a gas reactant. The quantity of gas reactant dissolved in the solvent solution is determined by the level of gas reactant vapor pressure in the reservoir unit. The solvent solution is passed through a solid catalyst reactor unit to achieve a selective reaction between the two reactant components of the solvent solution.

Abstract: Diacetoxyatene compounds are obtained by reacting a perborate such as sodium perborate monohydrate or tetrahydrate and acetic acid with an iodoarene compound under mild conditions, such as 40 to 50.degree. C. The iodoarene can be further substituted by a wide range of substituents, such as halo, nitro, alkyl, alkoxy or carbosylic acid, in any position around the nucleus, except that electron withdrawing substituents occupy meta positions only. The invention process thus enables a wide range of substituted diacetoxyarene compounds to be produced using widely available and easily handled materials under mild operating conditions.

Abstract: Aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acids of the formula(HO--).sub.n A--COOHwhere n is 1 or 2 and A is a radical from the benzene, naphthalene, biphenyl, diphenyl ether, diphenyl sulfide or diphenyl sulfone series, are prepared by a process in which an acylated aromatic compound of the formula(R.sup.1 --CO--O--).sub.n A--CO--R.sup.2where R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 independently of one another are each unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 -alkyl and n and A each have the abovementioned meanings, is oxidized with oxygen in the presence of a catalyst and of a solvent at from 20.degree. to 250.degree. C. to give a carboxylic acid of the formula(R.sup.1 --CO--O--).sub.n A--COOHwhere R.sup.1, n and A have the abovementioned meanings, and the acyl group or groups is or are then eliminated.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the oxidation of esters of para- and meta-methyl-substituted phenols to the corresponding aromatic carboxylic acid in the presence of a promoter comprising an anhydride of a lower aliphatic carboxylic acid and a heavy metal catalyst with or without the presence of bromine. The resulting carboxylic acids are useful in liquid crystal polymers and polymers useful in engineering plastics.

Abstract: A process for the one step esterification of aldehydes and alcohols comprises the steps of combining an aldehyde with an alcohol, in the presence of oxygen and in contact with a catalyst having the general formulaPdTe.sub.a Zn.sub.d E.sub.ewhereE is one or more metals from the group consisting of group IA, IIA, IVA, VIIB or VIII metals, As or Sb; anda, d and e are from about 0 to 3 with the proviso that at least d or e.noteq.0.

Abstract: A process is described for the manufacture of aryl esters such as phenyl esters by liquid phase reaction of an aromatic compound such as benzene with molecular oxygen in the presence of a carboxylic acid preferably having 6 or more carbon atoms over a catalyst composed essentially of a compound of palladium and an antimony compound wherein the aromatic compound is added continuously to the reaction and water formed in the reaction is rapidly and continuously removed from the reaction zone.

Abstract: A process is described for the manufacture of diacyloxy aromatic hydrocarbons by the liquid phase reaction of an aromatic hydrocarbon or a monoacyloxy aromatic hydrocarbon with molecular oxygen in the presence of a carboxylic acid over a catalyst composed of a compound of palladium, a compound of antimony and a compound of at least one member selected from the group consisting of an alkali metal, chromium, zinc, antimony and tin wherein the water formed in the reaction is rapidly and continuously removed from the reaction as it forms.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of phenyl esters and phenol in which a feed mixture of benzene, molecular oxygen, a lower carboxylic acid and optionally water is passed over a catalyst composed of a palladium carboxylate, an antimony carboxylate and a chromium carboxylate is described.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of naphthyl or indene carboxylates by reaction of tetralin or indane with oxygen and a carboxylic acid in the presence of a catalyst comprising palladium is described.

Abstract: The oxidation process for the manufacture of aryl esters comprising contacting the reaction mixture of an aromatic hydrocarbon, a carboxylic acid and molecular oxygen in the liquid phase at an elevated temperature with a catalyst composed of palladium or a compound of palladium, a chromium compound and a compound of at least one member selected from the group consisting of zinc, manganese, tin, cobalt and nickel is described.

Abstract: Equimolar amounts of phenol and formaldehyde may be prepared from oxygen and toluene. The catalytic oxidation of toluene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride, forms phenyl acetate and methylene diacetate. Pyrolysis of these two intermediates yields phenol and formaldehyde.Significant improvements in this process are achieved when the first stage of the reaction is carried out in the presence of MoO.sub.3.In a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that Group VIII dithiosemibenzil compounds, particularly nickel dithiosemibenzil, serves as a superior promoter for the toluene oxidation reaction.In still a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that persulfate promoters such as potassium persulfate, persulfuric acid, or Caro's dry acid are particularly effective promoters for the toluene oxidation reaction.In a like manner, hydroquinone or resorcinol may be obtained from cresyl acetates.

Abstract: A process is described for the preparation of aryl esters such as benzyl acetate by reacting an aryl alkyl compound such as toluene with a carboxylic acid such as acetic acid and oxygen in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst comprising palladium metal, gold metal and a metal of Group VA of the Periodic Table of the Elements such as bismuth.

