Abstract: A process for producing a crystalline chiral hydroxy ester of the formula: ##STR1## is disclosed. The process comprises reacting a diol of the formula: ##STR2## with an effective amount of isobutryic anhydride and an effective amount of a lipase enzyme in an effective amount of acetonitrile, said reaction being conducted at a low temperature, and wherein X.sup.1 and X.sup.2 are each independently selected from F or Cl.

Abstract: We describe a process for perfuming fabrics washed in the presence of a lipase-containing detergent and, optionally, subsequently treated with a fabric softener, said process being characterized in that said detergent and/or said fabric softener contains a compound of formula ##STR1## wherein a. R represents a radical derived from an fragrant alcohol of formula ROH and Y represents a C.sub.7 to C.sub.24 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical, or a --(CH.sub.2).sub.n COOR group wherein R is defined as above and n is an integer from 0 to 6; or p1 b. Y represents a C.sub.7 to C.sub.24 linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated alkyl radical and R represents a group of formula ##STR2## wherein, either R.sup.1 represents hydrogen and R.sup.2 represents an alkylidene radical derived from a fragrant aldehyde of formula ##STR3## or R.sup.2 represents an alkylidene radical and R.sup.1 an alkyl radical, R.sup.1 and R.sup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to:(1) a novel catalyst which has a high catalytic activity, is useful in the production of acetic acid and/or methyl acetate from methanol, and is obtained through ion exchange of an anion of an anion exchanger with an anion of an Ru--Sn hetero-polynuclear compound;(2) a novel catalyst which has a high catalytic activity, is useful in the production of acetic acid and/or methyl acetate from methanol, and is obtained through ion exchange of a cation of a cation exchanger with a Ru complex and treatment with a Sn compound;(3) a process for producing acetic acid and/or methyl acetate from methanol through a one-stage reaction in a gas phase wherein the catalytic activity is maintained throughout the reaction; and(4) a process for producing acetic acid and/or methyl acetate in the presence of a highly active catalyst, for example, the catalyst specified in (1) or (2), at a high reaction rate.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a terminal ester by carbonylation of an internally unsaturated organic compound in the presence of an alcohol, carbon monoxide, palladium, an acid with a pK.sub.a of less than 2 (measured at 18.degree. C. in an aqueous solution) and a bidentate organic phosphorus, antimony or arsenic ligand compound having a bridging group, wherein the bridging group comprises a bis(.eta.-cyclopentadienyl) coordination group of a transition metal.

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: Disclosed is a method of making a glycol ether acetate. Acetic acid is reacted with a glycol ether at a molar ratio of about 1.1 to about 2, in a mixture with a catalyst and an azeotropic agent which can be either butyl acetate or dibutyl ether. The mixture is heated to a temperature and pressure sufficient to vaporize an azeotrope of water and the azeotropic agent. In another embodiment of the invention, a glycol ether acetate is made by preparing a reaction mixture of acetic acid and a glycol ether in a molar ratio of about 1.1 to about 1.2, about 5 to about 25 wt % n-butanol, an additional amount of acetic acid stoichiometric with the amount of n-butanol, and a catalyst. The reaction mixture is heated to form a glycol ether acetate, water, and butyl acetate. The azeotrope, excess acetic acid, butyl acetate, and glycol ether are successively removed by distillation.

Abstract: A two-stage process for effecting a chemical reaction has been developed. The reactants are contacted with a first stage fixed catalyst bed containing a solid catalyst or mixture of catalysts effective to catalyze the reaction and form a mixture of reactants and products. This reaction mixture and a desorbent are then contacted with a second stage simulated moving bed containing a solid or a mixture of solids effective to catalyze the reaction and to selectively adsorb at least one component from the reaction mixture. At least one product-containing stream is formed and collected. The process may be conducted in the liquid phase or in the vapor phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and novel way of producing an acetoxystyrene. In this new process which comprises a single step, a mixture of (a) a carbinol, (b) an acetylating agent, and (c) an acid catalyst is dehydrated under suitable dehydration conditions of temperature and pressure to form said acetoxystyrene.

