Abstract: A process for continuously removing water in situ from an oxidative esterification reaction is provided. The process includes (a) conducting a first oxidative esterification reaction in a first reactor or reaction zone, wherein the total number of reactors or reaction zones is n and n is at least 2; (b) removing a crude product stream from the first reactor or reaction zone; (c) introducing the crude product stream to a distillation column to generate a column overheads stream and a column bottoms stream; (d) passing a portion of the columns bottoms stream to the product recovery zone; and (e) passing a portion of the column overheads stream to a subsequent reactor or reaction zone. Steps (a)-(e) can be repeated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing methacrylic acid, comprising: converting a C3-oxygenate into propanoic acid, wherein said C3-oxygenate is a compound selected from the group consisting of 1-propanol, monopropylene glycol, monohydroxyacetone, 2-hydroxypropanal, glycerol and dihydroxyacetone; and reacting the propanoic acid with formaldehyde or a precursor of formaldehyde into methacrylic acid. Said C3-oxygenate preferably contains 2 oxygen atoms, and most preferably it is monopropylene glycol.

Abstract: A production process for the manufacture of ethylenically unsaturated acids or esters thereof is described. The process includes the steps of reaction of an alkanoic acid, or ester of an alkanoic acid, of the formula R3—CH2—COOR4 where R3 and R4 are each independently hydrogen or an alkyl group, in the presence of a catalyst system to produce an ethylenically unsaturated acid or ester product. The process is characterised in that the acid or ester product is subsequently contacted with a dienophile to thereby remove discolouration therefrom. An ethylenically unsaturated acid or ester crude product purification process is also described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a telechelic diacrylate fluoropolymer and a process for manufacture of the fluoropolymer. The diacrylate copolymer is of formula CH2?CR?COO—(CH2)n—R—(CH2)n—OOCCR??CH2, wherein R is selected from the group consisting of i) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), ii) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of vinylidene fluoride and hexafluoropropylene, iii) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluoro(methyl vinyl ether), and iv) an oligomer comprising copolymerized units of tetrafluoroethylene and a hydrocarbon olefin, R? is H or—CH3, n is 1-4 and wherein said oligomer has a number average molecular weight of 1000 to 25,000 daltons.

Abstract: The invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process includes the steps of contacting an alkanoic acid and an alkylenating agent over a catalyst composition under conditions effective to produce the acrylate product. The catalyst composition comprises vanadium, bismuth and titanium. Preferably, the catalyst comprises 0.3 wt % to 30 wt % vanadium, 0.1 wt % to 69 wt % bismuth and 0.1 wt % to 61 wt % tungsten, in an active phase.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the synthesis of an acrylic acid ester of formula CH2?CH—COOR, where R is an alkyl radical having between 1 and 18 carbon atoms and optionally where one of the carbon atoms in the alkyl radical may be replaced with a nitrogen atom. In an embodiment of the invention, glycerol is subjected to a dehydration reaction in the presence of an acid catalyst to obtain acrolein. The acrolein formed is transformed by catalytic oxidation into acrylic acid, which is subjected to an esterification reaction by means of an alcohol of the formula ROH in which R has the meaning as above. The invention also relates to bioresourced esters produced according to the method, and to synthesized polymers using the esters of the invention as polymerization monomers or comonomers.

Abstract: A process for continuous heterogeneously catalyzed partial dehydrogenation of at least one hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated in a reactor which is manufactured from a composite material which consists, on its side in contact with the reaction chamber, of a steel B with specific elemental composition which, on its side facing away from the reaction chamber, either directly or via an intermediate layer of copper, or of nickel, or of copper and nickel, is plated onto a steel A with specific elemental composition, and also partial oxidations of the dehydrogenated hydrocarbon and the reactor itself.

