Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing sorbic acid by cleaving the sorbic acid polyester prepared from crotonaldehyde and ketene, the sorbic acid polyester being distilled and the cleavage being catalyzed by an amine, which comprises separating off the amine from the distillation residue by distillation under reduced pressure and at a temperature which is higher than the temperature of the polyester distillation and recovering it.

Abstract: Improved catalyst for use in production of methacrylic acid by vapor phase oxidation reaction and/or vapor phase oxidative dehydrogenation reaction of at least one compound selected from methacrolein, isobutylaldehyde and isobutyric acid is provided. This improved catalyst is a composition composed of (A) complex oxide containing as essential components molybdenum and phosphorus, which is per se known as a catalyst for the above reaction(s), and (B) complex oxide containing as essential components cerium and zirconium. When this improved catalyst is used, the operation for producing methacrylic acid can be stably continued over prolonged period.

Abstract: An efficient and selective process, capable of scale-up, to make itaconate derivatives of formula (IV), and/or succinate derivatives of formula (V) and/or (VI) by asymmetric hydrogenation of the itaconate derivatives. wherein R, R1 and R2 are as defined herein.

Abstract: Methacrylates, particularly, esters of methacrylic acid with an alcohol having two or more carbon atoms or a polyhydric alcohol are produced by a one-stage reaction of &agr;-hydroxyisobutyric acid and/or its ester with an alcoholic compound in the presence of a solid catalyst.

Abstract: A process for purification of (meth)acrylic acid which comprises adding to a crude (meth)acrylic acid one or two or more polar organic substances as a second component at a concentration of 1-35% by weight, crystallizing (meth)acrylic acid from the resulting (meth)acrylic acid solution, and separating the precipitated crystal of (meth)acrylic acid and a mother liquor from each other.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of derivatives of halo-but-2-enoic acids and esters high in 2-ene content, several of which are novel. The esters and their derivatives are useful as promoters for the polymerization of ethylene or the copolymerization of ethylene with &agr;-olefins and, optionally, nonconjugated polyenes. The promoters can also be combined with transition metal compounds, e.g., vanadium, to form combination promoter-catalyst compounds.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical compositions which are useful for the treatment of cancer or illnesses which arise due to an abnormally elevated cell proliferation comprise acyl derivatives of aromatic aldehydes, especially arylidene diesters and .alpha.-alkoxyarylidene esters of general formula (I).

Abstract: A process for the preparation of derivatives of halo-but-2-enoic acids and esters high in 2-ene content, several of which are novel. The esters and their derivatives are useful as promoters for the polymerization of ethylene or the copolymerization of ethylene with .alpha.-olefins and, optionally, nonconjugated polyenes. The promoters can also be combined with transition metal compounds, e.g., vanadium, to form combination promoter-catalyst compounds.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula ##STR1## in which one of the radicals R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is methyl and the other is vinyl and one of the radicals R.sup.3 and R.sup.4 is methyl and the other is ##STR2## in which R.sup.5 is hydrogen, alkyl or alkenyl, in particular C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 -alkyl or C.sub.2 -C.sub.6 -alkenyl, are particularly suitable as fragrances and flavors.

Abstract: The use of organic, polymeric, anionic water-soluble flocculants for the phase separation of an organic-aqueous system which essentially comprises monomeric acrylates, diacrylates, (poly)ester acrylates or (poly)ether acrylates and unreacted residues of the carboxylic anhydrides, carboxylic acids or alcohols used for preparing the acrylates.

Abstract: A process using a niobium catalyst includes the step of reacting an ester or carboxylic acid with oxygen and an alcohol in the presence a niobium catalyst to respectively produce an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated ester or carboxylic acid. Methanol may be used as the alcohol, and the ester or carboxylic acid may be passed over the niobium catalyst in a vapor stream containing oxygen and methanol. Alternatively, the process using a niobium catalyst may involve the step of reacting an ester and oxygen in the presence the niobium catalyst to produce an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid. In this case the ester may be a methyl ester. In either case, niobium oxide may be used as the niobium catalyst with the niobium oxide being present on a support. The support may be an oxide selected from the group consisting of silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, titanium oxide and mixtures thereof. The catalyst may be formed by reacting niobium fluoride with the oxide serving as the support.

