Abstract: A novel catalytic composite comprising a platinum group metal component; a modifier metal component selected from the group consisting of a tin component, germanium component, rhenium component and mixtures thereof; an alkali or alkaline earth metal component or mixtures thereof, an optional halogen component, and an optional catalytic modifier component on a refractory oxide support having a nominal diameter of at least about 850 microns. The distribution of the platinum group metal component is such that the platinum group component is surface-impregnated where substantially all of the platinum group metal component is located at most within a 400 micron exterior layer of the support. The effective amount of the modifier metal component may be uniformly impregnated throughout the refractory oxide support, surface-impregnated, or located in any other appropriate fashion.

Abstract: The vapor phase dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons is achieved with a spinel of the formula AV.sub.2-x C.sub.x O.sub.4 where A is a bivalent metal, V is vanadium substantially in +3 oxidation state, C is a trivalent metal, or with a crystalline perovskite DV.sub.1-y C.sub.y O.sub.3 where D is one or more of Y, the rare earths and Bi, and V is again vanadium in +3 oxidation state.

Abstract: Liquified Natural Gas (L.N.G.) is re-vaporized by heat exchange and pre-heated in a furnace at a temperature not exceeding 1100.degree. C. It is fed, together with an ionized hydrogen plasma stream, into a reactor containing a catalyst of the type described in the co-pending application No. 688,058. After heat exchange with the vaporizing L.N.G., the reactor effluent is separated into a condensed low-vapor-pressure liquid hydrocarbon product, rich in aromatics, into a hydrogen-rich gaseous by-product and into a recycle gas stream. The process is of particular interest where thermal or electrical energy is available at low cost. The Liquified Natural Gas Conversion Process may be considered as a method for storing such energy because the resulting liquid hydrocarbon product can be stored at low cost and may be sold during periods when such energy is in surplus.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to move valuable, higher molecular weight hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons which are then oligomerized to form aromatic hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: The catalyzed oxidative coupling of a lower molecular weight alkane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons which are then oxidatively dehydrogenated to form unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbons is disclosed.

Abstract: Saturated hydrocarbon is transformed catalytically into olefinic hydrocarbon of corresponding skeletal configuration by reacting the saturated hydrocarbon with a suitable alkene cyclopentadienyl or alkene arene transition metal molecular complex, such as bis(ethylene)pentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium, bis(ethylene)pentamethylcyclopentadienylrhodium and bis(ethylene)hexamethylbenzene osmium in the presence of free alkene as hydrogen acceptor. The reaction may be performed photochemically under irradiation with ultraviolet light or it may be performed thermolytically under application of heat. The catalyst may be charged to the reaction as a preformed alkene cyclopentadienyl or alkene arene transition metal molecular complex or the catalyst may be formed in situ in the reaction mixture via displacement of ligand from a suitable transition metal complex containing the displaceable ligand, such as dicarbonylpentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium or cyclooctadienepentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbons with an oxide of Pr having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Pr are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. Solids prepared from the oxide Pr.sub.6 O.sub.11 are particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbons with a solid comprising at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal which oxides when contacted with hydrocarbons at the temperature are reduced and produce dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products and water, the solid being associated with a silica support. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 100.degree. C. The reducible metal oxides are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen.

