The British Petroleum Company, P.l.c.

Colin G Griggs

Philip G Lodge

Anthony R Middleton

A process for the oxidation of alkanes or alkenes is described. The process uses a hydrocarbyl hydroperoxide as an oxidizing agent in combination with a ruthenium catalyst and optionally a hydrogen bromide or hydrobromide acid promoter. The products of the oxidation are alcohols, ketones or a mixture of both.

Process for the oxidation of hydrocarbons

Alkylene glycols are prepared by reaction of an alcohol with formaldehyde and an organic peroxide having a formula R--O--O--R.sup.1 where R and R.sup.1 are independently either alkyl or aralkyl groups containing 3 to 12 carbon atoms. The reaction is carried out in the presence of electromagnetic radiation which is able to decompose the organic peroxide. The alcohol used in this process is either methanol, a secondary alcohol or a mixture thereof.

Photochemical process for the production of alkylene glycols

A recycle solvent for use in a metal catalysed process for the production of ethanol and/or acetaldehyde by the liquid phase reaction of methanol, carbon monoxide and hydrogen is provided. The solvent should (1) form a single phase with methanol and the liquid products of the process throughout the process; (2) be one in which the catalyst and any associated promoters are soluble; (3) have a boiling point at atmospheric pressure in excess of 120.degree. C. and (4) should be chemically stable under the reaction conditions and not interact in a deliterious manner with either the catalyst or the other components of the reaction. A preferred class of recycle solvent is sulpholane and its substituted derivatives.

Process for the production of ethanol and/or acetaldehyde by the metal

Ethylene glycol is produced by reacting at elevated temperature methanol, a polymeric source of formaldehyde and an organic peroxide having the formula R--O--O--R.sup.1 wherein R and R.sup.1 are independently either alkyl or aralkyl groups containing from 3 to 12 carbon atoms. The polymeric source of formaldehyde is preferably paraformaldehyde.

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Ashford, United Kingdom

Colin G Griggs