Abstract: A method for making an amine includes the steps of heating a reaction mixture including a nitrile, an acid, water and a substrate compound capable of generating a carbonium ion by reaction with the acid to generate a first reaction intermediate; treating the first reaction intermediate with an acid in the presence of a primary alkanol to form a second reaction intermediate and an alkyl ester; separating the alkyl ester from the second reaction intermediate; and treating the second reaction intermediate with a base to form the amine.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and novel way of producing 4-acetoxystyrene. In this new process, 4-hydroxystyrene is acetylated, in the presence of an acetylation agent, under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure and for a sufficient period of time to form acetoxystyrene.

Abstract: A novel optically active erythro-1-alkanoyloxy-2,4-O-isopropylidene-2,4-dihydroxy-5-substituted pentane expressed by the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 represents a halogen atom or cyano group and R.sup.2 represents an alkyl group of 1 to 6 carbon atoms, and a process for producing the above compound are provided, the compound being preferably usable as an intermediate for preparing a HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor and the process being practiced under mild conditions and with a high yield.

Abstract: Isomeric mixtures of pentanoic acids are prepared by subjecting butene-1/butene-2 mixtures to hydroformylation to form aldehyde mixtures, followed by oxidation of the aldehyde mixtures which have been separated off from the reaction product. The hydroformylation is carried out in a heterogeneous system in the presence of rhodium catalysts which are dissolved in water. The mixture of isomeric 5 carbon monocarboxylic acids produced, when esterified with polyhydric alcohols, yields mixtures of isomeric esters which are useful as lubricants for refrigerant compressors operated with chlorine-free, at least partly fluorinated hydrocarbons as the refrigerant.

Abstract: A process for preparing carboxylic esters from carboxylic acid halides or carboxylic anhydrides by reacting one of these starting materials with an alcohol under the catalytic action of "onium" or metal salts of carboxylic acids to obtain high yields of products in anhydrous form in a technically simple manner. The process is especially well suited for preparing 1,1,1-trifluoroethyl trifluoroacetate.

Abstract: There are disclosed a process for producing methyl formate by dehydrogenating methanol in liquid phase in the presence of a solid catalyst and a process according thereto wherein a gas (N.sub.2, H.sub.2, CO, etc.) is continuously blown into the liquid phase from outside, and the gas along with the reaction product are continuously withdrawn outside the reaction system from the gaseous phase directly or through a cooler. By virtue of the liquid-phase reaction in the above process, as compared with the conventional gaseous phase reaction, the reaction temperature can be lowered, the reaction gas rich in the objective methyl formate rather than methanol is obtained by continuously withdrawing the resultant methyl formate outside the reaction system and accordingly, a single pass yield higher than that at the thermodynamical equilibrium-value is assured, whereby energy saving is made possible.

Abstract: The present invention relates to:(1) a novel catalyst which has a high catalytic activity, is useful in the production of acetic acid and/or methyl acetate from methanol, and is obtained through ion exchange of an anion of an anion exchanger with an anion of an Ru--Sn hetero-polynuclear compound;(2) a process for producing acetic acid and/or methyl acetate from methanol through a one-stage reaction in a gas phase wherein the catalytic activity is maintained throughout the reaction; and(3) a process for producing acetic acid and/or methyl acetate in the presence of a highly active catalyst, for example, the catalyst specified in (1), at a high reaction rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for making ethyl acetate which comprises reacting in a reaction zone ethyanol and molecular oxygen in the presence of a solid catalyst containing the elements and proportions indicated by the empirical formulaPd.sub.a M.sub.b TiP.sub.c O.sub.x (formula 1)where M is selected from Cd, Au, Zn, Tl, alkali metals and alkalineearth metals,a is from 0.0005 to 0.2b is from zero to 3ac is 0.5 to 2.5, andx is a value sufficient to satisfy the valence requirements ofthe other elements present, andwherein said catalyst contains crystalline TiP.sub.2 O.sub.7.

