The present invention discloses a metal-catalyzed process for hydration of nitrile under the influence of the ultrasonic cavitation effect. The present invention further discloses a catalyst of formula (I), wherein the catalyst is used for process for hydration of nitrile and process for preparation thereof.
A.sub.XB.sub.YC.sub.Z Formula (I)

A process for producing an oligomerization catalyst includes hydrothermal treatment. An oligomerization catalyst produced by the process is useful for the oligomerization of C.sub.2 to C.sub.12 olefins.

The present invention relates to a process for making 1,4 butanediol. The process may include reacting a solution comprising 1,4-butynediol with hydrogen in a presence of a catalyst. The catalyst may include cerium.

Disclosed is a catalyst suitable for the catalytic oxidative cracking of a H.sub.2S-containing gas stream. The catalyst comprises at least one or more active metals selected from the group consisting of iron, cobalt, and nickel, supported by a carrier comprising ceria and alumina. The active metal is preferably in the form of its sulphide. Also disclosed is a method for the production of hydrogen from a H.sub.2S-containing gas stream, comprising subjecting the gas stream to catalytic oxidative cracking so as to form H.sub.2 and S.sub.2, using a catalyst in accordance with any one of the composition claims.

A method for making a catalyst includes a step of forming a first reaction mixture that includes a metal source, a nitrogen source, and at least one silica template. Characteristically, the at least one silica template including silica particles. A combination of the first reaction mixture and a fluorinated polymer is mechanochemically mixed to form a first pre-pyrolysis powder. A first pyrolysis of the first pre-pyrolysis powder is performed at a first temperature greater than about 800 C. under an inert atmosphere to form a first pyrolyzed composition. Advantageously, at least a portion of silica particles is removed and mesostructured carbon is formed. The first pyrolyzed composition is optionally mechanochemically mixing to form a second pre-pyrolysis powder. A second pyrolysis of the first first pyrolyzed composition or the second pre-pyrolysis powder is performed under a reductive atmosphere at a second temperature that is greater than about 800 C. to form a final catalyst powder.