Abstract: This invention relates to processes for making biodegradable surfactant. The process comprises several steps including an optional step. The first step is directed to reacting olefins with ZSM-23 catalyst to form oligomers having the formula (C.sub.3).sub.x, (C.sub.4).sub.x or mixtures thereof. Second, the oligomer is hydroformylated to form a saturated alcohol, for example, tridecanol. Next, the saturated alcohol is ethoxylated. Thereafter a nonionic biodegradable surfactant is recovered. This surfactant can be used in detergent formulations. A process is also taught for making esters which can be used as lubricants or plasticizers. A specific hydroformylation process is taught which utilizes modified cobalt carbonyl catalyst. Also, a specific ethoxylation process is taught. Products formed according to the latter two processes as well as their uses are also taught.

Abstract: The silicon-containing phenoxy ethers are of the formula III: ##STR1## wherein R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 which may be the same or different are selected from H, --R.sup.3 --X, aliphatic hydrocarbyl having 1-6 carbon atoms or aryl, or substituted derivatives thereof, provided that not more than one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 is H;R.sup.3 is a divalent C.sub.1 -C.sub.30 aliphatic and/or aromatic hydrocarbyl group which may optionally be substituted, or interrupted, by a hetero atom;R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 which may be the same or different are H, ##STR2## or an ortho para directing activating group for aromatic electrophilic substitution, other than an amine;and X is a reactive functional group capable of undergoing an acid-catalyzed electrophilic aromatic substitution reaction with a phenol, for example an aldehyde group. They can be polymerized to produce silicone-modified polymers of the phenol-aldehyde type without the use of free aldehyde.

Abstract: Organic-solvent soluble magnesium hydrides of the formulas ##STR1## are prepared by catalytically hydrogenating finely powdered magnesium, optionally in the presence of a magnesium halide, in an organic solvent in the presence of their MgH.sub.2 -free counterparts in whichQ is an alkyl, alkenyl, alkoxy, dialkylamide, aralkyl, aryl or diarylamide group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,R is an alkenyl, aralkyl or aryl group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,X is chlorine, bromine, or iodine,--E D.fwdarw. is a chelating ligand,E is --CH.sub.2, --N(R)-- or --O--,is an alkylene radical of the formula --(CH.sub.2).sub.p,D is a dialkylamide, diarylamide or alkoxy group, each with up to 18 carbon atoms,M is aluminum or boron,m is 1, 2, or 3, and1<n.ltoreq.50.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of partially fluorinated alcohols starting from halogen-containing alkenes, and 2,2,3,3,4,4-hexafluorocyclopentanol as a new partially fluorinated alcohol.

Abstract: Ether/ether-alcohol rich compositions are produced by hydrogenating hydroformylation reaction products, separating an ether/ether-alcohol containing mixture from the hydrogenation product, and catalytically hydrogenating such mixture at 200.degree.-250.degree. C. and 30-100 atmospheres. The crude product is then reflux distilled to separate the ether/ether-alcohol rich compositions from lighter and heavier ends.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of methyl ethers of the type in which methanol is reacted with a branched monoolefin in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of one or more acid catalyst, said improvements comprising carrying out said reaction in one or two steps in the presence of one or more liquid organic compounds having one or more hydroxy substituents which functions as a carrier for the branched monoolefins. The hydroxy compound also inhibits the polymerization of the branched monoolefins.

Abstract: In a process for separating C.sup.4 to C.sup.7 tertiary mono-olefins(s) present in a C.sup.4 to C.sup.7 hydrocarbon mixture containing diolefins which comprises selectively reacting said tertiary mono-olefin mixture with a primary alcohol in the presence of an acid catalyst to convert it to tertiary ether(s), separating the tertiary ether(s) from the unreacted hydrocarbon mixture and containing said tertiary ether(s) in the presence of a catalyst to decompose it to tertiary olefin(s) and a primary alcohol, the improvement which comprises hydrogenating the tertiary ether(s) after it has been separated from the unreacted hydrocarbon mixture and prior to decomposition to saturate the unsaturated ether(s) formed from the diolefins present in the hydrocarbon mixture.

Abstract: An improved process for the production of methyl ethers of the type in which methanol is reacted with a branched monoolefin in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of one or more acid catalyst, said improvements comprising carrying out said reaction in one or two steps in the presence of one or more liquid organic compounds having one or more hydroxy substituents which functions as a carrier for the branched monoolefins. The hydroxy compound also inhibits the polymerization of the branched monoolefins.

