Abstract: A solid composition of matter selected from the group consisting of:(a) a component comprising: (1) an oxide of lanthanum and a component comprising: (2) at least one material selected from the group consisting of halogen ions, compounds containing halogen ions, tin and compounds containing tin; and(b) a component comprising: (1) at least one material selected from the group consisting of Group IA metals and compounds containing said metals, a component comprising: (2) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of lanthanum and compounds containing lanthanum and, optionally, a component comprising: (3) at least one material selected from the group consisting of halogen ions, compounds containing halogen ions, tin and compounds containing tin,and a method for the oxidative conversion of organic compounds to other organic compounds, particularly in the presence of a free oxygen containing gas.

Abstract: A contact material composition containing an intimately mixed, mixed oxide of at least one cationic species of a naturally occurring Group 111B elment, at least one cationic species of a Group IIA metal of magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium and at least one additional metal cationic species of zirconium and hafnium, as well as methods for hydrocarbon conversion using such contact material compositions are provided.

Abstract: A contact material composition containing an intimately mixed, mixed oxide of at least one cationic species of a naturally occurring Group IIIB element, at least one cationic species of a Group IIA metal of magnesium, calcium, strontium, and barium and a cationic species of aluminum, as well as methods for hydrocarbon conversion using such contact material compositions are provided.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting methane to hydrocarbons having at least two carbon atoms (i.e. higher hydrocarbons). The process involves oxidizing methane with a metal sulfide oxidizing agent. After this conversion of methane, the reduced metal sulfide may be regenerated by oxidation of the reduced metal sulfide.

Abstract: Catalysts for converting methane to higher hydrocarbons such as ethane and ethylene in the presence of oxygen at temperatures in the range of about 700.degree. to 900.degree. C. are described. These catalysts comprise calcium oxide or gadolinium oxide respectively promoted with about 0.025-0.4 mole and about 0.1-0.7 mole sodium pyrophosphate. A preferred reaction temperature in a range of about 800.degree. to 850.degree. C. with a preferred oxygen-to-methane ratio of about 2:1 provides an essentially constant C.sub.2 hydrocarbon yield in the range of about 12 to 19 percent over a period of time greater than about 20 hours.

Abstract: A solid composition of matter comprising: (1) cobalt, (2) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IA metals, (3) silicon and (4) oxygen, preferably containing at least two Group IA metals and optionally containing at least one material selected from the group consisting of halogen ions and compounds containing halogen ions, phosphorous and compounds containing phosphorous, sulfur and compounds containing sulfur. A method for the oxidative conversion of feed organic compounds to product organic compounds utilizing these solid compositions of matter as solid contact materials is described.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative conversion of methane, to higher hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene and ethane, in which a methane-containing gas, such as natural gas, and a free oxygen containing gas are contacted with a contact material selected from the group consisting of:(a) a component comprising: (1) at least one oxide of a metal selected from the group consisting of calcium, strontium and barium and, optionally, a component comprising: (2) at least one material selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, compounds containing chloride ions, tin and compounds containing tin;(b) a component comprising: (1) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of sodium, potassium and compounds containing said metals, a component comprising: (2) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IIA metals and compounds containing said metals, and, optionally, a component comprising: (3) at least one material selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, compounds containing chlori

Abstract: A process is disclosed for catalytically converting light hydrocarbons, such as natural gas, to saturated or unsaturated higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, such as ethylene, propylene, ethyl benzene, and styrene. The process employs gaseous catalyst or a mixture of catalysts selected from hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen halides other then hydrogen fluoride, halogen other than fluorine, sulfur vapor, and/or sulfur containing hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products and coproduct water wherein a gas comprising methane and a gaseous oxidant are contacted with a nonacidic catalyst at temperatures within the range of about 700.degree. to 1200.degree. C. in the presence of a halogen promoter, the contacting being conducted in the substantial absence of alkali metals or compounds thereof.

Abstract: A process for the production of olefins and diolefins, such as 1,3-butadiene, comprising contacting an aliphatic hydrocarbon, such as butane, with a heterogeneous catalyst composition containing reactive oxygen under reaction conditions such that a more highly unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon is selectively formed in a high productivity. The catalyst is a composition comprising (a) a support component of magnesia and alumina and/or magnesium aluminate spinel, and (b) a catalyst component of magnesia, an oxide of molybdenum, a Group IA metal oxide promoter, and optionally vanadium oxide. Catalysts of high surface area and high attrition resistance are claimed.