Abstract: Isobutene is produced by contacting isobutane with a sulfided, type L zeolitic catalyst containing platinum, tin, barium, and an inorganic binder. The isobutane is contacted with the catalyst in the presence of a sulfur-containing gas at a temperature of from 850.degree. F. to 1250.degree. F., a pressure of less than 20 psig, a liquid hourly space velocity of below 40, and an H.sub.2 /HC of less than 10. Preferably, the catalyst comprises: (1) a sulfided, type L zeolite containing from 8% to 10% by weight barium, from 0.6% to 1.0% by weight platinum, and tin at an atom ratio with the platinum of about 1:1; and (2) an inorganic binder of either silica, alumina, or aluminosilicates.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with a reducible oxide of Tb. The Tb oxide is preferably combined with an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Tb are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with molecular oxygen. The oxide Tb.sub.4 O.sub.7 is particularly effective in the process.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with a reducible oxide of Fe. The iron oxide is preferably combined with an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectively to higher hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Fe are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen. The oxide Fe.sub.3 O.sub.4 is particularly effective in the process. Bulk iron oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Abstract: Dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons may be subjected to a dehydrogenation reaction in which the hydrocarbons are treated with a dehydrogenation catalyst comprising a modified iron catalyst in the presence of steam in a multicatalyst bed system. The reaction mixture containing unconverted hydrocarbons, dehydrogenated hydrocarbons, hydrogen and steam is then contacted with an oxidation catalyst whereby hydrogen is selectively oxidized. The selective oxidation catalyst which is used will comprise a noble metal of Group VIII of the Periodic Table, a metal of Group IVA and, if so desired, a metal of Group IA or IIA composited on a porous inorganic support. The inorganic support will comprise an alumina precursor which possesses and ABD less than about 0.6 g/cc, a pore volume greater than about 0.5 cc/g, and a pore distribution such that between 10% and 70% of the pore volume is present as pores whose diameters are greater than about 300 Angstroms. After peptizing and calcination at a temperature of about 900.degree.

Abstract: Natural gas hydrocarbon components, methane to butanes, are converted into low-vapor-pressure liquid hydrocarbons in a combination process which comprises successively passing the heavier fraction (C.sub.2 to C.sub.4) and the lighter fraction (C.sub.1, C.sub.2) with hydrogen over a non silica-based catalyst including crystals of basic mixed oxides and recovering C.sub.5 + hydrocarbons. First the heavier fraction of the feed (C.sub.2 +) is converted at temperatures below 600.degree. C. over a fluidized or moving catalytic bed. Condensible C.sub.3 + products are fractionated for C.sub.5 + recovery and for C.sub.3, C.sub.4 recycling. Gas by-products H.sub.2, C.sub.1, C.sub.2, are separated into an enriched hydrogen stream and into a C.sub.1, C.sub.2 by-product gas which is recycled into the lighter fraction C.sub.1, C.sub.2 of the feed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons. More particularly, disclosed is a catalytic process for the conversion of methane to C.sub.2 + hydrocarbons, particularly hydrocarbons rich in ethylene or benzene, or both. The process utilizes a metal-containing catalyst, high reaction temperature of greater than 1000.degree. C., and a high gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.

Abstract: Methane is converted into higher hydrocarbons by a process wherein a gas comprising methane and molecular oxygen is contacted at elevated temperatures with a molten salt mixture containing at least one reducible metal oxide.

Abstract: A novel dehydrogenation process is disclosed. This process comprises contacting dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons with a catalytic composite comprising a platinum component, a tin component, a potassium component, a lithium component, and an alumina support, wherein the lithium to potassium atomic ratio of said catalytic composite is in the range of from 3:1 to 5:1. The process of the invention has particular utility for the dehydrogenation of C.sub.3 -C.sub.30 paraffins.

Abstract: A solid composition of matter consisting essentially of:(a) a component comprising: (1) at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IA metals and compounds containing said metals and (2), optionally, at least one material selected from the group consisting of tin, compounds containing tin, chloride ions and compounds containing said chloride ions and(b) a component comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IIA metals and compounds containing said metals.The composition is particularly useful as a contact material for the oxidative conversion of less valuable organic compounds to more valuable organic compounds, particularly in the presence of a free oxygen containing gas.

