Abstract: Edible organic compounds which can serve as food or feed, or as components of food or feed, are synthesized from oxidized carbon and water, through the input of energy, and using well-known and validated synthesis pathways, leading to free fatty acids and optionally esterified to triglycerides. The source of carbon is preferably CO2 from the atmosphere, or more preferably point sources of CO2 from industry and/or energy production.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for converting one or more methyl halides to acyclic C3-C6 olefins, said process comprising the steps of (a) providing a feedstream comprising one or more methyl halides; (b) providing a catalyst composition; and (c) contacting said feedstream with said catalyst composition under reaction conditions. The process is remarkable in that said reaction conditions include a reaction temperature below 400° C., and in that said catalyst composition comprises one or more molecular sieves with a Si/Al atomic ratio ranging from 2 to 18 and wherein said one or more molecular sieves comprise a plurality of pores, wherein said pores have a shape of an 8-membered ring or less.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a process for converting one or more alkyl halides to acyclic C3-C6 olefins, said process comprising the steps of (a) providing a feedstream comprising one or more alkyl halides; (b) providing a catalyst composition; and (c) contacting said feedstream with said catalyst composition under reaction conditions. The process is remarkable in that said process further comprises a step of steaming said catalyst composition before the step (c) and in that said catalyst composition comprises one or more zeolites and a binder, wherein said one or more zeolites comprise at least one 10-membered ring channel. The present disclosure further relates to the use of a catalyst composition in said process, said catalyst composition comprising one or more zeolites and a binder, wherein said catalyst composition is steamed before use.

Abstract: A method of making light olefins in a combined XTO (organics to olefins) and OCP (olefins cracking) process, from an oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing, or sulphur-containing organic feedstock contacted with a catalyst in a first reactor to convert the feedstock into a reactor effluent comprising light olefins and a heavy hydrocarbon fraction; separating the light olefins from the heavy hydrocarbon fraction, then contacting the heavy hydrocarbon fraction in a second reactor with a catalyst to convert a portion of the heavy hydrocarbons into light olefins; wherein the catalyst is a zeolite selected among a H+ or NH4+—form of MFI, MEL, FER, MOR, or clinoptilolite; modifying the zeolite by adding from 0.05 to 7 wt % of phosphorous to the zeolite, and an optional washing and/or drying in either order, then calcination. In an embodiment, the initial zeolite Si:Al atomic ratio of at least one catalyst is 100 or less.

Abstract: A ternary V—Ti—P mixed oxide is shown to catalytically dehydrate 2-methyl-tetrahydrofuran in high conversion to give piperylene, in good yield. Volatile products collected from this reaction contain piperylene in concentrations as high as 80 percent by weight. Dehydration of glycerol to acrolein in high conversion and moderate selectivity is also demonstrated. The catalyst is also shown to dehydrate other alcohols and ether substrates. The catalyst is resistant to deactivation and maintains activity between runs.

Abstract: A process is disclosed that includes brominating a C2, C3, C4, C5 or C6 alkane with elemental bromine to form a bromo-alkane. The bromo-alkane is reacted to form a C2, C3, C4, C5 or C6 alkene and HBr. The HBr is oxidized to form elemental bromine.

Abstract: 1-butene is recovered as a purified product from an MTO synthesis and especially from an integrated MTO synthesis and hydrocarbon pyrolysis system in which the MTO system and its complementary olefin cracking reactor are combined with a hydrocarbon pyrolysis reactor in a way that facilitates the flexible production and recovery of olefins and other petrochemical products, particularly butene-1 and MTBE.

Abstract: Processes for the production of alkenes are provided. The processes make use of methane as a low cost starting material.

Abstract: An integrated MTO synthesis and hydrocarbon pyrolysis system is described in which the MTO system and its complementary olefin cracking reactor are combined with a hydrocarbon pyrolysis reactor in a way that facilitates the flexible production of olefins and other petrochemical products, such as butene-1 and MTBE.