Abstract: Acetoxyacetophenone is the predominant product when phenyl acetate, acetic acid and acetic anhydride are reacted in the presence of palladium and a gas mixture containing an inert gas and more than 13 vol. % oxygen. Secondary products are hydroxyacetophenone and phenylene diacetates. The meta isomers predominate when a metal acetate is present in the reaction mixture. Mineral acids cause shift to ortho isomers.

Abstract: A process is described for the manufacture of aryl esters such as phenyl esters by liquid phase reaction of an aromatic compound such as benzene with molecular oxygen in the presence of a carboxylic acid preferably having 6 or more carbon atoms over a catalyst composed essentially of a compound of palladium, a compound of antimony and a compound of at least one member selected from the group consisting of chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, iron, and tin wherein the aromatic compound is added continuously to the reaction and water formed in the reaction is rapidly and continuously removed from the reaction zone.

Abstract: An improved process for the manufacture of higher aromatic hydrocarbon esters, such as naphthyl esters, by liquid phase reaction of the higher aromatic hydrocarbon compound with molecular oxygen in the presence of a higher carboxylic acid over a catalyst composed essentially of a compound of palladium and an antimony compound wherein the aromatic compound is dissolved in an inert solvent and is added continuously to the reaction zone and water formed in the reaction is rapidly and continuously removed from the reaction zone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of telluroxides as mild and selective oxidizing agents serving to oxidize certain functions, notably >C.dbd.S groups, in the presence of other relatively easily oxidized functions which remain unaffected; telluroxides of interest as oxidizing agents include, for example, compounds of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R and R.sup.1, which may be the same or different, each represent an optionally substituted aryl or heterocyclic group; or R and R.sup.1 together with the tellurium atom therebetween represent a heterocyclic ring, which may contain one or more further heteroatoms, and which may carry substituents and/or fused aromatic rings.

Abstract: Malonic anhydride and substituted malonic anhydrides are prepared by ozonolysis of the enol-lactone dimers of ketenes. The resulting malonic anhydrides can be hydrolyzed with water to form the corresponding acid, reacted with an alcohol to yield the monoester, or reacted with an amine to yield the monoamide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of 4-[2-(dimethylamino)-ethoxy]-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-phenol esters (I) and their salts with organic and inorganic acids comprising the reaction of thymol with a salt of an 1-halo-dimethylaminoethane to obtain ethylamine-N,N-dimethyl-2-(thymyloxy) (II), the subsequent reaction of (II) with an acylating agent according to the Friedel and Kraft reaction to obtain 4-[2-(dimethylamino)-ethoxy]-2-methyl-5-(1-methylethyl)-1-acyl-benzene (III) and the oxidation of (III) to obtain the products (I) which, if desired, may be transformed in their salts with organic or inorganic acids.This process allows to obtain the products (I) in high quality and quantity without isolating any intermediate product.

Abstract: Paraphenylene diacetate is the predominant product when phenylacetate, acetic acid and acetic anhydride are reacted in the presence of palladium and a gas mixture containing an inert gas and no more than 13 vol.% oxygen.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting p-isopropenylphenol and derivatives thereof and, more particularly, oligomers of p-isopropenylphenol and derivatives thereof, to hydroquinone via monomeric intermediates [e.g. p-(2-haloisopropyl)phenol in the case of p-isopropenylphenol and oligomers thereof]. The process involves reacting the starting materials with a hydrogen halide (e.g. gaseous hydrogen chloride) in the presence of an organic solvent and subjecting the product so obtained to oxidation with hydrogen peroxide or an organic hydroperoxide.

Abstract: Muconic acid monoesters of alkanediols of 2-6 carbons and of phenol are prepared by copper (II) oxidative cleavage of phenols, catechols or orthobenzoquinones. The products are useful as comonomers in polyamides and other polymers. The alkanediol or phenol is introduced into the copper (II) reactant or catalyst.

Abstract: A process for oxidizing organic substrates such as ketones and ethylenically unsaturated compounds. The substrate is contacted with aqueous hydrogen peroxide in a solution or in a two-phase liquid system, in the presence of a polymeric catalyst containing chemically bonded arsenic. This process can lead to lactones or hydroxy acids from cyclic ketones or to esters or mixtures of alcohol and carboxylic acid from open chain ketones. Unsaturated compounds afford epoxides and/or diols. Preparations of certain polymers substituted by arsenic groups, particularly from polystyrene, poly(vinylpyridine) and copolymers thereof, useful as catalysts in such oxidation process, are described. For example, polystyrene is brominated, bromine therein is replaced by lithium and the resulting lithiated polymer is converted into a polymer containing an arsenic group, such as arsono, --As(O)(OH).sub.2, as substituent group, by reaction with arsine triethoxide followed by oxidation and hydrolysis by aqueous hydrogen peroxide.