Abstract: A process for continuous heterogeneously catalyzed partial dehydrogenation of at least one hydrocarbon to be dehydrogenated in a reactor which is manufactured from a composite material which consists, on its side in contact with the reaction chamber, of a steel B with specific elemental composition which, on its side facing away from the reaction chamber, either directly or via an intermediate layer of copper, or of nickel, or of copper and nickel, is plated onto a steel A with specific elemental composition, and also partial oxidations of the dehydrogenated hydrocarbon and the reactor itself.

Abstract: The invention relates to the synthesis of alkenoate esters from a corresponding lactone and an alcohol in the presence of a basic catalyst. More specifically, this invention relates to the synthesis of methyl-4-pentenoate ester from 5-methyl butyrolactone and methanol.

Abstract: A novel method for preparing a heteropolyacid catalyst containing a heteropolyacid composed of molybdophosphoric acid and/or molybdovanadophosphoric acid, or a salt of the heteropolyacid, is provided. The method comprises preparing an aqueous solution or aqueous dispersion which (1) contains the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound, nitrate anions and ammonium ions, (2) the ammonium ion content not exceeding 1.7 mols per mol of the nitrate anion content, and (3) the ammonium ion content not exceeding 10 mols per 12 mols of the molybdenum atom content by mixing raw materials containing the catalyst-constituting elements with the nitrogen-containing heterocyclic compound in the presence of water, drying and calcining the same. This heteropolyacid catalyst excels over conventional catalysts in performance, life and strength.

Abstract: A method includes producing an unsaturated organic compound from an organic component of an organic-containing feed. A reactor is provided which contains a molten metal bath. The molten metal bath includes a metal, such as a suitable transition metal, which can interact with an organic component of the feed. The feed is directed into the molten metal bath at a rate which causes the metal to interact with the organic component. Operating conditions are established and maintained in the reactor to cause the metal to interact with the organic component. At least one carbon-carbon double bond is formed in the organic component to produce an unsaturated organic compound that is discharged from the molten metal bath.

Abstract: The invention relates to the stabilization of the activity and/or the reactivation of molybdoheteropoly acid catalysts in vapor-phase oxidations, such as the oxidehydrogenation of isobutyric acid or its lower esters to methacrylic acid or its lower esters, by means of an oxidizing treatment of the catalyst in which compounds of catalyst constituents are added, at temperatures ranging from 200.degree. to 400.degree. C., with an oxygen-containing gas.The inventive activation measures can be carried out either during the catalytic vapor-phase reaction, such as oxihydrogenation in particular, or intermittently to alternate therewith, and optionally also physically separated in part from each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for preparing, .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester from .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester, a .alpha.-alkoxycarboxylic acid ester or .beta.-alkoxycarboxylic acid ester as a starting material by a vapor-phase catalytic reaction in the presence of a crystalline aluminosilicate modified with an alkali metal and a platinum group element as a catalyst.According to the process, .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of methyl methacrylate from isobutyric acid employing a catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation reaction in the vapor phase followed by condensation, liquid-liquid extraction, esterification, separation and purification steps.

Abstract: A process for producing methacrylic acid and/or methacrylic acid ester by oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutyric acid and/or isobutyric acid ester, wherein the improvement comprises using a catalyst having the composition represented by(Mo).sub.a (V).sub.b (P).sub.c (Cu).sub.d (As).sub.e (X).sub.f (O).sub.g(where X denotes at least one element selected from the group consisting of lithium, beryllium, magnesium, barium, tin, lead, chromium, tungsten, and tellurium; subscripts a, b, c, d, e, f, and g each denote the ratio of the respective elements; b, c, d, e, and f are in the range of 0.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.3, 0.2.ltoreq.c.ltoreq.2, 0.005.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.2, 0.005.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.0.2, and 0.005.ltoreq.f.ltoreq.2, respectively, when a is 12, and the value of g is determined according to the ratio and valence of the other elements), and at least a part of the composition having the heteropoly acid structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for preparing a 1,1-disubstituted ethylene derivative of the formula ##STR1## which comprises reacting lead with a carbinol derivative of the formula ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, X, Y, m and n are defined in the specification. The reaction is conducted more advantageously in the presence of a metal having higher ionization tendency than lead.

