Grown Crystalline Sensor and Method for Sensing

This invention relates to a sensor and a method of sensing useful for determining the concentration of a component of interest. More particularly, the invention relates to such a sensor and method which employ certain grown metal-containing inorganic crystalline compositions and provide for determining the concentration of a gaseous component of interest.

In many situations it is highly desirable, even necessary, to know the concentration of one or more given components in a medium. A great many different sensors have been suggested. One class of sensors which have been found to be useful in a number of applications are the optical sensors. In general, an optical sensor involves a sensing element which is exposed to the medium or component to be analyzed, a source of light or other radiation to excite the sensing element, and a means to analyze the optical signal given off by the sensing element in response to the excitation energy. Optical fibers have been used as conduits for transporting the excitation energy to the sensing element and/or transporting the emitted signal from the sensing element for analysis. Certain sensors have the sensing element physically located directly adjacent the optical surface of the optical fiber.

To be effective, a sensor must provide accurate and reproducible concentration determinations. The term "concentration" refers to the amount per unit increment of measure, and/or partial pressure, and/or the presence or absence of a given component. The sensing element should be structurally and functionally stable in the medium being analyzed and at the conditions of use. In addition, since the sensor may be used repeatedly, or even continuously, over a long period of time, the sensor should have a response time which is compatible with the desired frequency of measurement. In other words, the sensor should quickly respond to changes in concentration of the component of interest so that such changes can be accurately reflected by the measurements given by the sensor. In summary, sensors, and in particular optical sensors, in which a sensing element is exposed to the medium to be analyzed, should have at least some and preferably all, of the following attributes: high sensitivity and selectivity, temperature insensitivity or compensation, good reversibility, fast response, highly stable response, infrequent need for calibration, good structural stability and should have the ability to tolerate corrosive and high temperature environments.

Zeolite molecular sieves are crystalline materials with a large and well defined interior volume. Access to this interior volume is controlled by openings, or pores, in the crystal. Molecules in the liquid or gas phase are adsorbed into the zeolite molecular sieves selectively on the basis of their size and polarity, among other things. Zeolite molecular sieves are aluminosilicates which contain charge balancing cations in the pore volume.

Arakawa, et al, in "Luminescence Properties of Eu Ion-Exchanged Y-type Zeolite", Journal of Luminescence, 20, (1979) 325-327, and in "Photoluminescence During the Catalysis of Water Decomposition on an Activated Europium (III) - Y Zeolite", J. C. S. Chem. Comm., 1979, 453-454, disclose excitation spectra of Eu.sup.3+ ion exchanged Y-zeolite in a vacuum. At higher temperatures under degassed conditions, Eu.sup.3+ is reduced to Eu.sup.2+, which has a characteristic spectrum Further, Arakawa, et al in "Physicochemical Studies of an Activated Europium Ion-exchanged Mordenite", Bull, Chem. Soc. Jpn., 57, 1290-1294 (1984); in "A Fluorescence Study of the Adsorption of Water, Methanol, and Acetic Acid on an Activated Europium Ion Exchanged Mordenite", Bull. Chem. Soc. Jpn., 57, 948-951 (1984); and in "Adsorption of Oxygen in an Activated Europium Ion-exchanged Mordenite", Mat. Res. Bull., Vol. 19, pp. 429-434, 1984, disclose studies of the fluorescence of Eu.sup.+2 ion exchanged onto mordenite in the presence of various materials, such as oxygen, water, methanol and acetic acid. In addition, Arakawa, et al, in "Luminescence Study of the Adsorption of Ammonia and Other Simple Molecules on an Activated Europium Ion Exchanged Mordenite", Inorg. Chem. 1985, 24, 3807-3810, disclose the measurement of the luminescence of the Eu.sup.2+ ion on a mordenite zeolite when exposed to ammonia and other simple molecules. Although the europium was ion exchanged into the molecular sieve in the 3+ oxidation state, Arakawa, et al converted the europium to the 2+ oxidation state before taking meaningful emissions data.

Suib, et al, in "The Coordination Environment of Eu (III) Ions in Hydrated A and Y Zeolites as Determined by Luminescence Lifetime and EXAFS Measurements", J. Chem Phys. 80(5)1984; and in "Framework Chemistry and Structure Involving Electron Transfer and Europium in Zeolites", Journal of Molecular Catalysis, 27, (1984) 71-80, disclose using measurements of luminescent lifetimes and EXAFS with Eu3+exchanged zeolites to determine the number of water molecules coordinated to the europium. Suib, et al do not measure emission intensity.

Strome and Klier, in "Effects of Carbon Monoxide Absorption of the Luminescence of Reduced Copper-Exchanged Y Zeolite", J. Phys. Chem. 1980, 84, 981-984; in "The Effects of Oxygen of Photo-luminescence and Resonance Energy Transfer in Copper (I) Y Zeolite", Synthetic Zeolites, Photoluminescence and Energy Transfer, 1980, American Chemical Society; and in "Photoluminescence and Resonance Energy Transfer in Zeolites", Adsorption and Catalysis on Oxide Surfaces, 1985, Elsevier Science Publishers B.V., Amsterdam, disclose luminescence emissions due to Cu.sup.1+ activator ions in Y-zeolites in the absence and in the presence of Ni.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, or Mn.sup.2+ sensitizers. The effects of oxygen and carbon monoxide on the luminescence of copper exchanged Y-zeolite is also discussed. In effect, Strome and Klier were concerned only with emissions resulting from copper ions.

