The present invention is directed to Cashew Nut Shell Liquid derivatives and methods for making and using same. The invention is also directed to Cashew Nut Shell Liquid based monomers and polymers for making antimicrobials, antioxidants, adhesives, coatings, corrosion retardants composites, cosmetics, detergents, soaps, de-icing products, elastomers, food, flavors, inks, lubricants, oil field chemicals, personal care products, polymers, structural polymers, engineered plastics, 3D printable polymers, techno-polymers, rubbers, sealants, solvents, surfactants and varnishes.

Provided is a method for preparing a diol. In the method, a saccharide and hydrogen as raw materials are contacted with a catalyst in water to prepare the diol. The employed catalyst is a composite catalyst comprised of a main catalyst and a cocatalyst, wherein the main catalyst is a water-insoluble acid-resistant alloy; and the cocatalyst is a soluble tungstate and/or soluble tungsten compound. The method uses an acid-resistant, inexpensive and stable alloy needless of a support as a main catalyst, and can guarantee a high yield of the diol in the case where the production cost is relatively low.

Provided is a method for preparing a diol. In the method, a saccharide and hydrogen as raw materials are contacted with a catalyst in water to prepare the diol. The employed catalyst is a composite catalyst comprised of a main catalyst and a cocatalyst, wherein the main catalyst is a water-insoluble acid-resistant alloy; and the cocatalyst is a soluble tungstate and/or soluble tungsten compound. The method uses an acid-resistant, inexpensive and stable alloy needless of a support as a main catalyst, and can guarantee a high yield of the diol in the case where the production cost is relatively low.

A process for producing branched alcohols through isomerization, hydroformylation and hydrogenation.

A catalytic reactor for industrial-scale hydrogenation processes is described. The catalytic reactor contains a catalytic fixed bed that comprises a support structure and a catalyst. During operation of the reaction in the catalytic reactor, the fixed bed is filled with reaction medium to at least 85% by volume. A very high contact area of the catalyst with the reaction medium is at the same time provided. The support structure is formed from material webs having a thickness of 5 to 25 μm, with a crosslinking density of at least 3 mm.sup.−3 present. The support structure consists of metals selected from elements of groups 8, 6 and 11 of the periodic table of the elements and mixtures thereof.

A catalytic reactor for industrial-scale hydrogenation processes is described. The catalytic reactor contains a catalytic fixed bed that comprises a support structure and a catalyst. During operation of the reaction in the catalytic reactor, the fixed bed is filled with reaction medium to at least 85% by volume. A very high contact area of the catalyst with the reaction medium is at the same time provided. The support structure is formed from material webs having a thickness of 5 to 25 μm, with a crosslinking density of at least 3 mm.sup.−3 present. The support structure consists of metals selected from elements of groups 8, 6 and 11 of the periodic table of the elements and mixtures thereof.

A process for producing branched alcohols through isomerization, hydroformylation and hydrogenation.

The present invention discloses an inventive method for manufacturing a catalyst using alloy granules having a high-Ni content. The inventive method may include providing alloy granules comprising aluminum and nickel, and treating the alloy granules with an alkaline solution to form the catalyst. A content of the nickel in the alloy granules may be within a range of about 43 wt % to about 60 wt %. The alloy granules may have effective diameters within a range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The catalyst may have an attrition value of less than about 7.0%.

The present invention discloses an inventive method for manufacturing a catalyst using alloy granules having a high-Ni content. The inventive method may include providing alloy granules comprising aluminum and nickel, and treating the alloy granules with an alkaline solution to form the catalyst. A content of the nickel in the alloy granules may be within a range of about 43 wt % to about 60 wt %. The alloy granules may have effective diameters within a range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The catalyst may have an attrition value of less than about 7.0%.

The present invention discloses an inventive method for manufacturing a catalyst using alloy granules having a high-Ni content. The inventive method may include providing alloy granules comprising aluminum and nickel, and treating the alloy granules with an alkaline solution to form the catalyst. A content of the nickel in the alloy granules may be within a range of about 43 wt % to about 60 wt %. The alloy granules may have effective diameters within a range of about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The catalyst may have an attrition value of less than about 7.0%.