Abstract: 2-Substituted 4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxacycloheptanes of the general formula I ##STR1## where R.sup.1 is a straight-chain or branched alkyl of 1 to 10 carbon atoms which additionally may contain oxygen in the form of an ether group or is 5- to 8-membered cycloalkyl of up to 10 carbon atoms which may additionally contain oxygen in the form of an ether group, of which particularly interesting representatives are 2,4,4,7,7-pentamethyl-1,3-dioxacycloheptane, 2-tert.-butyl-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxacycloheptane and 2-isopropyl-4,4,7,7-tetramethyl-1,3-dioxacycloheptane, are prepared and used as scents.

Abstract: Heavy organic by-products obtained by hydroformylating olefins and hydrogenating the crude product to obtain higher alcohols, and their steam cracked derivatives, have been found useful as viscosity modifiers and low temperature property improvers in flexible PVC compositions.

Abstract: Ruthenium carbonyl-cobalt carbonyl catalyst mixtures effectively catalyze the dealkoxyhydroxymethylation of aldehyde acetals, wherein said acetal may be prepared separately or in situ from an aldehyde and an alcohol. Methylal, for example, may be reacted with syngas, i.e., CO and H.sub.2, in the presence of this ruthenium carbonyl-cobalt carbonyl catalyst to form the monomethyl ether of ethylene glycol.The invention also is directed to the ruthenium carbonyl-promoted cobalt carbonyl catalysts per se, including novel precipitated forms of these ruthenium-cobalt carbonyl catalyst mixtures.

Abstract: A process for producing ethanol which comprises reacting methanol, carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of (a) a catalyst comprising cobalt or a cobalt compound and a tertiary phosphine as an effective component and (b) promoter comprising an aromatic carboxylic acid, an ester thereof, or a cobalt salt of aromatic carboxylic acid is disclosed. According to the present invention, formation of by-products becomes less and selectivity to realizable ethanol becomes higher.

Abstract: Catalysts comprising mixtures of HF and metal alkoxides and mixed metal alkoxides produce a sharply peaked alkoxylation distribution during the alkoxylation of organic materials.

Abstract: An ether compound is advantageously produced by an ether exchange reaction of a different ether compound and a hydroxy group containing compound in the presence of a heteropoly acid or an acidic salt thereof as the catalyst. The catalyst is novel and is extremely effective to the present process and brings about less by-products compared to other processes or other catalysts.

Abstract: This invention relates to solid acidic or metal catalyst-promoted halogenation of methane to produce methyl monohalides in high selectivity. Concurrent or simultaneous hydrolysis provides methyl alcohol and/or dimethyl ether in good yields.

Abstract: A process for homologating alcohols and/or acids to a mixture of higher acids by reaction with syngas in the presence of a ruthenium-rhodium-iodide-titanium(IV) catalyst.

Abstract: Butane-1,4-diol is produced by converting allyl alcohol to an allyl t-alkyl or -cycloalkyl ether of the general formula: ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each, independently of the other, represent a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each, independently of the other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, or wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered cycloaliphatic ring, and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of the monoether of monoethylene glycol by the hydrogenolysis of a 2-alkyl-1,3-dioxolane, with a co-catalytic system of palladium and an acid of phosphorus or a phosphoric ester of ethylene glycol and in the presence of ethylene glycol.

Abstract: In a process for producing an ether compound by the catalytic hydrogenolysis of an acetal compound in the presence of a catalyst, the improvement wherein an acetal compound of the following formula (2) ##STR1## wherein R represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkoxy group, Y represents an alkylene group having 2 to 12 carbon atoms, n represents a positive number of from 1 to 6, the two groups R(YO).sub.n may, together with the carbon atom to which they are bonded, represent a 1,3-dioxolane ring, and R.sup.1 and R.sup.2, independently from each other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl group, provided that at least one of R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom,is catalytically hydrogenolyzed in the presence of a palladium catalyst on a carbon carrier in the absence of an acid substance added, thereby to form an ether compound of the following formula (1)R(YO).sub.n CHR.sup.1 R.sup.2 (1)whereinR, R.sup.1, R.sup.2, Y and n are as defined.

Abstract: Metal or metalloid salts, ansolvo-acids and proton-acids can be so complexed with 1,2,3-triols, glycerol ethers or glycerol thioethers containing at least 6 C atoms in the molecule that they are in the form of compositions which are soluble in organic solvents, especially non-polar, aprotic solvents, such as hydrocarbons. These stable compositions display an outstanding anti-static action and, because of their spectrum of properties, are especially suitable for imparting anti-static characteristics to polymers, lubricants, fuels and also solvents based on hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A process for removing alkynes from hydrocarbon mixtures, particularly those containing butadiene by reacting the alkynes with hydroxyl group containing organic compounds in the presence of a silver exchanged ion-exchange resin and separating the products formed from the unreacted components of said mixture.