Abstract: A method for producing 4-acetoxystyrene by heating 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol, with an acid catalyst, at a temperature of from about 85.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C. under a pressure of from about 0.1 mm HgA to about 760 mm HgA for from about 0.2 minutes to about 10 minutes. The process also provides for the solventless (neat) hydrogenation of 4-acetoxyacetophenone to produce 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol. The reaction proceeds by heating at 54.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. with an excess of hydrogen in the presence of a Pd/C or activated nickel such as Raney Nickel catalyst in the absence of a solvent. The 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol may then be dehydrated to 4-acetoxystyrene. The later may be polymerized to poly(4-acetoxystyrene) and hydrolyzed to poly(4-hydroxystyrene).

Abstract: A method for producing 4-acetoxystyrene by heating 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol, with an acid catalyst, at a temperature of from about 85.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C. under a pressure of from about 0.1 mm HgA to about 760 mm HgA for from about 0.2 minutes to about 10 minutes. The process also provides for the solventless (neat) hydrogenation of 4-acetoxyacetophenone to produce 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol. The reaction proceeds by heating at 54.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. with an excess of hydrogen in the presence of a Pd/C or activated nickel such as Raney Nickel catalyst in the absence of a solvent. The 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol may then be dehydrated to 4-acetoxystyrene. The later may be polymerized to poly(4-acetoxystyrene) and hydrolyzed to poly(4-hydroxystyrene).

Abstract: Esters are prepared directly from 2-substituted alcohols, such as Guerbet alcohols, by dehydrogenating and esterifying the alcohol at 170.degree. C.-240.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst system comprising (i) platinum on activated carbon, zinc oxide or zinc C.sub.2 -C.sub.20 carboxylate and (ii) NaOH, KOH or LiOH. Mixed esters may also be prepared from appropriate mixtures of 2-substituted alcohols.

Abstract: Methyl formate is prepared by converting methanol over a copper-containing catalyst at elevated temperatures and in the gas phase by a process in which the catalyst used contains from 30 to 80% by weight of copper, calculated as CuO, as well as from 20 to 70% by weight of a magnesium silicate, calculated as MgO plus SiO.sub.2, which has a molar ratio of MgO/SiO.sub.2 of from 0.3 to 1.5, and may additionally be doped with the metals zinc, chromium and/or barium, each in an amount of not more than 1.5% by weight, calculated as ZnO, Cr.sub.2 O.sub.3 and BaO.

Abstract: A method for producing 4-acetoxystyrene by heating 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol, with an acid catalyst, at a temperature of from about 85.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C. under a pressure of from about 0.1 mm HgA to about 760 mm HgA for from about 0.2 minutes to about 10 minutes. The process also provides for the solventless (neat) hydrogenation of 4-acetoxyacetophenone to produce 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol. The reaction proceeds by heating at 54.degree. C. to 120.degree. C. with an excess of hydrogen in the presence of a Pd/C or activated nickel such as Raney Nickel catalyst in the absence of a solvent. The 4-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol may then be dehydrated to 4-acetoxystyrene. The later may be polymerized to poly(4-acetoxystyrene) and hydrolyzed to poly(4-hydroxystyrene).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of methyl formate by the vapor phase dehydrogenation of methanol in the presence of a catalyst composed of copper oxide, a chromium oxide and a sodium compound is described.

Abstract: 3-substituted-4-hydroxy- and 4-acetoxystyrene compounds, especially 3,5-di(methyl, bromo or chloro)-4-acetoxystyrene as well as a process for its preparation. 2,6-dimethylphenol is acylated with acetic anhydride and HF catalyzed to produce 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-acetophenone. After subsequent esterification with acetic anhydride and catalyzed hydrogenation to form 1-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-acetoxyphenyl)ethanol, this intermediate is then dehydrated with an acid and a polymerization inhibitor to produce 3,5-dimethyl-4-acetoxystyrene.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of 4-acetoxystyrene is disclosed. The method comprises heating 4'-acetoxyphenylmethylcarbinol in the presence of a suitable acid anhydride and a suitable dehydration catalyst in a continuous feed reaction mode to make the 4-acetoxystyrene.

Abstract: 3-substituted-4-hydroxy- and 4-acetoxystyrene compounds, especially 3,5-di(methyl, bromo or chloro)-4-acetoxystyrene as well as a process for its preparation. 2,6-dimethylphenol is acylated with acetic anhydride and HF catalyzed to produce 3,5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-acetophenone. After subsequent esterification with acetic anhydride and catalyzed hydrogenation to form 1-(3',5'-dimethyl-4'-acetoxyphenyl)ethanol, this intermediate is then dehydrated with an acid and a polymerization inhibitor to produce 3,5-dimethyl-4-acetoxystyrene.