Abstract: There is disclosed a process for preventing the polymerization of a vinyl compound which comprises allowing water in an amount of 0.05 to 5% by weight based on the vinyl compound or a corrosion inhibitive substance selected from an alcohol, an inorganic acid or its salt, an aromatic carboxylic acid or its salt and a zinc-containing salt in an amount of preferably 0.01 to 5% by weight based on the same, to coexist with a metallic salt of dithiocarbamic acid, in preventing the polymerization of the vinyl compound with the metallic salt of dithiocarbamic acid. The above process makes it possible to effectively inhibit the polymerization of acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, etc. in the distillation system, etc. of the production process for the above acids as well as the corrosion of the equipment and machinery to be used therein and also to assure long-term stable continuous operation of the equipment and machinery.

Abstract: A process for inhibiting polymerization of a vinyl compound comprising using (A) one or both of N-nitrosophenylhydroxylamine and a salt thereof in combination with (B) a salt of copper or in combination with (B') a metal salt of a dialkyldithiocarbamic acid and (C) at least one selected from the group consisting of inorganic acids, salts of inorganic acids, and water.In accordance with the above process, stable continuous operation of a process for producing a vinyl compound, particularly acrylic acid or methacrylic acid, such as a distillation process of the vinyl compound, for a long time is enabled by effectively suppressing polymerization of the vinyl compound in the process or by effectively suppressing polymerization of the vinyl compound in the process while corrosion of the apparatus for the production is prevented.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acids and esters thereof which comprises contacting formaldehyde or a source of formaldehyde with a carboxylic acid, ester or anhydride in the presence of a catalyst comprising an oxide of niobium.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of polyene esters or polyene acids comprises reacting a polyene O,O-dialkylacetal of di(O,O-dialkylacetal) with a vinylketene acetal or analogue thereof in the presence of a Lewis acid, hydrolyzing the reaction mixture depending on the vinylketene acetal used, subsequently cleaving alcohol under strongly basic conditions from the polyene derivative produced at this stage and, where the desired ester or carboxy group is still not present, performing the respective conversion. Certain intermediates in this process form a further aspect of the invention. The final products are primarily carotenoids which can be used appropriately, e.g. as colorants and pigments for foodstuffs, animal products etc.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acids and anhydrides thereof which comprises contacting formaldehyde or a source of formaldehyde with a carboxylic anhydride in the presence of a catalyst comprising mixed oxides of vanadium, phosphorus and, optionally, a third component selected from titanium, aluminum or, preferably silicon.

Abstract: Disclosed are a process for producing an unsaturated aldehyde and an unsaturated carboxylic acid which comprises subjecting propylene, isobutylene or tertiary butanol to gas phase catalytic oxidation with molecular oxygen in the presence of (i) a catalyst comprising composite oxide of the formula Mo.sub.a Bi.sub.b Fe.sub.c A.sub.d B.sub.e C.sub.f D.sub.g O.sub.x and (ii) a molybdenum oxide which in itself is substantially inert to the gas phase catalytic oxidation; a process for reusing the catalyst deteriorated due to the gas phase catalytic oxidation after mixing it with the molybdenum oxide; and a method of regenerating the deteriorated catalyst by mixing it with the molybdenum oxide.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of an .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated C.sub.3 -C.sub.6 carboxylic acid of greater than 98% purity, which combines fractional distillation and melt crystallization procedures.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the purification of carboxyl streams such as product streams comprising one or more carboxyl compounds selected from carboxylic acids, carboxylic anhydrides and alkylidene dicarboxylates. The process provides a means for the reduction of the iodine content of carboxyl compound product streams which are contaminated with one or more iodine compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalyst, a process for preparing the catalyst and a process for using the catalyst to produce ethylidene diacetate. The conventional preparation methods of ethylidene diacetate suffer from difficulty in separating the catalyst from the product after completion of the reaction. The catalyst of the present invention is simply separated from the product by mere filtration following the completion of reaction. This is a result of using a heterogenized catalyst which is obtained by supporting a homogeneous catalyst in an inorganic carder. The catalyst of the present invention is of the general formula M.sub.a X where M is a compound of a group VIII transition metal, most preferably RhCl.sub.3 .multidot.xH.sub.2 O, and X is an inorganic carrier, preferably selected from the group consisting of kieselguhr, .gamma.-alumina, silica, TiO.sub.2, MgO, ZnO and activated charcoal.