Abstract: A process is provided for the oxydehydrogenation of saturated carboxylic acids or a lower alkyl ester thereof with oxygen in the presence of iron phosphorus oxide catalysts containing promoters selected from the group Ag, Al, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cu, Ga, Ge, In, Mn, Ni, Te, Th, Ti, Tl, U, V, Zn, Zr, rare earths and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: Method for regenerating catalysts containing molybdenum, phosphorus, and vanadium in oxidic association and useful for the oxydehydrogenation of isobutyric acid or its lower esters to form methacrylic acid or its lower esters, by oxidizing the spent catalyst with an oxygen containing gas at temperatures from 200.degree. C. to 400.degree. C., suitably intermittently and in alternation with oxydehydrogenation.

Abstract: Alkenecarboxylates of the formula I ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is alkyl of 1 to 6 carbon atoms and n is 2, 3 or 4, are prepared by a process which comprises reacting a lactone of the formula II ##STR2## where R.sub.2 is hydrogen or methyl and m is 1 or 2, with an alkanol of 1 to 6 carbon atoms in the presence of an acidic catalyst at from 150.degree. to 400.degree. C.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel vapor phase process for the production of unsaturated acids and esters, such as acrylic acid and methyl acrylate, by reacting a primary alcohol with a saturated monocarboxylic acid, ester, or anhydride in the presence of oxygen over a solid catalyst.

Abstract: The molybdovanadophosphoric acid H.sub.8 PMo.sub.10 VO.sub.39, its PMo.sub.10 VO.sub.35 anhydride, methods for their preparation, and methods for making methacrylic acid and its esters by oxidation/dehydrogenation wherein the above acid and/or its anhydride is employed as a catalyst.

Abstract: A process for producing acrylic acid or methacrylic acid by reacting acetic acid or propionic acid with formaldehyde in a gas phase is described, characterized by carrying out the reaction in the presence of a solid catalyst containing at least one of boron oxide or phosphorus oxide and having an acid site of an acid strength, pKa.ltoreq.-3.0. The solid catalyst is of high activity and is satisfactory in both selectivity and conversion and, furthermore, its high selectivity can be maintained for long periods of time. Thus the desired product, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, can be produced in high yield.

Abstract: A novel method of converting alkanoic acids, such as isobutyric acid, to alpha-beta unsaturated acids, such as methacrylic acid, is disclosed which exhibits a higher degree of selectivity than those vapor phase oxydehydration methods heretofore known to the art. The preferred method comprises contacting a Dawson structure phosphomolybdic acid catalyst with isobutyric acid under specified reaction conditions to achieve a high selectivity for methacrylic acid.

Abstract: In the recovery and purification of methacrylic acid or its esters produced by the vapor phase catalytic oxydehydrogenation of isobutyric acid or its esters the problem of downstream plugging is avoided by the inclusion of a small amount of surfactant in the gaseous effluent at or near the point of its condensation.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for converting alkyl isobutyrate to alkyl methacrylate via alkyl-hydroperoxy-isobutyrate and alkyl alpha-hydroxyisobutyrate intermediate.An important aspect of the process is the use of a particulate metal oxide substrate in the first step of the process.