Abstract: A novel catalytic composite is disclosed. Also disclosed is a use for the novel composite and a method for preparing the same. The catalytic composite comprises a Group VIII, noble metal component, a co-formed IVA metal component, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal component and an alumina support having a surface area of from 5 to 150 m.sup.2 /g. Additionally the alumina support is such that less than about 18% of the total pore volume of the support is associated with pores having mean diameters of about 300 Angstroms or less and more than about 55% of the total pore volume of the support is associated with pores having mean diameters of about 600 Angstroms or more. The novel catalytic composite has particular utility as a paraffin dehydrogenation catalyst.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under conditions effective to produce higher hydrocarbon products and water, the improvement which comprises conducting the contacting in the presence of at least one stabilizer selected from the group consisting of chalcogens and compounds thereof.

Abstract: Saturated hydrocarbon is transformed catalytically into olefinic hydrocarbon of corresponding skeletal configuration by reacting the saturated hydrocarbon with a suitable alkene cyclopentadienyl or alkene arene transition metal molecular complex, such as bis(ethylene)pentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium, in the presence of free alkene as hydrogen acceptor. The reaction may be performed photochemically under irradiation with ultraviolet light or it may be performed thermolytically under application of heat. The catalyst may be charged to the reaction as a preformed alkene cyclopentadienyl or alkene arene transition metal molecular complex or the catalyst may be formed in situ in the reaction mixture via displacement of ligand from a suitable transition metal complex containing the displaceable ligand, such as dicarbonylpentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium or cyclooctadienepentamethylcyclopentadienyliridium.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for converting methane to a higher order hydrocarbon comprising contacting a gaseous reactant comprising methane with a phosphate-containing catalyst for a sufficient period of time and at an effective temperature to provide said higher order hydrocarbon, said catalyst being represented by the formulaM.sub.x PO.sub.ywhereinM is selected from the group consisting of Pb, Bi, Sb, Sn, Tl, In, Mn, Cd, Ge or a mixture of two or more thereof,x is from about 0.1 to about 10, andy is the number of oxygens needed to fulfill the valence requirements of the other elements.

Abstract: A process for converting low molecular weight gases such as methane and natural gas to higher hydrocarbons by means of a molten salt containing a synthesizing contact agent. The gas is contacted with a molten salt containing a metal, the oxide of which is reduced when contacted with methane at a temperature in the range of 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. to produce higher hydrocarbons and water. The reduced metal oxide/salt mixture may be regenerated to the active state by contacting the molten salt mixture with an oxygen-containing gas.

Abstract: A continuous method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with moving beds of particles comprising an oxidative synthesizing agent under synthesis conditions wherein particles recirculate between two physically separate zones: a methane contact zone and an oxygen contact zone.

Abstract: Alkanes are dehydrogenated to alkenes, for example n-butane to n-butenes by contact with a catalyst comprising a silicalite and a platinum group metal the catalyst being substantially free of alkali and alkaline earth metals. The selectivity of the product to butenes is improved by either presulphiding the catalyst or by passing a minor amount of a sulphur-containing compound with the alkane feed.The catalyst can be prepared by either forming the silicalite in the presence of the platinum group metal or alternatively contacting preformed silicalite with a solution of a platinum group metal.

Abstract: A process for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons is disclosed in which a heat providing stream is utilized to supply a portion of the endothermic heat requirement of the reaction zone feed thereby decreasing the temperature drop of the dehydrogenation zone material. As a result, the amount of deleterious side reactions such as thermal cracking is reduced, and an increase in conversion of the dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons is realized.

Abstract: A solid composition of matter selected from the group consisting of:(a) 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 material selected from the group consisting of zinc and compounds containing zinc, and a component comprising: (3) at least one material selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, compounds containing chloride 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) zinc oxide, and, optionally, a component comprising: (3) at least one material selected from the group consisting of chloride ions, compounds containing chloride ions tin and compounds containing tin.

Abstract: A catalyst for removing acetylenic impurities from gaseous organic product streams, comprising at least Fe and Ni, other elements from Groups 8, 1b, 2b, 4b, 6b and 7b of the Periodic Table, an alkaline earth metal and an alkali metal.