Abstract: A catalytic system based on oxygen, vanadium, phosphorus, and molybdenum corresponding to the formula H.sub.m X.sub.n Me.sub.p PMo.sub.12-x V.sub.x O.sub.40, wherein X represents the VO.sup.2+ cation with 0<n.ltoreq.2, H represents protons with 0.ltoreq.m<4, 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.3, Me is a metal ion, especially an ion of a transition metal, with 0.ltoreq.p.ltoreq.t, t depending on the charge of the corresponding ion, is useful for the oxydehydrogenation of saturated carboxylic acids to .alpha.,.beta.-unsaturated acids and for oxidizing aldehydes to acids.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing methacrolein and methacrylic acid by subjecting at least one material selected from isobutylene, t-butanol and methyl t-butyl ether to gas phase catalytic oxidation with molecular oxygen or a molecular oxygen-containing gas using a fixed bed multi-tubular reactor.

Abstract: An .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid is produced by catalytically reacting an .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acid amide of the formula (1), ##STR1## where R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl groups, provided that at least one of R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 is the alkyl group, with water in the presence of a solid acid catalyst containing a high surface area rare earth phosphate anhydride having the monoclinic system structure producible by heating a rare earth phosphate of the hexagonal system structure at 60.degree.-200.degree. C. in a solution of an inorganic acid, an inorganic acid salt and/or an inorganic acid ester where the molar ratio of the inorganic acid component to the rare earth phosphate of the hexagonal system structure is 0.5-400.

Abstract: A method for the production of methacrylic acid comprising the steps of simultaneously introducing at least one compound selected from the group consisting of methacrolein and isobutyl aldehyde and a molecular oxygen-containing gas into a heat exchanger type shell-and-tube reaction vessel packed with an oxide catalyst containing molybdenum and phosphorus thereby effecting catalytic vapor-phase oxidation reaction and/or catalytic vapor-phase oxidative dehydrogenation reaction and consequently forming methacrylic acid, which method is characterized by having the empty space in the gas outlet part of said reaction vessel with a solid filler.

Abstract: Processes are disclosed for producing lactic acid, esters of lactic acid, acrylic acid, and esters of acrylic acid, primarily from fermentable carbohydrate materials. An overall process for producing esters of acrylic acid comprises: a) fermenting carbohydrate material with a lactic-acid-forming organism in the presence of NH.sub.3 to produce ammonium lactate; b) combining the ammonium lactate with an alcohol; c) combining the ammonium lactate and alcohol with an effective catalyzing amount of gaseous CO.sub.2 to catalytically esterify the ammonium lactate and alcohol into a lactic acid ester containing solution; d) recovering purified lactic acid ester; and e) vaporizing the lactic acid ester and passing it through a solid catalyst bed comprised of an effective catalyzing amount of crystalline hydrated and partially calcined calcium sulfate to catalytically convert lactic acid ester into an acrylic acid ester. Step "d" would be useful in a process for making low-cost, purified lactic acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid and/or an .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester from at least one ester selected from .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester, .alpha.-alkoxycarboxylic acid ester and .beta.-alkoxycarboxylic acid ester as a starting material by a vapor-phase catalytic reaction in the presence of a crystalline aluminosilicate as a catalyst.According to the process, .alpha., .beta.-unstaturated carboxylic acid and/or an ester thereof can be produced in a mild condition and a high yield.

Abstract: In the production of methacrylic acid by the vapor phase catalytic oxidation of isobutylene, t-butanol, methacrolein isobutyl aldehyde or isobutyric acid, or mixture thereof, the reaction product gas is condensed by contact with an aqueous phase containing methacrylic acid and acetic acid thereby forming an aqueous solution of methacrylic acid and a gas phase containing methacrolein and methacrylic acid. The aqueous solution of methacrylic acid is extracted with a saturated hydrocarbon solvent containing from 6-9 carbon atoms. The methacrylic acid is extracted into the solvent phase and an aqueous phase containing acetic acid is also formed. Methacrolein is recovered from the gas containing methacrolein and methacrylic acid by contacting the gas with an aqueous phase containing methacrylic acid and acetic acid. An aqueous phase containing methacrylic acid, acetic acid and methacrolein is formed in the methacrolein recovery step.