Abstract: Processes and systems for drying liquid bromine utilizing two fractionators to produce a substantially dry liquid bromine stream and a substantially bromine-free water stream. Wet bromine liquid may be conveyed to a first fractionator wherein a substantially dry bromine liquid is produced, while a vapor stream from the first fractionator may be condensed into a first liquid phase comprising bromine saturated with water and a second liquid phase comprising water saturated with bromine. The water saturated with bromine may be conveyed to a second fractionator to produce at least substantially bromine-free water.

Abstract: What is described is a process for preparing organic compounds of the general formula (I) R—R???(I) by converting a corresponding compound of the general formula (II) R—X ??(II) in which X is fluorine, chlorine, bromine or iodine to an organomagnesium compound of the general formula (III) [M+]n[RmMgXkY1]??(III) wherein compounds of the formula (III) are reacted with a compound of the general formula (IV) characterized in that the reaction of (III) with (IV) is performed in the presence of a) catalytic amounts of an iron compound, based on the compound of the general formula (II), and optionally in the presence of b) a nitrogen-, oxygen- and/or phosphorus-containing additive in a catalytic or stoichiometric amount, based on the compound of the general formula (II).

Abstract: Process and system that include the conversion of alkyl bromides to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons in circulating catalyst reactor-regenerator systems. Alkyl bromides may be reacted over a catalyst in at least one conversion reactor to produce at least an effluent stream comprising higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and hydrogen bromide. A portion of the catalyst may be removed from the conversion reactor. The portion of the catalyst may be contacted with a stripping gas to displace hydrocarbons from the portion of the catalyst. The portion of the catalyst may be contacted a first inert gas. The portion of the catalyst may be contacted with oxygen to form a regenerated catalyst by removal of coke. The regenerated catalyst may be contacted with a second inert gas. At least a portion of the regenerated catalyst may be introduced into the conversion reactor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a mixture comprising 0.01 to 30% by weight of at least one medium or large pore crystalline silicoaluminate, silicoaluminophosphate materials or silicoaluminate mesoporous molecular sieves (co-catalyst) (A) and respectively 99.99 to 70% by weight of at least a MeAPO molecular sieve. The present invention also relates to catalysts consisting of the above mixture or comprising the above mixture. The present invention also relates to a process (hereunder referred as “XTO process”) for making an olefin product from an oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock, wherein said oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock is contacted with the above catalyst (in the XTO reactor) under conditions effective to convert the oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock to olefin products (the XTO reactor effluent).

Abstract: Process for the production of a hydrocarbon by reacting, in a reactor, a reactant selected from methanol, dimethyl ether, methyl acetate and mixtures thereof, with an olefin. The process is performed in the presence of methyl halide and/or hydrogen halide and at least one compound selected from ruthenium carbonyl halides, osmium carbonyl halides and mixtures thereof.

Abstract: A method of rapid methylation of an aromatic compound or an alkenyl compound, which is capable of obtaining an aromatic compound or an alkenyl compound labeled with a methyl group or a fluoromethyl group under a mild condition rapidly in high yield using an organic boron compound whose toxicity is not so high as a substrate. A kit for preparing a PET tracer and a method of producing a PET tracer can be practiced using the rapid methylation method. In an aprotic polar solvent, methyl iodide or X—CH2F (wherein X is a functional group which can be easily released as an anion), and an organic boron compound in which an aromatic ring or an alkenyl group is attached to boron are subjected to cross-coupling in the presence of a palladium(0) complex, a phosphine ligand, and a base.

Abstract: Processes and systems for drying liquid bromine utilizing two fractionators to produce a substantially dry liquid bromine stream and a substantially bromine-free water stream. Wet bromine liquid may be conveyed to a first fractionator wherein a substantially dry bromine liquid is produced, while a vapor stream from the first fractionator may be condensed into a first liquid phase comprising bromine saturated with water and a second liquid phase comprising water saturated with bromine. The water saturated with bromine may be conveyed to a second fractionator to produce at least substantially bromine-free water.