Abstract: Propylene glycol monoalkyl ethers are prepared in good yield by reacting acetaldehyde and an alkanol (or by reacting an acetal) with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst comprising a cobalt-containing compound and a cocatalyst comprising a member of the group consisting of rhodium-containing compounds, ruthenium-containing compounds and nickel-containing compounds, and heating the resulting mixture at moderate temperatures and pressures for sufficient time to produce the desired glycol monoalkyl ether, and then recovering the same from the reaction mixture.

Abstract: Alcohols may be obtained by the indirect hydration of olefinic hydrocarbons in which the olefinic hydrocarbon is esterified by treatment with an organic acid such as acetic acid. The organic esters may then be hydrolyzed by treatment with water to form hydrolysis products comprising alcohols and ethers which may be separated from the reconstituted organic acid. The alcohol products are then separated from the ether product, the latter which may then be further treated by thermal cracking, decomposition, or hydrolysis to form an additional amount of the desired alcohol.

Abstract: Aldehyde ethers of the general formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 each, independently of the other, represent a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, and R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 each, independently of the other, represent a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, or wherein R.sub.1 represents a C.sub.1 to C.sub.4 alkyl radical, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 together with the carbon atoms to which they are attached form a 5-membered or 6-membered cycloaliphatic ring, and R.sub.4 represents a hydrogen atom or a C.sub.1 to C.sub.3 alkyl radical, and wherein Y represents --CH.sub.2 --CH.sub.2 --C.sub.2 or --CH.sub.2 --CH (CH.sub.3)--, are prepared by hydroformylation of a corresponding compound of formula: ##STR2## by reaction with hydrogen and carbon monoxide in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst, e.g. a rhodium complex catalyst. Preferred compounds include 4-t-butoxybutyraldehyde and 3-t-butoxy-2-methylpropionaldehyde.

Abstract: Alcohols may be obtained by an indirect hydration of olefinic hydrocarbons in which the olefinic hydrocarbon is first esterified by treatment with an inorganic acid to form dialkyl and alkyl hydrogen salts. These salts are then trans-esterified by treatment with an organic acid to form an organic ester. The reconstituted inorganic acid is separated from this mixture by stripping and recycled, while the organic esters are then treated with water in a hydrolysis step to reconstitute the organic acid and form the desired alcohol and ether. The alcohol product is separated from the ether which may then be further treated by thermal decomposition or hydrolysis to form an additional amount of the desired alcohol.

Abstract: Process for the carbonylation of alkanols and/or ethers at elevated temperature and pressure in the presence of a Group VIII metal compound and pentachlorobenzenethiol and/or salts thereof, using a pentachlorobenzenethiol compound: Group VIII metal compound molar ratio of not more than 10. The process is of special interest for the production of methyl acetate from methanol using an active, iodine-free catalytic system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the production of oxygenated organic compounds comprising alcohols, aldehydes, ethers and salts of carboxylic acids. Prior art processes for the production of ethanol in particular involve the use of elevated temperatures and pressures. Milder conditions can be used in the process of the invention in which either a mercury compound of formula (R.sup.1 OCHR.sup.2 CHR.sup.3 Hg).sub.n X (I), wherein X is an organic or inorganic anion, n is an integer equal to the valency of the anion, R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are independently a hydrogen atom or an alkyl group and R.sup.1 is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl group or the group --(--CHR.sup.2 CHR.sup.3 Hg).sub.n X, or the precursors of the compound (I), with a catalyst comprising a complex containing a metal of Group VIII, particularly rhodium, in the presence of a liquid reagent containing an active acidic hydrogen atom. A particularly suitable rhodium complex is one having the formula:[Rh(C.sub.5 Me.sub.5).sub.2 (OH).sub.3 ]Cl.xH.sub.

Abstract: A homogeneous catalytic process for the decarbonylating of formate esters to alcohols and carbon monoxide. The process comprises contacting formate esters of the formula HCOOR where R is C.sub.1 -C.sub.10 aliphatic, C.sub.7 -C.sub.14 araliphatic or C.sub.6 -C.sub.10 aryl with a copper complex of the formula Cu(L)X where L is CO, phosphine or phosphite and X is the anion of an acid in an inert atmosphere at temperatures of from about 100.degree. to 300.degree. C.

Abstract: A fiber preparation containing or consisting of a tertiary butyl ether of the general formula ##STR1## in which R.sub.1 is a straight-chain or branched C.sub.12 -C.sub.22 -alkyl or alkenyl group.

Abstract: Decarboxylation of carboxylic acids using diazabicycloalkenes and, if desired, also a simple copper salt, as the means for decarboxylation.