Abstract: Immunoregulatory N-(S-3-alkyl-4-heptenoyl)- and N-(S-3-alkylheptanoyl)-D-gamma-glutamyl-glycyl-D-alanine and esters thereof are synthesized via R-trans-2-hexen-4-ols, R-3-alkyl-4-heptenoic acid and S-3-alkylheptanoic acid.

Abstract: A method and a system for extending useful life of a basic catalyst are disclosed. The basic catalyst comprises a particulate, porous, siliceous catalyst support and an alkali metal in the +1 oxidation state on the catalyst support surface. The catalyst is suitable for the synthesis of an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated carboxylic acid by condensation of a saturated carboxylic acid with formaldehyde. The method of the present invention contemplates providing a reactor, or a series of reactors, containing the basic catalyst and a confined source of the alkali metal associated with a suitable carrier, upstream of the reactor or reactors. A feed stream to the reactor is passed first through the confined source and thereafter through the reactor while reaction conditions for the condensation reaction are maintained within the reactor. The temperature of the feed stream passing through the confined source can be modulated to control release of the alkali metal from the carrier.

Abstract: This invention is a process for the production of trialkyl acetic acids, particularly of pivalic acid, from branched olefins, particularly isobutene, and carbon monoxide using catalytic amounts of a Lewis acid such as boron trifluoride.

Abstract: A process for producing methacrylic acid which comprises: (I) producing acetonecyanohydrin from prussic acid and acetone; (II) hydrating the acetonecyanohydrin obtained in step (I) to form .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid amide; (III) reacting the .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid amide obtained in step (II) with methyl formate or with methanol and carbon monoxide to form methyl .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyrate and formamide; (IV) hydrolyzing the methyl .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyrate obtained in step (III) to form .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid; (V) dehydrating the .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid obtained in step (IV) to form methacrylic acid; and (VI) dehydrating the formamide separated from the products obtained in step (III) to form prussic acid and recycling the prussic acid to step (I) as a starting material. The process is capable of producing methacrylic acid from readily available starting materials with a high yield and selectivity, without forming undesirable by-product or waste materials, such as ammonium sulfate.

Abstract: A process for producing methacrylic acid, which comprisesfilling a plurality of catalysts of different activities into a plurality of reaction zones which have been formed in each of the reaction tubes of a fixed bed multi-tubular reactor by dividing said reaction tube into two or more portions in the direction of tubular axis, so that the activity of catalyst is higher as the reaction zone is closer to the outlet of the reaction tube, andintroducing into the reaction zones containing the catalysts at least one compound selected from methacrolein, isobutyl aldehyde and isobutyric acid to oxidize the at least one compound with molecular oxygen or a molecular oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A process for producing sorbic acid from a polyester obtained by reaction of crotonaldehyde with ketene using an organic acid zinc salt as catalyst is provided, which process comprises dissolving the polyester in an aromatic hydrocarbon solvent having an azeotropic temperature of the solvent with water of 92.degree. to 100.degree. C., followed by washing the polyester solution with water or a mineral acid water to remove zinc matter and continuously contacting the solution with a strongly acidic porous ion exchange resin, the process being simple, commercially profitable, making possible a long term operation of the polyester decomposition apparatus, capable of easily purifying sorbic acid and affording sorbic acid with a good yeild.

Abstract: A process and intermediates for the manufacture of S-3-methylheptanoic acid from S-citronellol; a novel crystallline form of immunoregulatory N-(S-3-methylheptanoyl)-D-gamma-glutamyl-glycyl-D-alanine, an immunoregulatory agent; and an improved process and intermediates therefor.

Abstract: Black acid or the sulfuric acid residue obtained in the manufacture of ethyl acrylate by reaction of ethylene and acrylic acid in the presence of sulfuric acid is heated and distilled in the presence of a solvent for recovery of acrylic acid and ethyl acrylate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing functionalized linear olefins by dimerizing terminal olefins in the presence of a cationic rhodium compound. Novel rhodium compounds useful in this process are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for producing .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester which comprises catalytically reacting .alpha.-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester with crystalline aluminosilicate catalyst, and then catalytic reacting the resulting reaction product with solid acid catalyst.According to the process, .alpha., .beta.-unsaturated carboxylic acid ester of a high purity, and a high quality, without by-product, can be produced efficiently.