None of the known prior art suggests using sensing elements which include inorganic crystalline compositions grown on inorganic oxide compositions.

There continues to be a need for sensors and sensing methods useful to determine component, in particular gaseous component, concentrations.

New sensors and sensing methods for determining the concentration of one or more components, preferably gaseous components, of interest has been discovered. It has been found that certain grown inorganic crystalline compositions which include at least one of certain metal components in an amount effective to provide a signal related to the concentration of the component of interest are very useful in sensors. Sensing elements which include such grown inorganic crystalline materials have good structural and temperature stability, and are often well suited for use in corrosive and otherwise aggressive environments. Importantly, such sensing elements provide accurate and reliable concentration determinations. Because there are a wide variety of inorganic crystalline materials and/or metals to choose from, a sensing element in accordance with the present invention can be selected to meet the specific requirements of a large number of applications, In addition, the present sensing elements preferably are reversible and have good, e.g., reduced, response times, so that repeated, even continuous, concentration monitoring can be utilized.

In one broad aspect, the present invention involves a sensor for determining the concentration of a component, preferably gaseous component, of interest comprising a sensing element, and processing means to process the signal from the sensing element and provide a basis for determining the concentration of the component of interest. In one embodiment, the sensing element comprises an inorganic crystalline composition including at least one metal component in an amount effective to provide a signal related to the concentration of the gaseous component of interest. The inorganic crystalline composition is grown, or is derived from a material grown, by crystal growth upon at least a portion of the surface of an inorganic oxide composition to form a composite with at least two substantially continuous phases which exhibit at least one of a distinct compositional heterogeneity and a distinct structural heterogeneity of one phase to the other. The presently useful composition may also include an electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate substantially contiguous to the inorganic oxide composition, such as the at least three phase composite compositions disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. Ser. No. 213,261 filed June 6, 1988. This application is incorporated in its entirety by reference herein.

In a particularly useful embodiment, the inorganic crystalline composition is grown, or is derived from a material which is grown, by crystal growth onto at least a portion of the optical surface of an optical fiber. This growing forms a composite with at least two substantially continuous phases which exhibit at least one of a distinct compositional heterogeneity and a distinct structural heterogeneity. Preferably, the optical fiber acts to transmit the emitted signal from the sensing element, e.g., to the processing means.

Another broad aspect of the invention involves a method for determining the concentration of a component, preferably a gaseous component, of interest in a medium preferably a fluid medium. As used herein, the term "fluid medium" refers to gaseous and/or liquid systems. The method comprises immersing in the medium a sensing element, such as those described above; causing a signal, related to the concentration of the component of interest, to be emitted by the sensing element; and analyzing the signal to determine the concentration of the component of interest in the medium.

The sensors and methods of sensing of the present invention involve sensing elements which comprise certain grown inorganic crystalline compositions and metal components. The metal components are preferably selected from silver, metals of the following groups of the periodic table IIB, III, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and the rare earth metals (Lanthanide Series metals), in particular in the 3+oxidation state, and mixtures thereof.

The metal component or components are chosen for use in the present sensing elements so as to function as described herein. Thus, the metal component selected should be capable of providing a signal at least one property, e.g., intensity, decay rate, lifetime or the like, of which is dependent on the concentration of the component of interest in the medium being analyzed. One important factor in choosing the metal component for use is the component, e.g., the gaseous component, of interest. Other factors to be considered include the medium being analyzed, the conditions at which the medium exists and the anticipated range of concentrations of the component of interest.

The metal component or components are associated with, preferably chemically associated with or bonded to, the inorganic crystalline composition. For example, the metal component may be incorporated into the inorganic crystalline composition during the synthesis of the composition and/or may be added to, preferably by ion exchange, the inorganic crystalline composition. Any suitable metal incorporation technique or techniques, many of which are conventional and well known in the art, may be employed to associate or bond the metal component or components with or to the inorganic crystalline compositions. Therefore, a complete discussion of such techniques is not presented here.

The amount of metal component or components included in the present sensing element should be such as to be effective to provide or emit a signal related to the concentration of the component of interest. The amount of metal component used depends on many factors, for example, the metal component itself, the inorganic crystalline composition, the component of interest, the medium, and the conditions of the medium. In one embodiment, the metal component content is in the range of about 0.1% or less to about 40% or more by weight of the inorganic crystalline composition, calculated as elemental metal.

The oxidation state of the metal component may be an important factor. For example, it has been found that if the rare earth metals are employed, it is preferred to use such metals in the 3+oxidation state. The rare earth metals, in particular europium, in the 3+oxidation state emit signals the intensity of which is related to the concentration of the gaseous component of interest. Relative intensity measurements are very different from lifetime measurements, and are usually easier to work with since they do not require complex mathematical manipulations to arrive at relationships between observation (emitted signal intensity) and concentration of component of interest.

