Disclosed are methods for synthesizing an ester or a carboxylic acid from an organic alcohol. To form the ester one reacts, in the presence of oxygen gas, the alcohol with methanol or ethanol. This reaction occurs in the presence of a catalyst comprising palladium and a co-catalyst comprising bismuth, tellurium, lead, cerium, titanium, zinc and/or niobium (most preferably at least bismuth and tellurium). Alternatively that catalyst can be used to generate an acid from that alcohol, when water is also added to the reaction mix.

Disclosed are methods for synthesizing an ester or a carboxylic acid from an organic alcohol. To form the ester one reacts, in the presence of oxygen gas, the alcohol with methanol or ethanol. This reaction occurs in the presence of a catalyst comprising palladium and a co-catalyst comprising bismuth, tellurium, lead, cerium, titanium, zinc and/or niobium (most preferably at least bismuth and tellurium). Alternatively that catalyst can be used to generate an acid from that alcohol, when water is also added to the reaction mix.

A process for the hydrogenation of substituted aromatic compounds, with particular reference to esters of aromatic carboxylic acids, for example of aromatic esters used commonly as plasticizers in polymers having wide commercial application (see, in particular, esters of phthalic acid and trimellitic acid).

A process for the hydrogenation of substituted aromatic compounds, with particular reference to esters of aromatic carboxylic acids, for example of aromatic esters used commonly as plasticizers in polymers having wide commercial application (see, in particular, esters of phthalic acid and trimellitic acid).

The compound (A) is represented by formula (1).
R.sub.1OR.sub.2OR.sub.1(1) (In formula (1), each R.sub.1 independently represents a group represented by formula (2), or a hydrogen atom, and R.sub.2 represents a linear or branched alkylene group having 1 to 16 carbon atoms, or a linear or branched alkenylene group having 2 to 16 carbon atoms, provided that at least one R.sub.1 is a group represented by formula (2).) ##STR00001## (In formula (2), -* represents a bonding hand.).