Abstract: Catalysts containing molybdenum, vanadium, phosphorus, and oxygen, optionally together with one or more metal ions, as their active constituents, are preferably disposed on an inert carrier for the oxidative dehydrogenation of isobutyric acid or its lower esters to methacrylic acid or its lower esters.

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 producing an .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid which comprises hydrolyzing .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid ester in the presence of an organic sulfonic acid catalyst, using an .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid ester as the starting material.According to said process, .alpha.-hydroxyisobutyric acid can be efficiently produced.

Abstract: A crystalline material having, in the dehydrated form, the empirical formula:m(M.sub.2/a O):X.sub.z O.sub.xz/2 :.sub.y YO.sub.2 (I)in which m is 0.5 to 1.5; M is a cation of valency a; X is a metal of valency x, selected from aluminium, boron, gallium, zinc, iron and titanium; z is 2 when x is an odd number, and z is 1 when x is an even number; y is at least 5; and Y is silicon or germanium; and having, in the calcined hydrogen form, an X-ray diffraction pattern including significant peaks substantially as shown in Table I herein. The material has been designated SUZ-2, and is used in the conversion of hydrocarbons or oxygenates.

Abstract: Catalyst and process are disclosed for the improved preparation of alpha, beta-unsaturated acids. The catalyst comprises a porous silica gel component and a Group IA alkali metal component, which is present in an amount of from 200 to 20,000 parts per million and optionally another component such as tin (IV) oxide, and mixtures thereof. The process comprises reacting formaldehyde and an aliphatic carboxylic acid in the presence of said catalyst while maintaining catalyst activity and selectivity during the process by addition of a source of the alkali metal component.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to aqueous peroxide emulsions and the use thereof in suspension (co)polymerization reactions. In particular, the aqueous peroxide emulsions comprise: (a) 20-60% by weight of an organic peroxide which is liquid at -5.degree. C.; (b) 2-20% by weight of an aliphatic monohydric alcohol having 1-14 carbon atoms and/or aliphatic glycol having 2-4 carbon atoms; (c) a surfactant and/or a protective colloid; and (d) water. The emulsions of the present disclosure may be transported while in a liquid state at a temperature of -10.degree. C. to -25.degree. C. with minimal decrease in active oxygen content.

Abstract: A novel process for the preparation of E-2-propyl-2-pentenoic acid and its physiologically compatible salts is described, in which di-n-propyl-ketone-cyanohydrin is used as the starting compound. The compound is either(a) dehydrated with thionyl chloride and the acid nitrile formed is subsequently saponified with a stoichiometric excess of potassium hydroxide, or(b) is initially converted into 2-hydroxy-2-propyl-pentanoic acid and the latter is subsequently dehydrated in the presence of a less than stoichiometric quantity of a tertiary amine at a temperature of at least 200.degree. C.The free acid is optionally converted into the salt form, preferably using the corresponding salts of carbon dioxide in an aqueous acetone solution.

Abstract: Catalyst and process are disclosed for preparation of alpha, beta-unsaturated acids. Catalyst comprises a silica component and a Group IA alkali metal component which is present in an amount of from 200 to 15,000 parts per million, said silica component containing less than about 500 parts per million individually of aluminum, zirconium, titanium, iron and mixtures thereof. Process comprises reacting formaldehyde and a carboxylic acid of the formula RHC.sub.2 COOH wherein R is a member of the class consisting of --H, -alkyl, -aryl, -aralkyl, -cycloalkyl, and -alkylaryl radicals in the presence of said catalyst. Catalyst activity is maintained during process by addition of source of alkali metal component.

Abstract: Process is disclosed for regeneration of a solid methacrylic acid catalyst wherein said catalyst is decoked in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas at an initial temperature no greater than 650.degree. F. and then by increasing the temperature incrementally to complete the regeneration at a temperature of from about 650.degree. F. to 800.degree. F.

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: A catalyst and process for production of an alpha, beta-ethylenically unsaturated monocarboxylic acid made by condensing formaldehyde with, for example, propionic acid, which catalyst is made from a SiO.sub.2 -SnO.sub.2 mixed-oxide component consisting of porous silica gel and tin (IV) oxide and a cesium ion component.

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.