Abstract: A process for converting gaseous alkanes to olefins, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof wherein a gaseous feed containing alkanes may be thermally or catalytically reacted with a dry bromine vapor to form alkyl bromides and hydrogen bromide. Poly-brominated alkanes present in the alkyl bromides may be further reacted with methane over a suitable catalyst to form mono-brominated species. The mixture of alkyl bromides and hydrogen bromide may then be reacted over a suitable catalyst at a temperature sufficient to form olefins, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons or mixtures thereof and hydrogen bromide. Various methods and reactions are disclosed to remove the hydrogen bromide from the higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, to generate bromine from the hydrogen bromide for use in the process, to store and subsequently release bromine for use in the process, and to selectively form mono-brominated alkanes in the bromination step.

Abstract: Processes for converting a methane or a methane containing natural gas to a monohalogenated methane and other downstream basic commodity chemicals going through methanesulfonyl halide as a key intermediate, whereby following its formation, the methanesulfonyl halide is allowed to decompose under a substantially anhydrous condition, preferably in the presence of a catalyst complex, and whereby in addition to the monohalogenated halide, a hydrogen halide and a sulfur dioxide are also formed in the overall conversion, both of which may be recycled back to the beginning of the processes. Additionally, compositions utilizing such a key intermediate for the same purposes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for obtaining a metalloaluminophosphate (MeAPO) molecular sieve comprising the following steps in the order given: a). providing an aqueous solution containing sources of at least 2 of the following: Metals (Me), Al and P; b). co-precipitating an amorphous precursor of the molecular sieve from the solution by changing the solution's pH, followed by separating the amorphous precursor from the water, optionally including formulation; c). optionally washing and drying at a temperature below 450° C. of the amorphous precursor; d). contacting the amorphous precursor with a template-containing aqueous solution and with a source of Al, P or Me, which is not already present in step (a) and optionally additional sources of Al and/or P and/or Me; and e). partially crystallising the molecular sieve under autogeneous conditions so that 5 to 90% by weight of the amorphous precursor crystallises.

Abstract: Process for the production of alkenes from a feedstock comprising monohydric aliphatic paraffinic alcohols having from 2 to 3 carbon atoms, in which the monohydric aliphatic paraffinic alcohols containing 2 to 3 carbon atoms are dehydrated into the corresponding same carbon number alkenes at a pressure of more than 0.5 MPa but less than 4.0 MPa and at a temperature of less than 300° C. The alcohols present in the feedstock comprise ethanol, propanol(s), less than 1 wt % of methanol and less than 1 wt % of C3+ alcohols.

Abstract: An integrated process for producing aromatic hydrocarbons and ethylene and/or propylene and optionally other lower olefins from low molecular weight hydrocarbons, preferably methane, which comprises: (a) contacting at least one low molecular weight alkane, preferably methane, with a halogen, preferably bromine, under process conditions sufficient to produce a monohaloalkane, preferably monobromomethane, (b) reacting the monohaloalkane in the presence of a coupling catalyst to produce aromatic hydrocarbons and C2+ alkanes, (c) separating the aromatic hydrocarbons from the product mixture of step (b) to produce aromatic hydrocarbons, and (d) cracking at least part of the C2+ alkanes in an alkane cracking system to produce ethylene and/or propylene and optionally other lower olefins.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing an olefin from a carboxylic acid having a ?-hydrogen atom or a derivative thereof using the compound containing iodine and at least one metal elements selected from the group consisting of Groups 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11 metals as a catalyst.

Abstract: A process for the dissociation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE), which includes at least a) catalytic dissociation of MTBE which is present in two streams I and VII over a catalyst to give a dissociation product II, b) separation by distillation of the dissociation product II obtained in a) into an overhead stream III containing more than 90% by mass and a bottom stream IV containing diisobutene, MTBE and more than 80% of the methanol present in the dissociation product II, c) separation by distillation of the bottom stream IV obtained in b) into a methanol-containing bottom stream V, a side stream VI containing diisobutene, methanol and MTBE and an overhead stream VII containing MTBE and methanol and d) recirculation of the overhead stream VII to a).

Abstract: The present invention is a mixture comprising by weight 0.01 to 30% of at least one medium or large pore crystalline silicoaluminate, silicoaluminophosphate materials or silicoaluminate mesoporous molecular sieves (co-catalyst) (A) for respectively 99.99 to 70% of at least a MeAPO molecular sieve. Preferably the proportion of (A) is 1 to 15% for respectively 99 to 85% of MeAPO molecular sieves. MeAPO molecular sieves having CHA (SAPO-34) or AEI (SAPO-18) structure or mixture thereof are the most preferable. Si is the most desirable metal in MeAPO. The present invention also relates to catalysts consisting of the above mixture or comprising the above mixture.