Abstract: An isobutyric acid ester is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding methacrylic acid ester by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst, molecular oxygen and an amine. The catalyst may be any of a number of well known oxydehydrogenation catalysts.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing alkenoate products in the presence of an ethylaluminum dichloride type catalyst, such as the production of methyl 5-hexenoate by the reaction between propylene and methyl acrylate.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for maintaining the activity of PMA based catalysts during reactor shutdown by flushing the reactor with an oxide of nitrogen gas at a temperature of from about 150.degree. C. to about 370.degree. C. The method can be employed in the reactor by terminating the feed of hydrocarbon to the reactor and then flushing the reactor. The method can be employed to treat PMA based catalysts having the general formula Mo.sub.x P.sub.y A.sub.a B.sub.b C.sub.c D.sub.d E.sub.e O.sub.z wherein A is selected from the group consisting of ammonium, cesium, potassium, rubidium and thallium; B is selected from the group consisting of copper and vanadium; C is selected from the group consisting of antimony, arsenic, bismuth and tellurium; D is palladium; E is aluminum, barium, calcium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel tantalum, titanium, tungsten, zinc, zirconium, chlorine and/or bromine; x can be 3 to 15, y can be 1 to 1.5; a can be 0.1 to 3; b can be 0.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the reactivation of phosphomolybdic acid based catalysts used for the conversion of saturated and unsaturated aldehydes to acids. The method comprises the step of feeding an oxide of nitrogen over the deactivated catalyst at a temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C. The method can be employed in the reactor by terminating the feed of reactant to the reactor, adjusting the reactor temperature as may be necessary to one suitable for reactivation and sweeping the reactor with a gas. Alternatively, the catalyst can be removed from the reactor for reactivation. Reactivated phosphomolybdic acid based catalysts are also disclosed. These catalysts have a ratio of molybdenum to phosphorus of 3:1 to 15:1 and are prepared by the process of feeding an oxide of nitrogen over the catalyst at a temperature of from about 100.degree. C. to about 400.degree. C.

Abstract: 6-Chloro-6-deoxy-D-hexitols, a novel class of compounds, and their esters, possess male antifertility activity and are thus useful in antifertility compositions. They are prepared by reduction of 6-chloro-6-deoxy-D-hexoses.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined oxides of iron, phosphorous, silicon, vandanium and molybdenum.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined mixture of salts of titanium and iron.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of iron phosphorous mixed oxide catalysts which are highly active at moderate temperatures by introducing iron and phosphorus containing compounds and promoter element containing compounds, if any, into a substantially organic liquid medium, heating, separating the resulting precursor, drying and calcining. The catalysts are useful for the dehydrogenation or oxydehydrogenation of organic compounds such as aldehydes or carboxylic acids.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase to produce the corresponding alpha, beta-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of oxygen. The catalyst has the empirical formula Fe.sup.II Fe.sub.2.sup.III (PO.sub.4).sub.2.(OH).sub.2 which can exist in the form of Barbosalite and/or Lipscombite.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding alpha, beta-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined phosphomolybdate of potassium and cerium.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined phosphates of iron, silver and chromium.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined phosphates of iron and cerium.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined oxides of uranium and tungsten.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase to produce the corresponding .alpha.,B-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined phosphates of chromium, molybdenum and tungsten.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined phosphates of iron and copper.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a functional equivalent; e.g., a lower alkyl ester is oxidatively dehydrogenated to effect the vapor phase conversion thereof to the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-ethylenically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of calcined phosphates of iron containing cobalt or lanthanum as a modifier or dopant component.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined oxides of uranium and niobium.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined oxides of iron and at least two members selected from the group consisting of antimony, niobium, tantalum and tungsten.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid is oxidatively dehydrogenated to methacrylic acid by passing a gaseous mixture of isobutyric acid, oxygen, nitrogen and optionally water vapor at temperatures of 300.degree.-450.degree. C. and pressures of 0.5 to 5 bar over a catalyst comprising molybdenum oxide, which also contains vanadium, phosphorous and a metal selected from the group consisting of alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, zinc, silver, aluminum, titanium, lead, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel and tin, preferably precipitated on a solid silica support and calcined at 200.degree. to 400.degree. C. At conversion levels of 80 to 100% of the isobutyric acid used, a methacrylic acid selectivity of 60 to 74% is attained.

