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: In its simplest sense, the present invention is directed toward a process for the thermal conversion of methane into unsaturated gaseous hydrocarbons, especially olefins, comprising first compressing methane in the presence of an inert gas having a higher ratio of heat capacities, Cp/Cv, than methane. The inert gas used is present in an amount sufficient to provide a compressed gas mixture having a peak temperature of adiabatic compression in the range of about 900.degree. C. to about 2200.degree. C. Under these conditions, at least some of the methane is converted to unsaturated gaseous hydrocarbons. Immediately thereafter, the compressed gas mixture is expanded, thereby substantially preventing thermal conversion of the gaseous hydrocarbons. Importantly, the compression and expansion are achieved in a single cycle of less than about one second.

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: Process is provided for oxidation of organic compounds in which a reaction zone is provided, containing an open space and a bed of solid granular catalyst, an organic feedstock and oxygen are passed in gas phase through the open space and then into contact with the catalyst bed, and reaction products are removed from the open space after relatively less contact with the catalyst, and from at least one other location after relatively greater contact with the catalyst. Greater yield of desired product may be obtained in such operation than in operation where all of the reaction products are removed after the greater contact with the catalyst.

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: The activation of catalysts which include carbonate compounds is brought about by exposing the catalyst to an atmosphere containing hydrogen. The invention is useful for activating Group IIA carbonates, such as strontium carbonate, for use in the oxidative coupling of methane.

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: 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: 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: There is provided a catalyst and 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 spinel oxide, such as MgMn.sub.2 O.sub.4 or CaMn.sub.2 O.sub.4, modified with an alkali metal, such as Li or Na.

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: A method for the oxidative conversion of feed organic compounds to product organic compounds, particularly, the conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons and the conversion of saturated C.sub.2 to C.sub.7 hydrocarbons to less saturated hydrocarbons, in which the feed compounds are contacted with a free oxygen-containing gas, water 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 hydrocarbon conversion process using a catalytic composition effective in the catalytic conversion of a feedstock alkane, such as methane, to a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon is disclosed. The composition includes a first component comprising a Group IA metal, a second component comprising Group IIA metal, a third component, the precursor of which comprises a sol (an aqueous suspension of aluminum, silicon, titanium, zinc, zirconium, cadmium or tin) and a fourth component including a Group VIII metal, silver or a combination thereof, present in an amount effective to substantially increase the catalytic activity of the composition.In addition, methods of preparing such catalytic compositions and catalytic compositions prepared by such methods are disclosed.

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: Upon a pressure vessel reactor, lower alkanes such as methane and propane subjected to temperatures of up to 800 K and pressures up to 70,000 psi (467 MPa), isomerize even in the absence of catalyst to produce a variety of alkanes, alkenes, cycloalkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons containing up to twelve carbon atoms.

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

Abstract: Propane is dimerized to 2,3-dimethylbutane with barium peroxide oxidizer.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting methane to hydrocarbons having at least two carbon atoms. The process involves contacting methane with an oxidizing agent, such as oxygen, at a relatively moderate temperature of less than about 700.degree. C. and a relatively high pressure of greater than about 20 atmospheres.

Abstract: Aluminophosphate molecular sieves substituted with cobalt, manganese or iron and having the AlPO.sub.4 -34 or AlPO.sub.4 -5, or related AlPO.sub.4 structure activate methane starting at approximately 350.degree. C. Between 400.degree. and 500.degree. C. and at methane pressures .ltoreq.1 atmosphere the rate of methane conversion increases steadily with typical conversion efficiencies at 500.degree. C. approaching 50% and selectivity to the production of C.sub.2+ hydrocarbons approaching 100%. The activation mechanism is based on reduction of the transition metal(III) form of the molecular sieve to the transition metal(II) form with accompanying oxidative dehydrogenation of the methane. Reoxidation of the - transition metal(II) form to the transition metal(III) form can be done either chemically (e.g., using O.sub.2) or electrochemically.

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: There is provided a process for the direct partial oxidation of methane with oxygen, whereby organic compounds comprising higher hydrocarbons are produced. The catalyst used in this reaction is a ZnZSM-5 catalyst. This catalyst may be prepared by ion exchanging or impregnating a ZSM-5 catalyst with a suitable zinc salt such as zinc nitrate.

Abstract: A catalytic process for gas phase oxidative coupling of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds to produce higher molecular weight hydrocarbon compounds, the catalyst being a mixed basic metal oxide or sulfide catalyst. One preferred mixed basic metal oxide catalyst is boron/alkali metal promoted metal oxide.

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: A process is described in which methane is reacted with acetylene in the presence of a solid acid catalyst containing fluoride to produce isobutene in high yields. The process may take place at room temperature or lower and atmospheric pressure. The conversion of acetylene typically approaches 100% and the methane conversion has been found to surpass stoichiometric requirements.

Abstract: A C.sub.2 and higher hydrocarbon product including ethylene is produced from a methane-containing gaseous paraffinic hydrocarbon feedstock by a process comprising heating the feedstock admixed with oxygen in an amount of at least 5% mol under elevated pressure in a pre-heating zone to a temperature sufficient to cause spontaneous reaction, the pre-heating and mixing being effected in a manner such that (i) substantial oxygen consumption is avoided, and (ii) a "flash-back" of the reaction to form a diffusion flame at the point of gaseous mixing is prevented, and thereafter in a reaction zone allowing the feedstock mixture to spontaneously react.

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 spinel oxide such as ZnMn.sub.2 O.sub.4.

