Abstract: A catalyst composition useful for the oxidation of olefins, particularly the oxidation of propylene and isobutylene to produce the corresponding unsaturated aldehydes acrolein and methacrolein, respectively, comprises the combinatin of oxides of molybdenum, cobalt, iron, bismuth, thallium and antimony, and preferably also silicon. When the catalyst is used for the vapor-phase oxidation of the olefins with molecular oxygen, the aldehydes are produced with high selectivity. Alcohol precursors for the olefins can be used as feed instead of the olefins themselves.

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: Primary and secondary alcohols are oxidized to aldehydes and ketones, respectively, by passing a gaseous mixture of the alcohol and oxygen (air) over a supported catalyst of Ru, Rh, Pd, Pt, Ir or Os. The catalyst is improved by admixture with a tin compound. The support for the catalyst is preferably alumina, silicon carbide or other inert material having a low surface to weight ratio. Preferred conditions are atmospheric pressure, about 250.degree.-500.degree. C. and a space velocity of 1000-4000/hr. Preferred alcohols are isopropanol, 1-methoxy-2-propanol and ethanol.