Abstract: Isobutyric acid or a lower alkyl ester thereof is oxidatively dehydrogenated in the vapor phase producing the corresponding .alpha.,.beta.-olefinically unsaturated derivative by contact with a heterogeneous catalyst in the presence of molecular oxygen. The catalyst is composed of the calcined phosphates of iron, silver and niobium.

Abstract: Compositions of the empirical formula:Mo.sub.12 P.sub.0.1- Te.sub.0.01-2 M.sub.0.1-3 M'.sub.0.01-3 X.sub.a O.sub.bwhereM is at least one of K, Rb and Cs;M' is at least one of Cu and V;X is at least one of Ba, Zn, Ga, Nb, Cd, Ti, Ca, Bi, Mg, Ta, Zr, Ce, Ni, Co, Cr, Fe and Tl when a>0;a is a number of 0 to about 2; andb is a number that satisfies the valence requirements of the other elements present,are excellent catalysts for the oxydehydrogenation of saturated, lower aliphatic acids and esters to the corresponding unsaturated acids and esters.

Abstract: Methyl methacrylate or other .alpha.-.beta. unsaturated esters are prepared by contacting an oxydehydrogenation-esterification catalyst with a feed mixture of a saturated acid (e.g., isobutyric acid), an alkyl alcohol (e.g., methanol), oxygen, with or with H.sub.2 O, preferably with H.sub.2 O for a time sufficient to form an alkyl .alpha.-.beta. unsaturated ester as described herein.

Abstract: Olefinic acids and esters, such as methacrylic acid and methylmethacrylate, are prepared by contacting in the presence of molecular oxygen the corresponding saturated acid or ester, such as isobutyric acid or methylisobutyrate with the catalyst of the empirical formula:Mo.sub.12 P.sub.0.1-3 M.sub.0.1-3 Cu.sub.0.01-2 V.sub.0.01-2 X.sub.0.01-2 M'.sub.a O.sub.b (I)whereM is at least one of K, Rb and Cs;X is at least one of Ba, La, Ga, Al, Ag, Cd, Ti, Tl, Hg, Pb and Zn;M' is at least one of Fe, Co, Ni, Sr, Mn, In, Ta, Ge, S and Be when a >0;a is a number of 0 to about 2; andb is a number that satisfies the valence requirements of the other elements present.

Abstract: The invention includes a process wherein an olefin is carbonylated with carbon monoxide to form carboxylic acid esters in the presence of a catalyst complex of one mole of BF.sub.3 and one mole of alcohol, and the catalyst is recovered from the desired reaction product and the reaction by-products and is recycled. The carbonylation is carried out until approximately one-half of the alcohol is consumed to form a reaction mass containing the BF.sub.3, the alcohol, and carboxylic acid esters in a 2:1:1 molar ratio. In the first step, the one mole of free BF.sub.3 is vaporized from the reaction mass. The remaining admixture is a 1:1:1 mixture of the aforesaid compounds. To this mixture additional alcohol is added and the mixture is subjected to distillation. An azeotrope of the product carboxylic acid ester and the alcohol and residual alcohol are removed by the distillation, leaving a residue containing a 1:2 BF.sub.

Abstract: In a process wherein ethylene or propylene is carbonylated with carbon monoxide to form carboxylic acid esters in the presence of a catalyst complex of one mole of BF.sub.3 and one mole of alcohol, the invention concerns a technique wherein the catalyst is recovered from the reaction product and recycled. The carbonylation is carried out until approximately one-half of the alcohol is consumed, to form a reaction mass containing the BF.sub.3, the alcohol, and the carboxylic acid ester in a 2:1:1 molar ratio. In the first step, the one mole of the free BF.sub.3 is vaporized from the reaction mass. The remaining admixture is a 1:1:1 mixture of the three aforesaid compounds. To this mixture additional alcohol is added and the mixture is subjected to distillation. A carboxylic acid ester/alcohol azeotrope and residual alcohol are removed by the distillation, to leave a residue containing a 1:2 BF.sub.3 /alcohol complex. This complex is combined with an additional mole of BF.sub.