Abstract: Feed hydrocarbons comprising propane and butanes are cracked to selectively maximize the production of ethylene or propylene by contacting the feed hydrocarbons with a cracking catalyst, adapted to convert the feed hydrocarbons to less saturated hydrocarbons, under conditions sufficient to thus crack the feed hydrocarbons, to thereby selectively maximize the production of ethylene, and, at least intervally, hydrogen sulfide or a hydrogen sulfide precursor is added to the feed hydrocarbons to thereby maximize the production of propylene. Preferred catalysts which may be utilized in the process and which are highly selective to the production of ethylene, as opposed to propylene, (in the absence of hydrogen sulfide or hydrogen sulfide precursor) include mixed oxides of manganese and magnesium, mixed oxides of manganese and Lanthanum Series metal and/or niobium, mixed oxides of iron and magnesium and mixed oxides of iron and Lanthanum Series metal and/or niobium.

Abstract: A solid composition of matter is disclosed consisting essentially of sodium, potassium, a Group IA metal or a Group IA metal and a Group IIA metal, titanium, oxygen and, optionally, at least one of a halogen and tin, in which at least one of the sodium, the potassium, the Group IA metal or the Group IIA metal is present in an amount in excess of any amount present in electrically neutral compounds of the metal, the titanium and oxygen.The above compositions are particularly useful as solid contact materials for the oxidative conversion of feed organic compounds to product organic compounds, particularly in the presence of a free oxygen containing gas. A method for such conversion is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methane is converted to higher hydrocarbons, paticularly ethylene and ethane, and most desirably ethylene, by:contacting a feed comprising methane, such as natural gas, and a free oxygen containing gas, such as oxygen or air, with a solid contact material, comprising:(a) a component comprising: at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Group IA and Group IIA metals;(b) a component comprising: at least one material selected from the group consisting of phosphate radicals and compounds containing phosphate radicals; and(c), optionally, at least one material selected from the group consisting of halogen ions and compounds containing halogen ions,under oxidative conversion conditions sufficient to convert the methane to the higher hydrocarbons.

Abstract: Compositions comprising Mn-containing oxides, alkali metals or compounds thereof and barium carbonate. The composition preferably comprises a major amount of the barium carbonate and minor amounts of the other components. The compositions are useful for hydrocarbon conversion, methane conversion, and oxidative dehydrogenation processes characterized by formation of coproduct water.

Abstract: A class of mixed oxide catalysts comprising Mn-containing oxides, alkali metals or compounds thereof, and at least one member of the group consisting of oxides of Zr, mixed oxides of Zr and Si, and mixed oxides of Zr and at least one alkaline earth metal. In the more preferred embodiments, the third component serves as a carrier for the Mn and alkaline metal components. The composition preferably comprises a major amount of the carrier material and minor amounts of the other components. The compositions are useful for hydrocarbon conversion, methane conversion, and oxidative dehydrogenation processes characterized by formation of coproduct water.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting alkanes and cycloalkanes having up to 20 carbon atoms per molecule to a product comprising hydrogen gas and dehydrogenated and/or dehydrocyclized hydrocarbons, in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising vanadium oxide and aluminum phosphate. The preferred product components are aromatics such as ethylbenzene and xylenes. In one embodiment, a substantially deactivated catalyst composition is regenerated by contacting it with a free oxygen containing gas under suitable regeneration conditions.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a hydrocarbon gas comprising methane, an oxygen-containing gas and a reducible metal oxide under conditions effective to produce higher hydrocarbon products and water, the improvement which comprises conducting the contacting in the presence of at least one promoter selected from the group consisting of halogens and compounds thereof.

Abstract: An improved method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons by contacting a gas comprising said hydrocarbons and an oxidative dehydrogenation agent at dehydrogenation conditions, the improvement which comprises contacting the hydrocarbon with an oxidative dehydrogenation agent containing a promoting amount of alkali metal and/or compounds thereof and associated with a support selected from the group consisting of alkaline earth metals and compounds thereof.