Abstract: An improvement in the process for the oxidative coupling of methane is provided. Typically, the reaction takes place in a reactor that includes a catalyst zone. A primary CH.sub.4 /O.sub.2 stream is fed into the entrance of the reactor and reacted at a temperature of 600.degree. C.-1000.degree. C. and a pressure of between 101 kPa and 800 kPa. The improvement comprises introducing an auxiliary oxygen stream directly into the catalyst zone and one or more points to thereby selectively increase the yield of C.sub.2+ products.

Abstract: A process for the production of hydrocarbons having 2 or more carbon atoms by oxidative coupling of methane includes a step of contacting a feed gas containing methane with an oxide of metals having the following composition:MCo.sub.1-x Fe.sub.x O.sub.ywherein M stands for at least one alkaline earth metal x is a number greater than 0 but not greater than 1 and y is a number in the range of 2.5-3.5, at a temperature of 500.degree.-1000.degree. C.

Abstract: Compositions of matter particularly useful for the oxidative conversion of feed organic compounds to produce organic compounds include combination of Group IIA, zinc, titanium and Lanthanum Series base materials and, optionally, Group IA and/or halogen promoters. A method for the oxidative conversion of feed organic compounds to produce organic compounds, particularly methane, to higher hydrocarbons and saturated C.sub.2 to C.sub.7 hydrocarbons to less saturated hydrocarbons in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas is disclosed utilizing base compositions of matter.

Abstract: Process for producing olefins from natural gas, the natural gas (2) is mainly fractionated (1) into methane (3) and higher hydrocarbons (4), the latter being then mainly fractionated (17, 20) into propane (9) and ethane (7). The methane (3), admixed with oxygen (6), passes through an oxidation reactor (5), receives the ethane (7) and the obtained mixture passes through a pyrolysis reactor (8). The effluent coming out of reactor (8) receives the propane (9) and the obtained mixture passes through a pyrolysis reactor (10). A hydrocarbon flow comprising olefins (12), more particularly ethylene and propene, is recovered.

Abstract: Processes for the conversion of hydrocarbons, and most preferably methane, to higher hydrocarbons and olefins are disclosed, including contacting the hydrocarbons with a mixed metal oxide catalyst having the pyrochlore structure. Preferably, these catalysts have the general formula A.sub.n B.sub.2 O.sub.7-x, where A can be various mono-, di-, and trivalent metal cations, B can be various tri-, tetra-, penta-, and hexavalent metal cations, 0.ltoreq.n.ltoreq.2.0, and 0.ltoreq.x.ltoreq.1.0. Novel, high surface area, mixed metal oxide catalysts having the pyrochlore structure are also disclosed, including those having the formula A.sub.2 B.sub.2 O.sub.7, where A is divalent and B is niobium and/or tantalum, and those having the formula A.sub.2 (Sn.sub.2-y A.sub.y)O.sub.7-z, where A is bismuth and/or lead, 0.0.ltoreq.y.ltoreq.1.0, and 0.0.ltoreq.z.ltoreq.1.0.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative conversion of feed organic compounds, such as methane and ethane, to product organic compounds, such as ethylene, in the presence of a free oxygen containing gas and a contact material comprising: (1) Group IA and/or Group IIA metals/O.sub.2 /halogen; (2) Group IA metals/La Series metals/O.sub.2 /halogen and, optionally, Group IIA metals; (3) Group IA metals/Zn/O.sub.2 /halogen and, optionally, Group IIA metals; (4) Group IA metals/Ti or Zr/O.sub.2 /halogen and, optionally, Group IIA metals; (5) Group IA and/or IIA metals/phosphate/halogen or (6) Co/Zr, Zn, Nb, In, Pb and/or Bi/P/O.sub.2 halogen, and, optionally, Group IA metals and/or S, in which a contact material containing no halogen or an ineffective amount are activated and/or regenerated by contacting them with a halogen and, when the contact material is contact material (6), with a reducing agent or both a reducing agent and a halogen.

Abstract: A liquid catalyst composition for the oxidative coupling of methane and other hydrocarbon compounds to produce higher hydrocarbons and for the oxidative dehydrogenation of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds, aliphatic and alicyclic substituted aromatic hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof is disclosed.