Abstract: Equimolar amounts of phenol and formaldehyde may be prepared from oxygen and toluene. The catalytic oxidation of toluene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride, forms phenyl acetate and methylene diacetate. Pyrolysis of these two intermediates yields phenol and formaldehyde.Significant improvements in this process are achieved when the first stage of the reaction is carried out in the presence of MoO.sub.3.In a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that Group VIII dithiosemibenzil compounds, particularly nickel dithiosemibenzil, serves as a superior promoter for the toluene oxidation reaction.In still a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that persulfate promoters such as potassium persulfate, persulfuric acid, or Caro's dry acid are particularly effective promoters for the toluene oxidation reaction.In a like manner, hydroquinone or resorcinol may be obtained from cresyl acetates.

Abstract: A carboxylic ester is produced in one step in a high yield and with a high selectivity by reacting an aldehyde with an alcohol in the presence of oxygen by using a catalyst comprising (I) palladium, (II) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of lead compounds, thallium compounds and mercury compounds and (III) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alkali metal compounds and alkaline earth metal compounds.

Abstract: Alpha-naphthol esters of aliphatic carboxylic acids are prepared by oxidation of naphthalene in the presence of cobalt compounds.

Abstract: The oxidation of methyl benzenes with air or oxygen in the presence of acetic anhydride, benzaldehyde and an acid catalyst under mild reaction conditions yields a phenolic acetate and formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde when the ratio of acetic anhydride to methyl benzene is adjusted to provide the selective formation of the phenolic acetate and formaldehyde or paraformaldehyde. In this process, it is essential that the flow of air or oxygen through the reaction medium be maintained at a sufficient rate to provide for the continuous removal of formaldehyde as it is formed. The formaldehyde may then be recovered in the form of paraformaldehyde.

Abstract: The oxidation of methyl benzenes, such as toluene, with air or oxygen in the presence of acetic anhydride and sulfuric acid catalyst to form a phenolic acetate and methylene diacetate may be carried out under mild conditions when small amounts of benzaldehyde are added to the reaction.The resulting acetates may then be pyrolyzed to yield phenolic compounds and formaldehyde, respectively.

Abstract: An extremely mild, oxidative process for converting alkoxyalkanols to the corresponding acids is disclosed which comprises reacting the alcohol with an alkali metal hydroxide and tert-butyl hydroperoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of palladium.

Abstract: A process for preparing aromatic esters by oxyacylation which comprises contacting benzene or an aryl alkyl compound with a carboxylic acid and oxygen in the vapor phase in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of a catalyst comprising an oxide of uranium and at least one oxide selected from the group consisting of arsenic, antimony and bismuth oxide.

Abstract: Oxidation of methyl benzenes with air or oxygen to form a phenolic acetate and formaldehyde or methylene diacetate may be carried out in the presence of acetic acid, phosphorus pentoxide, benzaldehyde and an acid catalyst. The resulting acetates may then be pyrolyzed to yield phenolic compounds and formaldehyde, respectively.

Abstract: Equimolar amounts of vinyl acetate and phenol may be prepared by oxidation of ethyl benzene. The catalytic oxidation, of ethyl benzene, when carried out in the presence of acetic anhydride, forms phenyl acetate and ethylidene diacetate. Pyrolysis of these two intermediates yields vinyl acetate and phenol.In a further embodiment of this invention it has been found that persulfate promoters such as potassium persulfate, persulfuric acid, or Caro's dry acid are particularly effective promoters for this oxidation reaction.

Abstract: A highly selective, one-step conversion of toluene to benzylidene diacetate is provided by the reaction of toluene with O.sub.2 and acetic anhydride in the presence of an acid catalyst. No metal catalysts are required.

Abstract: Benzylidene diacetate may be converted to phenyl acetate and methylene diacetate by an acid-catalyzed reaction in the presence of oxygen or air, and acetic anhydride, at elevated temperatures and pressures.

Abstract: 15,15'-Didehydro-astaxanthin and ester derivatives thereof useful as coloring agents and intermediates for astaxanthin and a method for preparing astaxanthin from keto .alpha.-isophorone and intermediates therein.

Abstract: A process for preparing a diester of a dicarboxylic acid having two more carbon atoms than the unsaturated hydrocarbon used as a starting material, which comprises subjecting an unsaturated hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and an alcohol to reaction in the presence of a platinum group metal in combination with one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of nitric acid, a nitrogen oxide and an ester of nitrous acid.

Abstract: The production of acrylates and methacrylates, made by the oxidative esterification of propylene or isobutylene wherein gaseous reactants are contacted with one or more catalysts and ethylene or an alcohol can be advantageously conducted in a single fluid bed reactor to obtain the desired ester.

Abstract: A method for the production of phenols which comprises subjecting alkylaromatic hydrocarbons to liquid-phase oxidation with oxygen at a temperature of 100.degree.-300.degree. C and under a pressure of 1-100 atm in the presence of an acidic catalyst taken in an amount of 0.0006-10 mole % and also in the presence of carboxylic acid anhydrides or chlorides, followed by saponifying the resulting phenolic esters.

Abstract: Formate esters of the general formula HCOOAr wherein Ar is an aromatic hydrocarbon group containing an alkyl substituent are prepared by oxidizing alkyl aromatic aldehydes of the general formula ArCHO wherein Ar is the same as defined above with organic peroxy acids in the presence of hydrogen fluoride.