Abstract: Isobutene is prepared by a process in which a) an MTBE-containing stream I is separated by distillation into an MTBE-containing overhead stream II and a bottom stream III which comprises compounds having boiling points higher than that of MTBE; and b) the MTBE present in the overhead stream II is dissociated over a catalyst to give a dissociation product IV; wherein the stream I has a proportion of 2-methoxybutane (MSBE) of greater than 1000 ppm by mass, based on MTBE, and wherein the separation by distillation in step a) and/or the dissociation in step b) is carried out so that the dissociation product IV has a concentration of less than 1000 ppm by mass of linear butenes, based on a C4-olefin fraction.

Abstract: The present invention is a phosphorous modified zeolite (A) made by a process comprising in that order: selecting a zeolite with low Si/Al ratio (advantageously lower than 30) among H+ or NH4+-form of MFI, MEL, FER, MOR, clinoptilolite, said zeolite having been made preferably without direct addition of organic template; steaming at a temperature ranging from 400 to 870° C. for 0.01-200 h; leaching with an aqueous acid solution containing the source of P at conditions effective to remove a substantial part of Al from the zeolite and to introduce at least 0.3 wt % of P; separation of the solid from the liquid; an optional washing step or an optional drying step or an optional drying step followed by a washing step; a calcination step.

Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for fluidizing a population of catalyst particles that are depleted of catalyst fines. In one embodiment, the process includes providing a plurality of catalyst particles in the reactor, wherein the catalyst particles have a d2 value of greater than about 40 microns. The catalyst- particles are contacted with a fluidizing medium under conditions effective to cause the catalyst particles to behave in a fluidized manner and form a fluidized bed. The particles are contacted with one or more primary obstructing members while in the fluidized bed. By fluidizing the catalyst particles in this manner, the catalyst particles can be maintained at an axial gas Peclet number of from about 10 to about 20.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process to make light olefins, in a combined XTO?OCP process, from an oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock comprising: contacting said oxygen-containing, halogenide-containing or sulphur-containing organic feedstock in the XTO reactor with a catalyst made of a P-modified zeolite (A) at conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the feedstock to form a XTO reactor effluent comprising light olefins and a heavy hydrocarbon fraction; separating said light olefins from said heavy hydrocarbon fraction; contacting said heavy hydrocarbon fraction in the OCP reactor with a catalyst made of a P-modified zeolite (A) at conditions effective to convert at least a portion of said heavy hydrocarbon fraction to light olefins; wherein said P-modified zeolite (A) is made by a process comprising in that order: selecting a zeolite (advantageously with Si/Al ratio between 4 and 500) among H+ or NH4+-form of MFI, MEL, FER, MOR, clinoptiloli

Abstract: It is intended to provide a method of rapid methylation of an aromatic compound or an alkenyl compound, which is capable of obtaining an aromatic compound or an alkenyl compound labeled with a methyl group or a fluoromethyl group under a mild condition rapidly in high yield using an organic boron compound whose toxicity is not so high as a substrate; a kit for preparing a PET tracer to be used in the same, and a method of producing a PET tracer using the same. In an aprotic polar solvent, methyl iodide or X—CH2F (wherein X is a functional group which can be easily released as an anion), an organic boron compound in which an aromatic ring or an alkenyl group is attached to boron are subjected to cross-coupling in the presence of a palladium(0) complex, a phosphine ligand, and a base.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing a first halogen stream; providing a first alkane stream; reacting at least a portion of the first halogen stream with at least a portion of the first alkane stream in a first reaction vessel to form a first halogenated stream; providing a second alkane stream comprising C2 and higher hydrocarbons; providing a second halogen stream; and reacting at least a portion of the second halogen stream with at least a portion of the second alkane stream in a second reaction vessel to form a second halogenated stream.