Abstract: A method for the conversion of C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons to less saturated hydrocarbons, such as ethylene and propylene and particularly ethylene, includes contacting the feed hydrocarbons with mixed oxides comprising a major proportion of magnesium and a minor proportion of manganese, preferably under conditions which selectively convert the feed hydrocarbons to ethylene and ethane and particularly ethylene, including a temperature between about 625.degree. C. and 850.degree. C. The method is preferably carried out in the presence of steam at a mole ratio of steam/hydrocarbon of less than about 10:1. Selectivity to ethylene and ethane and particularly ethylene is improved and the life of the catalyst, during which the desired selectivity is attained, is extended by adding a promoting amount of at least one oxide of calcium, barium, strontium, tin and antimony. Further improvement can be obtained by limiting the amount of bound or fixed sulfur in the catalyst.

Abstract: Compositions of matter comprise oxides of silicon, aluminum and/or titanium mixed with combinations of manganese oxide and magnesium oxide; iron oxide and magnesium oxide; calcium, strontium, barium, tin and/or antimony oxides, manganese oxide and magnesium oxide; and iron oxide, manganese oxide and magnesium oxide. These compositions are particularly useful as catalysts for selectively converting propane and butanes to ethylene and ethane and particularly to ethylene. A method for converting propane and butanes to less saturated hydrocarbons is also disclosed in which the catalyst life is extended and the selectivity to ethylene and ethane, particularly ethylene, is improved by carrying out the contacting with the catalyst in the presence of steam, when the catalyst contains an oxide of iron and, optionally, when the catalyst does not contain an oxide of iron.

Abstract: Novel compositions of matter include: mixed oxides of (a) at least one oxide of chromium, at least one oxide of manganese and at least one oxide of magnesium, Lanthanum Series metals, preferably lanthanum and cerium, and/or niobium; (b) at least one oxide of chromium, at least one oxide of calcium, strontium, tin and/or antimony, at least one oxide of manganese and at least one oxide of magnesium, Lanthanum Series metals and/or niobium; (c) at least one oxide of chromium, at least one oxide of iron and at least one oxide of magnesium, Lanthanum Series metals and/or niobium; and (d) at least one oxide of chromium, at least one oxide of iron, at least one oxide of manganese and at least one oxide of magnesium, Lanthanum Series metals and/or niobium. These compositions are particularly effective as catalyst compositions for the conversion of C.sub.3 and C.sub.

Abstract: A method of selectively cracking C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons to C.sub.2 hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene, in which a body of cracking catalyst is established in a reaction zone and the feed hydrocarbons are passed through the body of catalyst while maintaining the conditions sufficient to convert the feed hydrocarbons to product hydrocarbons, including, a temperature in the upstream end of the body of catalyst at least about 100.degree. C. below the temperature in the downstream end of the body of catalyst. The cracking catalyst is preferably selected from the group consisting of: at least one oxide of manganese and at least one oxide of magnesium; at least one oxide of manganese and at least one oxide of at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Lanthanum Series metals, preferably lanthanum or cerium, and niobium; at least one oxide of iron and at least one oxide of magnesium; and at least one oxide of iron and at least one oxide of a Lanthanum Series metals or niobium.

Abstract: A method for the oxidative conversion of a feed material comprising methane, such as natural gas, to higher hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene and ethane and desirably ethylene, in which feed is contacted with a solid contact material comprising cobalt; at least one metal selected from the group consisting of zirconium, zinc, niobium, indium, lead and bismuth, preferably, zirconium; phosphorous; at least one Group IA metal; and oxygen under oxidative conversion conditions sufficient to convert the methane to the higher hydrocarbons. Substantial improvement in the conversion of methane and selectivity to ethylene and ethane is obtained by adding chlorine to the contact material. The further addition of sulfur to the contact material also improves the conversion and selectivity and permits the method to be carried out in an essentially continuous manner in the presence of a free oxygen containing gas.

