Arco Chemical Technology, L.p.

Lyondell Chemical Technology, L.p.

Wilfred Po-sum Shum

Walter S Dubner

A method is disclosed for regenerating a used catalyst mixture comprising (i) an isomerization catalyst comprising magnesium oxide and (ii) a metathesis catalyst comprising an inorganic carrier and at least one of molybdenum oxide and tungsten oxide. The method comprises (a) decoking the used catalyst mixture in the presence of an oxygen-containing gas to produce a decoked catalyst mixture; and (b) contacting the decoked catalyst mixture with steam at a temperature in the range of 100 to 300&#xb0; C. to produce a regenerated catalyst mixture.

Catalyst regeneration

The catalytic hydrogenation of HBA and/or HMPA is improved by either or both of (1) increasing the temperature in the hydrogenation zone from about 50 to 70&#xb0; C. at the inlet to above 80&#xb0; C. at the outlet and (2) raising the pH of the hydrogenation feed to 4.5&#x2013;6.0 before hydrogenation.

Production of butanediol

A new method for preparing lithium phosphate catalysts is disclosed. The method comprises precipitating a lithium phosphate from a mixture comprising a first aqueous solution which contains lithium and sodium ions and a second aqueous solution which contains phosphate and borate ions. The resultant lithium phosphate catalyst has increased activity and selectivity in the isomerization of an alkylene oxide to the corresponding allylic alcohol.

Preparation of lithium phosphate catalysts

Hydroxybutyraldehyde is formed by hydroformylation of allyl alcohol using a catalyst comprised of a rhodium complex and a ligand such as DIOP, the concentration of CO in the reaction liquid is maintained above about 4.5 mg. mols/liter.

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West Chester, PA, United States of America

Wilfred Po-sum Shum