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: There is provided a process for the direct partial oxidation of methane with oxygen, whereby organic compounds comprising higher hydrocarbons are produced. The catalyst used in this reaction is a CuZSM-5 catalyst. This catalyst may be prepared by ion exchanging or impregnating a ZSM-5 catalyst with a suitable copper salt such as copper nitrate.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the direct partial oxidation of methane with oxygen, whereby organic compounds comprising higher hydrocarbons are produced. The catalyst used in this reaction is a GaZSM-5 catalyst. This catalyst may be prepared by ion exchanging or impregnating a ZSM-5 catalyst with a suitable gallium salt such as gallium nitrate.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the direct partial oxidation of methane with oxygen, whereby organic compounds comprising higher hydrocarbons are produced. The catalyst used in this reaction is an NiZSM-5 catalyst. This catalyst may be prepared by ion exchanging or impregnating a ZSM-5 catalyst with a suitable nickel salt such as nickel nitrate.

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: This invention relates to a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane and to a catalyst system for use in the method.In more detail a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane in which a mixture comprising methane and oxygen is heated to a temperature of from 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. and the heated mixture is contacted with a catalyst system which comprises a first component which is a non-reducible metal compound and which first component is sufficiently refractory to withstand the operative temperature and a second component which is one or more oxycompounds of boron or phosphorus provided on the surface of the first component.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for catalytically converting methane to synthesis gas and one or more saturated or unsaturated higher molecular weight hydrocarbons, such as ethane, ethylene, and acetylene. The process employs a homogeneous gas phase hydrogen halide catalyst other than hydrogen fluoride to faciltiate the pyrolytic oxidation of methane. Alternatively the homogeneous gas phase catalyst may consist of a mixture of gaseous hydrogen halide and gaseous halogen, or a halogen gas.

Abstract: Methane is upgraded to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons in a process using a novel catalyst comprising 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.

Abstract: A catalyst and a process for oxidative coupling of aliphatic and alicyclic hydrocarbon compounds with aliphatic and alicyclic substituted aromatic hydrocarbon compounds to form a longer substituent hydrocarbon on the aromatic ring. The catalyst is mixed basic metal oxide catalyst, one preferred catalyst is boron/alkali metal promoted metal oxide. Reaction of methane with toluene and oxygen according to this invention results in conversion to styrene.

Abstract: A process for the purification of 1,1-diphenylethane with good fragrance quality. The product is produced by first subjecting the distillation residue from ethylbenzene production to distillation, then treating the distillate with sulfuric acid, separating the sulfuric acid phase, washing the oil phase with an alkali metal hydroxide solution and water, and subjecting the oil phase thus obtained to a second distillation.

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: Methane is converted into higher hydrocarbons by contact at a temperature in the range from 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. with a contact solid comprising a manganese oxide incorporating at least one of the elements tin, titanium, tungsten, tautalum, silicon, germanium, lead, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony, boron, gallium, indium, a lanthanide or an actinide. The contact solid is preferably promoted by either an alkali or alkaline earth metal, for example sodium.

Abstract: A catalyst and process for oxidative coupling of methane, the catalyst being a mixed basic metal oxide catalyst. One preferred catalyst is boron/alkali metal promoted metal oxide.

Abstract: Silicometallates containing iron in the structural framework are employed as catalysts for the oxidation of hydrocarbons or oxygenated hydrocarbons, for example the vapor phase oxidation of methane to methanol.

Abstract: A multi-component oxide catalyst comprising zinc and an alkali metal is described which is useful particularly for converting methane and/or natural gas to higher molecular weight hydrocarbon products such as ethane and ethylene. The catalyst is characterized by the formulaZn.sub.a A.sub.b M.sub.c M'.sub.d O.sub.xwhereinA is Li, Na, K, or mixtures thereof;M is Al, Ga, Cr, La, Y, Sc, V, Nb, Ta, Cu or mixtures thereof;M' is Cs, Rb, Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba, Sm, Pb, Mn, Sb, P, Sn, Bi, Ti, Zr, Hf, or mixtures thereof;a is from about 1 to about 20;b is from about 0.1 to about 20;c is from about 0 to about 5;d is from about 0 to about 20; andx is a number needed to fulfill the valence requirements of the other elements; provided that(i) at least one of c and d is at least 0.1; and(ii) when M' is Sn, c must be at least 0.1.

Abstract: A process is provided for the oxidative conversion of methane to higher hydrocarbons wherein a mixture of methane and gaseous oxidant is contacted at reaction conditions with a solid oxidative contact agent which is essentially free of reducible metal oxide, the oxidative conversion taking place in the presence of a chalcogen promoter.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane and to a catalyst system for use in the method.In more detail a method for the oxidative conversion of methane to ethylene and/or ethane in which a mixture comprising methane and oxygen is heated to a temperature of from 500.degree. to 1000.degree. C. and the heated mixture is contacted with a catalyst system which comprises a first component which is a non-reducible metal compound and which first component is sufficiently refractory to withstand the operative temperature and a second component which is one or more oxycompounds of boron or phosphorus provided on the surface of the first component.

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 catalyst comprising a silica-containing carrier on which a metal component iron, nickel, or cobalt promoted by zirconium is supported snd, in addition, as promoter a noble metal from Group VIII of the Periodic Table; the promoter cobalt/zirconium catalyst is suitable for the preparation of hydrocarbons from carbon monoxide and hydrogen.

Abstract: In a continuous catalytic process for the production of higher molecular weight hydrocarbons from lower molecular weight hydrocarbons in which a lower molecular weight hydrocarbon containing gas is contacted in a reaction zone with a higher molecular weight hydrocarbon synthesis catalyst under C.sub.2 + hydrocarbon synthesis conditions, the improvement comprising adding hydrogen to said gas thereby forming a reaction gas wherein said hydrogen comprises 1 to 25 volume percent of the reaction gas, said synthesis conditions including a temperature greater than 1000.degree. C. and a gas hourly space velocity of greater than 3200 hr.sup.-1.