Abstract: Methane is upgraded to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons in a process using a novel catalyst comprising oxides of boron, tin and zinc. The feed admixture also comprises oxygen. The novel catalyst may comprise one or more Group I-A or II-A elements, preferably potassium and is characterized by its method of manufacture.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products and coproduct water wherein a gas comprising methane and a gaseous oxidant are contacted with a nonacidic catalyst at temperatures within the range of about 700.degree. to 1200.degree. C. in the presence of a halogen promoter, the contacting being conducted in the substantial absence of alkali metals or compounds thereof.

Abstract: Ethylene is prepared in an oxydehydrogenation reaction of ethane by contacting a charge amount of ethane, an oxygen source, a chlorine source and water in the presence of a solid solution catalyst at an effective temperature. A low yield of vinyl chloride and a high yield of ethylene are obtained at a high ethane conversion.

Abstract: A catalyst of the following formulaNi.sub.a MoO.sub.x (I)in which:a is a number from 0.6 to 1.3, andx is a number determined by the valency requirements of nickel and of molybdenum.The manufacture of this catalyst comprises the preparation of a solvated precursor and the thermal decomposition of the solvated precursor over a period of from 1 to 4 hours and at a temperature T.sub.1 of from 520.degree. to 600.degree. C. The catalyst is utilized in the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane at a temperature of from 400.degree. to 700.degree. C.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative conversion of methane, at a high conversion and high selectivity to ethylene and ethane, in which a methane-containing gas, such as a natural gas, and an oxygen-containing gas are contacted with a contact material comprising lithium, in an effective amount, preferably 0.1 to 50 wt. % (expressed as the metal), and magnesium oxide, as by passing a mixture of the methane-containing gas and the oxygen-containing gas through a body of the contact material.

Abstract: Oxidative coupling of lower alkane to higher hydrocarbon is conducted using catalyst comprising barium and/or strontium component and a metal oxide combustion promoter in the presence of vapor phase halogen component. High ethylene to ethane mole ratios in the product can be obtained over extended operating periods.

Abstract: Volatilized metal compounds retard vapor phase alkane conversion reactions in oxidative coupling processes that convert lower alkanes to higher hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A tin-containing composition is provided, the composition having a tin Auger line transition wherein the ratio of the area of the M.sub.5 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 424.5 eV.+-.1 eV, having a 6 eV FWHM, to the area of M.sub.4 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 430.5 eV.+-.1 eV is at least 10 to 1. Additional such tin-containing compositions, including catalyst compositions are also provided as are methods for converting feedstock alkanes containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons using such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: Metal oxide powders comprised of Cr(III) oxide, Ti(IV) oxide, V(V) oxide, or mixtures of these, or metal mixed oxides comprised of Cr(III) oxide and Ti(IV) oxide and V(V) oxide, or their mixtures. They have BET surfaces of 5-50m.sup.2 /g and mean particle diameters of 25-350 nm and are useful to increase conversion and selectivity in the manufacture of mono-olefins by catalytic dehydrogenation of saturated hydrocarbons. The metal oxide powders are produced from mixtures of the vaporized metal compounds chromyl chloride, titanium tetrachloride, and vanadyl chloride, in the presence of certain gases by laser pyrolysis.

Abstract: A method for converting a feedstock alkane containing from 1 to 3 carbon atoms to a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon comprising contacting a feedstock with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a catalytic composition is disclosed. The catalytic composition includes a Group IA metal, a Group IIA metal and a third component, the precursor of which is a sol such as an aqueous suspension of a metal such as aluminum, silicon, titanium, zinc, zirconium, cadmium or tin with which the other components of the composition are thoroughly dispersed.

Abstract: A dehydrogenation process, where a hydrocarbon feed is dehydrogenated in a dehydrogenation zone and then oxidatively reheated by the combustion of hydrogen in an oxidation zone containing an oxidation catalyst, is improved by using a stream of dilution steam as an educing fluid to draw oxygen into contact with the effluent from the dehydrogenation zone ahead of the oxidation zone. A stream of dilution steam is often combined with the dehydrogenation zone effluent in order to control the oxygen concentration ahead of the oxidation zone and to lower the hydrogen partial pressure. Educing the oxygen-containing gas for the oxidation zone into the process by using the dilution steam an an educing fluid eliminates the need for compression of the oxygen-containing gas and prevents oxygen from contacting the dehydrogenation zone effluent before the dilution steam is admixed therewith. This process is particularly beneficial in the dehydrogenation of ethylbenzene to produce styrene.