Abstract: Esters are prepared by contacting, under suitable reaction conditions, a feed stream comprising a primary alcohol of 1-4 carbon atoms per molecule (preferably methanol, ethanol) and carbon monoxide with a catalyst composition comprising (a) copper or a copper compound (preferably CuO), (b) zinc oxide, (c) at least one metal or compound of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of cobalt, ruthenium, iridium, platinum, molybdenum, and rhenium (preferably cobalt and/or rhenium) and, optionally, (d) alumina.

Abstract: The process for the production of high molecular weight oxygenates by condensing low molecular weight oxygenates in the presence of CO and a catalyst having the general formula A.sub.a CuM.sub.c X.sub.d O.sub.x. In addition, a novel condensation catalyst comprising A.sub.a CuM.sub.c Bi.sub.d O.sub.x is disclosed for use in this process.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for the co-production of aliphatic monocarboxylic acids and polycarboxylic aromatic acids in high selectivity, conversion and yield. The aliphatic monocarboxylic acid can serve as a component of the solvent for the process.

Abstract: Methyl formate is produced continuously by reacting methanol in the liquid phase with molecular oxygen in the presence as catalyst of a soluble chromium compound which can be deliberately added or can result from corrosion of a reaction vessel fabricated in stainless steel or other chromium-containing metal alloy. Initiation of the oxidation can be accomplished by feeding a material more susceptible to oxidation than methanol, either with or without methanol, and optionally in the presence of a soluble chromium compound.

Abstract: Methyl formate is prepared from methanol by contacting the methanol at elevated temperature with a platinum group metal catalyst in the absence of an added hydrogen acceptor.

Abstract: A process for producing methyl formate is described by the dehydrogenation of methanol over a catalyst produced by reducing a precursor comprising copper oxide and a spinel structure support comprising the oxides of zinc and aluminum, said precursor containing 10 to 80 percent copper.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a catalyst for the synthesis of methyl formate by dehydrogenating methanol in the gaseous phase, said process being characterized in that (A) at least one phosphate selected from the group consisting of copper phosphates, zinc phosphates and aluminum phosphates, and (B) at least one chloride selected from the group consisting of copper chlorides, zinc chloride, aluminum chloride, alkali metal chlorides and alkaline earth metal chlorides and/or (C) at least one compound selected from the group consisting of alkali metal compounds (exclusive of halides) and alkaline earth metal compounds (exclusive of halides) are added to copper oxide, zinc oxide and aluminum oxide.The catalyst obtained according to this process has a high activity for preparing methyl formate by dehydrogenating methanol in the gaseous phase, and this catalyst is excellent in the heat resistance and durability and has a high mechanical strength.

Abstract: A process for producing methyl formate which comprises dehydrogenating methanol in vapor phase in the presence as a catalyst of copper and at least one element selected from the group consisting of elements of Group IIIA (including the rare earths) of the periodic table, of Group IVA and of the actinides is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing methyl formate which comprises dehydrogenating methanol in the vapor phase in the presence of a catalyst containing copper and a cement is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing acetic acid and acetaldehyde from ethanol which comprises contacting a mixture of ethanol and oxygen with a supported copper oxide catalyst essentially free of barium, the mole ratio of oxygen to ethanol being from about 0.1 to about 0.5.

Abstract: A process for producing methyl formate which comprises dehydrogenating methanol in vapor phase in the presence as a catalyst of copper, zirconium and zinc and optionally aluminum is disclosed.

Abstract: In an improved process for the production of carboxylic acid esters by catalytic oxidation of alcohols in the liquid phase, primary alcohols of 1-4 carbon atoms are oxidized with molecular oxygen at temperatures of about 100.degree.-250.degree. C. in the presence of catalytic amounts of a compound of Co, Mn, Cr, or Fe, and an acid having a first dissociation constant K.sub.1 greater than 10.sup.-3, dissolved in the reaction mixture.