Abstract: A process for selectively producing ethanol which comprises introducing into a reaction zone (1) methanol, (2) hydrogen, (3) carbon monoxide, (4) a cobalt tricarbonyl complex, (5) an iodine compound and (6) a ruthenium compound and then subjecting the contents of said reaction zone to an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure for a time sufficient to convert methanol to ethanol.

Abstract: A process for selectively producing ethanol which comprises introducing into a reaction zone methanol, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, a cobalt tricarbonyl complex and an iodine promoter and then subjecting the contents of said reaction zone to an elevated temperature and an elevated pressure for a time period sufficient to convert methanol to ethanol.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing esters having the general formulae:RCOOCH.sub.2 R'andR'COOCH.sub.2 Rwherein R and R' are linear or branched alkyl radicals either like or unlike each other, and containing from 1 to 16 carbon atoms, or considered together, forming a cycloaliphatic ring having up to 7 carbon atoms, wherein carbon monoxide and hydrogen are reacted, at temperatures ranging from 150.degree. to 350.degree. C. and at pressures ranging from 50 to 1000 atmospheres, with an ether of formula R O R' or esters of formula RCOOR' and R'COOR, in which R and R' have the same meanings as specified hereinabove, and in the presence of a catalyst system comprising a ruthenium carbonyl and a promoter selected from the class consisting of hydroiodic acid, carboxylic acid solutions of inorganic or tetraalkylammonium bromides and iodides, and mixtures of these promoters.

Abstract: This invention provides a process for producing tertiary-butyl methyl ether which involves contacting a mixture of isobutylene and synthesis gas with a catalyst under modified methanol synthesis processing conditions.

Abstract: Aliphatic unsaturated material or compounds are hydrogenated. Specifically, unsaturated dinitrile, e.g., 5-methyl-4-nonenedinitrile, 2,4-dimethyl-4-octenedinitrile, 2,4-dimethyl-3-octenedinitrile, 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-heptenedinitrile, 5-methylenenonanedinitrile, 2-methyl-4-methyleneoctanedinitrile and 2,6-dimethyl-4-methyleneheptanedinitrile, in a mixture resulting from reaction of isobutylene and acrylonitrile are hydrogenated in presence of a palladium hydrogenation catalyst disposed on an active alumina support also having disposed thereon an adjuvant selected from cerium, thorium, manganese, praseodymium, neodymium and samarium. A specific combination of adjuvants namely cerium together with lanthanum was found to improve the hydrogenation at low levels of cerium.Other aliphatic compounds which can be hydrogenated according to the invention include among others ethylene, 1,3-butadiene, cinnamic acid, 5-methyl-4-nonenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl 5-methylene-nonanedicarboxylate, etc.

Abstract: A process for the manufacture of higher ketones by reacting an aldehyde with a ketone in the presence of hydrogen over a catalyst system which contains, firstly, oxides or salts of the rare earth metals and, secondly, metals of group VIII of the periodic table of the elements. The process gives numerous higher ketones, required, for example, as solvents for surface coatings, or as scents, with high conversions and good selectivities, and therefore more simply and more economically than conventional methods.

Abstract: A carboxylic acid, such as acetic acid, is prepared from a hydrocarbyl alcohol, such as methanol, in carbonylation processes comprising the use of an iodide, carbon monoxide and a nickel catalyst in the presence of a tin promoter.

Abstract: A process for the selective formation of ethanol which comprises contacting methanol, hydrogen and carbon monoxide with a catalyst system comprising cobalt acetylacetonate, a tertiary organo Group V A compound of the periodic Table, a first promoter comprising an iodine compound and a second promoter comprising a ruthenium compound.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of ethers is described wherein at least one alcohol is contacted in the presence of carbon monoxide with a catalyst system having the general formula:B.sub.x Me[Me'(CO).sub.a (L).sub.b ].sub.2and a cocatalyst comprising halogen containing compounds in a cocatalyst to catalyst molar ratio ranging from about 16 to about 100 wherein B is a Lewis base capable of coordinating with a Group IIA metal; Me is a Group IIA metal, preferably magnesium; Me' is a transition metal selected from the group consisting of metals of Groups VIB, VIIB and VIII of the Periodic Table of the Elements; L is a uni- or polydentate ligand or hydrocarbon capable of coordinating with the transition metal; x is a positive integer ranging from 1 to 4; a is a positive integer ranging from 1 to 5 and b is an integer ranging from 0 to 4, with the proviso that the sum of a and b is 5 or less. A typical preferred catalyst system is represented by the general formula:(C.sub.4 H.sub.8 O).sub.4 Mg[Mn(CO).sub.4 P(C.sub.