Abstract: The preparation, structure, and properties of solid inorganic materials containing at least one rare earth element, aluminum, boron and oxygen are described. Also described is the use of such materials in catalytic compositions for the conversion of organic compounds. In particular, new materials comprising crystalline LnAl.sub.1.67+0.67X (B.sub.4 O.sub.10)O.sub.X where Ln is at least one Group IIIB element ion having effective ionic radii less than about 0.98 Angstroms at valence 3+ and coordination number VI, and X is a number ranging from 0 to 1, having a characteristic X-ray diffraction pattern are described as well as the use of such materials in various catalyzed processes including oxidative dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons and oxygen-containing hydrocarbons, dehydrogenation to functionalize alkylaromatic compounds, and ammoxidation of alkylaromatic compounds.

Abstract: Perovskites of the structure A.sub.2 B.sub.2 C.sub.3 O.sub.10 are useful as catalysts for the oxidative coupling of lower alkane to heavier hydrocarbons. A is alkali metal; B is lanthanide or lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, samarium, praseodymium, gadolinium or dysprosium; and C is titanium.

Abstract: Process for producing olefins from natural gas. The natural gas is fractionated (1). The methane (3) mixed with oxygen (6) crosses the oxidizing reactor (5), receives the C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons (7) and the mixture crosses the pyrolysis reactor (8). A hydrocarbons flow containing olefins (10) is collected.

Abstract: A method for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons wherein hot oxidative coupling reactor effluent is briefly contacted with a C.sub.2 to C.sub.20 alkane quench material to remove part of the heat contained in the raw reactor effluent, and is then further quenched by thermal quenching means to achieve a temperature which discourages retrograde reactions.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the direct partial oxidation of methane with oxygen, whereby organic compounds comprising higher hydrocarbons including C.sub.5 + liquid hydrocarbons are produced. The catalyst used in this reaction may be a ZSM-5 catalyst. The process involves the use of an initial cofeed, such as propane, in admixture with the methane and oxygen to induce the formation of liquid hydrocarbons. As the reaction progresses, the flow of cofeed is shut off, and liquid hydrocarbons continue to be produced.

Abstract: A mixture of organic compounds comprising a major amount of liquid hydrocarbons, mostly aromatic, is formed by the direct partial oxidation of methane in the presence of a ZSM-5 catalyst. The reaction conditions are substantially the same as those required for the direct homogeneous partial oxidation to methanol. However, liquid hydrocarbon formation depends on the presence of a small amount of an impurity such as propane or propylene in the feed; in the absence of such, only methanol is formed. With such modifier present, controls of reaction parameters, e.g., temperature, permits synthesis of both methanol and liquid hydrocarbons in desired proportions. Properly processed natural gas can serve to provide methane and at least part of the reaction modifier.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the direct partial oxidation of methane with oxygen, whereby hydrocarbons having at least two carbon atoms are produced. The catalyst used in this reaction is a cadmium-manganese oxide catalyst.

Abstract: Alkali metal doped double perovskites containing manganese and at least one of cobalt, iron and nickel are useful in the oxidative coupling of alkane to higher hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Cofeeding butylenes with amylenes in a catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation reaction substantially improves the conversion of the amylenes. The approved amylene conversion is obtained by the oxidative dehydrogenation of mixtures of amylenes and from 10 to 95 mole % butylenes.

Abstract: A process for the production of unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons, such as diolefins, comprising contacting an aliphatic hydrocarbon, such as an alkane or a monoolefin, with a solid heterogeneous catalyst containing labile oxygen under reaction conditions such that a more highly unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon is selectively formed in a high space-time yield. The catalyst comprises an oxide of magnesium, an oxide of molybdenum, an alkali metal promoter, and optionally an oxide of vanadium. For example, butane is oxidized in the presence of magnesium molybdate doped with alkali metal oxide to a mixture of products including predominantly butadiene and cis-2-butene and trans-2-butene.