Abstract: A method comprising: providing an alkyl halide stream; contacting at least some of the alkyl halides with a coupling catalyst to form a product stream comprising higher hydrocarbons and hydrogen halide; contacting the product stream with a solid reactant to remove at least a portion of the hydrogen halide from the product stream; and reacting the solid reactant with a source of oxygen to generate a corresponding halogen.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for the production of olefins including ethylene, propylene and butenes from methyl bromide. In a chemical reaction methyl bromide is dehydrobrominated to the olefin and hydrogen bromide. The reaction is carried out at elevated temperatures, preferably in the range of 300° C. to 500° C. A catalyst comprising a zeolite may be used.

Abstract: The present invention mainly relates to a carbon-carbon bond formation catalyzed by a complex comprising a novel and stable ligand and a metal center. The ligand uses a ring, particularly a phenyl group, or a hydrocarbon group to link an amino group and PR1R2, NR1R2, OR1, SR1, or AsR1R2 group for stabling the structure of the ligand.

Abstract: This invention provides for a process to convert branched or linear alkanes to branched or linear alpha olefins (AO) of the same carbon number.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for producing light olefins, comprising the steps of: i) contacting a feed comprising a monohalo-methane with a molecular sieve catalyst under the conditions: a reaction temperature in the range of from 350° C. to 600° C., a reaction pressure in the range of from 0.05 to 1.1 MPa (absolute), and a weight hourly space velocity of the monohalo-methane in the range of from 0.1 to 100 hour?1, to give an effluent comprising ethylene, propylene, and hydrogen halide; and ii) isolating ethylene, propylene and hydrogen halide from the effluent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalyst composition, a method of making the same and its use in the conversion of a feedstock, preferably an oxygenated feedstock, into one or more olefin(s), preferably ethylene and/or propylene The catalyst composition comprises a molecular sieve and at least one oxide of a metal from Group 4, optionally in combination with at least one metal from Groups 2 and 3, of the Periodic Table of Elements.

Abstract: In a method of converting alkanes to their corresponding alcohols, ethers, olefins, and other hydrocarbons, a vessel comprises a hollow, unsegregated interior defined first, second, and third zones. In a first embodiment of the invention oxygen reacts with metal halide in the first zone to provide gaseous halide; halide reacts with the alkane in the second zone to form alkyl halide; and the alkyl halide reacts with metal oxide in the third zone to form a hydrocarbon corresponding to the original alkane. Metal halide from the third zone is transported through the vessel to the first zone and metal oxide from the first zone is recycled to the third zone. A second embodiment of the invention differs from the first embodiment in that metal oxide is transported through the vessel from the first zone to the third zone and metal halide is recycled from the third zone to the first zone.

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for the production of olefins, including ethylene, propylene and butenes, from methane, the process comprising first, second and third reaction steps operated in tandem. In the first reaction step, hydrogen chloride, perchloroethylene and oxygen are reacted in the presence of a catalyst, using methane as a diluent, to yield hexachloroethane and water. In the second reaction step, the hexachoroethane from the first reaction step is reacted with methane to produce methyl chloride, hydrogen chloride and perchloroethylene. In the third reaction step, the methyl chloride from the second reaction step is reacted to give the desired olefins and hydrogen chloride. By recycling the perchloroethylene from the second reaction step and the hydrogen chloride from both the second and third reaction steps to the first reaction step, a balanced process is achieved that is self-sufficient in chlorine values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a conversion process of a feedstock, preferably an oxygenated feedstock, into one or more olefin(s), preferably ethylene and/or propylene, in the presence of a molecular sieve catalyst composition that includes a molecular sieve and a Group 3 metal oxide and/or an oxide of a Lanthanide or Actinide series element. The invention is also directed to methods of making and formulating the molecular sieve catalyst composition useful in a conversion process of a feedstock into one or more olefin(s).