Abstract: Compositions of matter, including: a composition consisting of iron oxide and magnesium oxide; a composition comprising iron oxide, manganese oxide and magnesium oxide; a composition comprising a small amount of iron oxide and a larger amount of an oxide of a Lanthanum Series metal, particularly lanthanum and cerium; and a composition comprising iron oxide and niobium oxide. The above compositions are particularly useful as catalytic compositions for the conversion of C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons to less saturated hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene and propylene and preferably ethylene, in the presence of steam. The steam substantially increases the active life of the catalytic composition, before regeneration is necessary, as well as significantly increasing the selectivity to ethylene. Limiting the amount of bound or fixed sulfur in the catalytic compositions also improves the catalysts.

Abstract: An improved method for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting at a selected temperature at least one reducible oxide of at least one metal, associated with a hydroxylated magnesia support (that is, magnesia derived from magnesium hydroxide or a magnesium-containing component contacted with hydroxyl-containing material).

Abstract: Process and device for the production of ethane and/or ethylene by heterogeneous catalytic reaction of methane and oxygen using a catalyst suitable for the formation of C.sub.2 hydrocarbons at increased temperatures, whereby in continuous operation a mixture of methane and oxygen is reacted at temperatures between 500.degree. and 900.degree. C. and at an oxygen partial pressure of less than 0.5 bar at the reactor entrance, while the ratio of the methane partial pressure to the oxygen partial pressure is greater than 1.The conversion reaction takes place with or without gas recycling in a reactor containing a bed of solid catalyst or by the use of a fluidized bed of fluidized catalyst particles, or in a cross-flow reactor with distributed input of oxygen.

Abstract: A process is provided for converting alkanes and cycloalkanes having up to 20 carbon atoms per molecule to a product comprising hydrogen gas and dehydrogenated and/or dehydrocyclized hydrocarbons, in the presence of a catalyst composition comprising divanadium pentoxide and silica. In one embodiment, a substantially deactivated catalyst composition is regenerated by contacting it with a free oxygen containing gas under suitable regeneration conditions. In another embodiment, a catalyst composition comprising divanadium pentoxide and silica is provided.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing hydrocarbons from a methane source which comprises contacting methane with an oxide of Ru. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ru are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition with oxygen.

Abstract: Compositions of matter, including: A mixture of at least one oxide of manganese and at least one oxide of a Lanthanum Series metal, preferably lanthanum or cerium, or at least one oxide of niobium. The above compositions are particularly useful as catalytic compositions for the conversion of C.sub.3 and C.sub.4 hydrocarbons to less saturated hydrocarbons, particularly ethylene and propylene and preferably ethylene. The life of the catalyst for the selective production of ethylene is extended by carrying out the reaction in the presence of steam. The steam substantially increases the active life of the catalytic composition, before regeneration is necessary, as well as significantly increasing the selectivity to ethylene. Limiting the amount of "bound" or "fixed" sulfur in the catalytic composition also improves the catalyst.

Abstract: Syngas is subjected to Fischer-Tropsch synthesis over a Co/Zr/SiO.sub.2 catalyst and the C.sub.20.sup.+ fraction of the synthesized product is converted into linear C.sub.10 -C.sub.20 olefins by mild thermal cracking.

Abstract: A method for dehydrogenating dehydrogenatable hydrocarbons which comprises contacting said hydrocarbon with an oxide of Ru having combined therewith an amount of alkali and/or alkaline earth metal which is sufficient to improve the selectivity to dehydrogenated hydrocarbon products. The oxide is reduced by the contact which is preferably carried at about 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. Reducible oxides of Ru are regenerated by oxidizing the reduced composition wth oxygen. Bulk ruthenium oxides promoted by sodium and/or compounds thereof are particularly preferred contact solids.

Abstract: An improved support for a contact agent, useful for converting methane to higher hydrocarbon products by contacting a gas comprising methane with a contact agent at a selected temperature, is formed by sintering the surface of the support.