There is provided a catalyst that enables the production of isobutylene with a high selectivity in the production of isobutylene by dehydration of isobutanol. The catalyst according to the present invention contains at least one metal selected from Group 6 to Group 14 metal elements in Period 4 to Period 6 of the periodic table, in alumina which includes alumina consisting of one or more crystal phases of a monoclinic crystal phase, a tetragonal crystal phase, and a cubic crystal phase.

There is provided a catalyst that enables the production of isobutylene with a high selectivity in the production of isobutylene by dehydration of isobutanol. The catalyst according to the present invention contains at least one metal selected from Group 6 to Group 14 metal elements in Period 4 to Period 6 of the periodic table, in alumina which includes alumina consisting of one or more crystal phases of a monoclinic crystal phase, a tetragonal crystal phase, and a cubic crystal phase.

A method for preparing a heterogeneous catalyst. The method comprises steps of: (a) combining (i) a support, (ii) an aqueous solution of a noble metal compound and (iii) a C.sub.2-C.sub.18 thiol comprising at least one hydroxyl or carboxylic acid substituent; to form a wet particle and (b) removing water from the wet particle by drying followed by calcination to produce the catalyst.

Provided is a method for separating water-containing crystals, the method including: a step of generating water-containing crystals from a mixed liquid including water, acetic acid, and methacrylic acid; and a step of separating the crystals, in which the proportion by mass of methacrylic acid with respect to the total mass of water, acetic acid, and methacrylic acid in the mixed liquid is 0.09% by mass or more and less than 0.60% by mass.

Provided is a method for separating water-containing crystals, the method including: a step of generating water-containing crystals from a mixed liquid including water, acetic acid, and methacrylic acid; and a step of separating the crystals, in which the proportion by mass of methacrylic acid with respect to the total mass of water, acetic acid, and methacrylic acid in the mixed liquid is 0.09% by mass or more and less than 0.60% by mass.

Disclosed herein is a method of making polymerizable bio-based monomers containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass. Also disclosed herein are bio-based copolymers prepared from such bio-based monomers and a co-monomer, and methods of making and using such bio-based copolymers. In particular, the bio-based copolymers can be used as pressure sensitive adhesives, binders, and polymer electrolytes.

Disclosed herein is a method of making polymerizable bio-based monomers containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass. Also disclosed herein are bio-based copolymers prepared from such bio-based monomers and a co-monomer, and methods of making and using such bio-based copolymers. In particular, the bio-based copolymers can be used as pressure sensitive adhesives, binders, and polymer electrolytes.

A novel process can be used for purifying methyl methacrylate (MMA) contaminated with low-boiling components by distillation, where the process involves producing MMA by oxidative esterification, and a crude product containing methyl propionate (MP), methyl isobutyrate (MIB), and methacrolein (MAL) as low-boiling components. The process is compatible with MMA produced from C.sub.2-based methacrolein containing the low-boiling components specified.

A novel process can be used for purifying methyl methacrylate (MMA) contaminated with low-boiling components by distillation, where the process involves producing MMA by oxidative esterification, and a crude product containing methyl propionate (MP), methyl isobutyrate (MIB), and methacrolein (MAL) as low-boiling components. The process is compatible with MMA produced from C.sub.2-based methacrolein containing the low-boiling components specified.

A novel process can be used for a heterogeneously catalysed oxidation reaction, in the presence of a pulverulent noble metal-containing catalyst, where (meth)acrolein, an alkyl alcohol, in particular methanol, and an oxygen-containing gas are converted to an alkyl (meth)acrylate, in particular methyl (meth)acrylate. A corresponding reactor suitable for performing the reaction is also useful. The process allows for an effective retention of the particulate catalyst and the continuous discharge of fines fractions of the catalyst powder which are present, particularly in a fresh catalyst batch as a consequence of its preparation. Such fines fractions may also be produced by abrasion during the reaction. The process allows for effective recycling, recovery, and utilization of these discharged catalyst fractions.