Abstract: The specification discloses a process for the production of olefins, including ethylene, propylene and butenes, from methane, the process comprising first, second and third reaction steps operated in tandem. In the first reaction step, hydrogen chloride, perchloroethylene and oxygen are reacted in the presence of a catalyst, using methane as a diluent, to yield hexachloroethane and water. In the second reaction step, the hexachoroethane from the first reaction step is reacted with methane to produce methyl chloride, hydrogen chloride and perchloroethylene. In the third reaction step, the methyl chloride from the second reaction step is reacted to give the desired olefins and hydrogen chloride. By recycling the perchloroethylene from the second reaction step and the hydrogen chloride from both the second and third reaction steps to the first reaction step, a balanced process is achieved that is self-sufficient in chlorine values.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the reductive dehalogenation of halogenated hydrocarbons. It comprises reacting halogenated hydrocarbons with a reducing metal and a hydrogen donating compound in the presence of an amine. Preferably, the halogenated hydrocarbons are reacted with lithium, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc or iron. Depending on the metal, the complete reductive dehalogenation takes place at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 400° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method to prepare cyclopropenes.

Abstract: Halogenated compounds are dehydrohalogenated in a multi-stage bubble reactor wherein agitation of the reactor contents is provided by in situ generation and vaporization of reaction product having a boiling point lower than that of the reactants.

Abstract: Activation of ruthenium based catalyst compounds with acid to improve reaction rates and yields of olefin metathesis reactions, including ROMP, RCM, ADMET and cross-metathesis reactions is disclosed. The ruthenium catalyst compounds are ruthenium carbene complexes of the general formula AxLyXzRu═CHR′ where x=0, 1 or 2, y=0, 1 or 2, and z=1 or 2 and where R′ is hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted alkyl or aryl, L is any neutral electron donor, X is any anionic ligand, and A is a ligand having a covalent structure connecting a neutral electron donor and an anionic ligand. The use of acid with these catalysts allows for reactions with a wide range of olefins in a variety of solvents, including acid-initiated RIM processes and living ROMP reactions of water-soluble monomers in water.

Abstract: A process comprises contacting an oxygenate feed with a molecular sieve catalyst in the presence of an electromagnetic energy and converting the oxygenate feed to olefins.

Abstract: An oxygenate conversion process and fast-fluidized bed reactor are disclosed having an upper disengaging zone and a lower reaction zone. The process is carried out in a reaction zone having a dense phase zone in the lower reaction zone and a transition zone which extends into the disengaging zone. The feedstock in the presence of a diluent is passed to the dense phase zone containing a non-zeolitic catalyst to effect at least a partial conversion to light olefins and then passed to the transition zone above the dense phase zone to achieve essentially complete conversion. A portion of the catalyst is withdrawn from above the transition zone in the disengaging zone, at least partially regenerated, and returned to a point above the dense phase zone, while catalyst is continuously circulated from the disengaging zone to the lower reaction zone.

Abstract: A method for preparing olefins and halogenated olefins is provided comprising contacting halogenated compounds with diamonds for a sufficient time and at a sufficient temperature to convert the halogenated compounds to olefins and halogenated olefins via elimination reactions.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a catalyst including a metal of group VIII and a metal of group Ib, according to which the mixture including the alkoxide precursor of an inorganic oxide and complexes including the metals of group VIII and Ib and difunctional complexing compounds including an electron-donor group and a hydrolysable group is hydrolysed in order to form a gel. Process for the conversion of chloroalkanes into alkenes containing less chlorine by means of hydrogen, using such a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to novel methods for the synthesis of cyclopropylacetylene which is a reagent in the asymmetric synthesis of (S)-6-chloro-4-cyclopropylethynyl-4-trifluoromethyl-1,4-dihydro-2H-3,1-ben zoxazin-2-one which is a useful human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) reverse transcriptase inhibitor.

Abstract: The durability and selectivity of a supported nobel metal hydrodeclorination catalyst can be improved by treating the supported catalyst, which comprises support and catalytic noble metal, with a late transition metal halide salt, a post transition metal containing halide salt, or a combination thereof, and with an alkali metal halide, ammonium halide, or a combination thereof. Suitable late transition metal and post transition metal halides for use herein include zinc chloride, tin chloride, and cupric chloride. A suitable alkali metal halide for use herein include lithium chloride. The novel resulting supported catalyst has its noble metal component, which is in the zero valent state, predominantly residing adjacent the surface of the support in a form which is predominantly visible under a microscope having a resolution of about 5 .ANG..