Abstract: A process for preparing mono-olefins by catalytic oxidative dehydrogenation of e.g. ethane, propane or butanes is provided. The process employs a catalyst which is capable of supporting combustion beyond the normal fuel rich limit of flammability. Preferred catalysts are platinum group metals supported on a monolith e.g. platinum.

Abstract: An oxidative coupling catalyst composition for converting methane to a higher hydrocarbon comprising a mixed oxide of: (a) a Group IIIB metal selected from the grouup consisting of yttrium, scandium and lanthanum; (b) a Group IIA metal selected from the group consisting of barium, calcium and strontium; and (c) a Group IVA metal selected from the group consisting of tin, lead and germanium and approximate ratio of 1:0.5-3:2-4, and an improved process employing same.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative conversion of feed organic compounds to product organic compounds, particularly, the conversion of toluene to bibenzyl and stilbene and the conversion of acetonitrile to acrylonitrile, in which the feed compounds are contacted with a free oxygen-containing gas and a contact material, comprising at least one Group IIA metal or lanthanum and oxygen; at least two Group IIA metals, Lanthanum Series metals, zinc, or titanium and oxygen; at least one Group IA metal, at least one Group IIA metal, Lanthanum Series metals, zinc or titanium and oxygen; at least one Group IA metal or Group IIA metal, phosphorous and oxygen; cobalt, at least one of zirconium, zinc, nickel, indium, lead or bismuth, phosphorous, at least one Group IA metal and oxygen; or cobalt, at least one Group IA metal, silicon and oxygen.

Abstract: A process for the oxydehydrogenation of ethane to ethylene in a reaction system of open series connected stages, includes changing the total water and acetic acid content in the output gaseous stream after at least one stage other than the last stage of the series.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. In a first step, methane is contacted with elemental sulfur. In one embodiment, carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide are produced from this reaction of methane and sulfur, and this product is, in turn, reacted to form CH.sub.3 SH. In another embodiment, CH.sub.3 SH is formed directly in a one-step reaction of methane and sulfur. This CH.sub.3 SH is then contacted with a sufficient catalyst, such as a zeolite, especially ZSM-5, under conditions sufficient to produce hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: Compositions comprising boron-promoted reducible metal oxides (expecially reducible oxides of Mn) and optionally containing alkali and alkaline earth metal components are disclosed, as well as use thereof for hydrocarbon conversions characterized by formation of by-product water. Particular processes comprise the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and the dehydrogenation of dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons, e.g., dehydrogenation of C.sub.2 -C.sub.5 alkanes to form the corresponding olefins.

Abstract: A process for the catalytic dehydrogenation of a dehydrogenatable C.sub.2 -plus feed hydrocarbon which comprises the steps of: (a) passing a feed stream comprising the C.sub.2 -plus feed hydrocarbon into an isothermal dehydrogenation zone and through at least one bed of dehydrogenation catalyst maintained at isothermal dehydrogenation conditions selected to convert at least about 50 weight percent of the dehydrogenatable C.sub.2 -plus feed hydrocarbon and producing an isothermal dehydrogenation zone effluent stream comprising hydrogen, unconverted C.sub.2 -plus feed hydrocarbon and C.sub.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel mixed ion and electron conducting catalytic ceramic membrane and to its use in hydrocarbon oxidation and or hydrogenation processes, the membrane consists of two layers, layer 1 which is an impervious mixed ion and electron conducting ceramic layer and layer 2 which is a porous catalyst-containing ion conducting ceramic layer.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to more valuable, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons and oxidative coupling catalysts for use therein are disclosed.

Abstract: In an improved method for converting methane to at least one higher hydrocarbon product and coproduct water which comprises contacting a gas comprising methane and at least one added gaseous oxidant with nonacidic solid, the improvement comprising conducting at least a portion of said contacting in the presence of added water.

Abstract: Catalysts comprising lead doped zirconium compounds are particularly effective in an oxidative process for upgrading low molecular weight alkanes to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, and especially for upgrading methane to form ethane and ethylene. The catalysts can be employed in a process performed at elevated temperatures and in the presence or absence of gaseous oxygen. The catalysts are substantially free of PbO and uncombined Pb and remain stable for long periods of time.

Abstract: Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbons by contact with a catalyst comprised of a reducible metal oxide which had previously been treated with a reducing agent such as hydrogen to improve characteristics of the catalyst.