The term "metal component" as used herein refers to elemental metal, or to a metal ion in a given oxidation state or states or to another metal entity in a given oxidation state, as the case may be.

A single inorganic crystalline composition may include two or more different metal components. However, in order to simplify processing the signals emitted from the sensing element, it is preferred that only one active metal component be associated with a single inorganic crystalline composition. In certain instances a single metal component may emit one or more signals relating to the concentrations or two or more components of interest in a medium. By calibration of the sensing element and/or by analysis of the emitted signal or signals, one may be able to determine the concentrations of two or more components of interest using a single sensing element with one metal component. For example, the intensity of the emitted signal may be related to the concentration of component A, while the decay rate of the signal may be related to the concentration of component B. By measuring both intensity and decay rate, the concentrations of both components A and B can be determined.

The metal component may be subjected to one or more activation procedures, if advantageous or required. For example, the metal component may be oxidized or reduced to place it in the proper oxidation state. High temperature treatments may also provide a metal component which is effective as a signal emitter. The specific activation procedure, if any, employed depends on many factors, for example, the metal component and the sensing application involved.

Among the inorganic crystalline compositions useful in the present invention are those often referred to as microporous molecular sieves. A particularly useful class of inorganic crystalline compositions are those selected from the group consisting of zeolite molecular sieves, silica molecular sieves, non-zeolitic molecular sieves and mixtures thereof. In one useful embodiment, the inorganic crystalline composition is selected from silica molecular sieves, non-zeolitic molecular sieves and mixtures thereof. In certain instances, the molecular sieves include one or more templating agents, which are often included during synthesis of these materials. These templating agents can be removed, e.g., by combustion. However, it should be noted that both molecular sieves with templating agents and molecular sieves without templating agents may be employed in the present invention.

Typical of the molecular sieves of the zeolitic varieties are the chabazite, faujasite, levynite, Linde Type A, gismondine, erionite, sodalite, Linde Type X and Y, analcime, gmelinite, harmotome, levynite, mordenite, epistilbite, heulandite, stilbite, edingtonite, mesolite, natrolite, scolecite, thomsonite, brewsterite, laumontite, phillipsite, ZSM-5 (U.S. Pat. No. 3,702,886), ZSM-20 (U.S. Pat. No. 3,972,983), ZSM-11 (U.S. Pat. No. 3,709,979), ZSM-12 (U.S. Pat. No. 3,832,449), ZSM-34 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,086,186), LZ-105 (U.S. Pat. No. 4,257,885) and Beta (U.S. Pat. No. 3,308,069 and U.S. Pat. No. Res. 28,341), and the like. Typical of suitable zeolitic molecular sieves employable in the practice of this invention are those reviewed by Flanigen in Pure and Applied Chemistry Vol. 52 pp. 2191-2211 1980 including their ion exchanged forms. Zeolite ion exchange is reviewed by D. W. Breck in Chapater 7 of his book, "Zeolite Molecular Sieves", Wiley-Interscience, New York 1974. Also suitable are the zeolitic molecular sieves discovered since these reviews such as: LZ-210, LZ-211, LZ-212, etc. all from U.S. Pat. No. 4,503,023, EU-13, U.S. Pat. No. 4,581,211, ISI-6, U.S. Pat. 4,578,529, and the like including their ion exchanged forms.

Molecular sieves of the non-zeolitic variety include the silica molecular sieves, such as silicalite (U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,724) silicalite II (D. M. Bibby, et al, Nature, 1979, Vol.280, pg. 664), and fluoride silicalite (U.S. Pat. No. 4,073,865).

Other molecular sieves of the non-zeolitic variety include these having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

where "Q" represents a one element present as a framework oxide unit "QO.sub.2.sup.n " with charge "n" where "n" may be -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1; "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Q.sub.W Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value from zero to about 0.3; and "w", "x", "y" and "z"represent the mole fractions of QO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2 -, PO.sub.2.sup.+, SiO.sub.2, respectively, present as framework oxide units. "Q" is characterized as an element having a mean "T-0"distance in tetrahedral oxide structures between about 1.51 Angstroms and about 2.06 Angstroms. "Q" has a cation electronegativity between about 125 kcal/gm-atom to about 310 kcal/gm-atom and "Q" is capable of forming stable Q-O-P, Q-O-Al or Q-O-Q bonds in crystalline three dimensional oxide structures having a "Q-O" bond dissociation energy greater than about 59 kcal/gm-atom at 298.degree. K.; and said mole fractions being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

w is equal to 0 to 98 mole percent;

y is equal to 1 to 99 mole percent;

x is equal to 1 to 99 mole percent; and

z is equal to 0 to 98 mole percent.

The "Q"of the "QAPSO" molecular sieves of formula (I) may be defined as representing at least one element capable of forming a framework tetrahedral oxide and may be one of the elements arsenic, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, gallium. germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, titanium, vanadium and zinc. The invention contemplates combinations of the elements as representing Q, and to the extent such combinations are present in the structure of a QAPSO they may be present in molar fractions of the Q component in the range of 1 to 99 percent thereof. It should be noted that formula (I) contemplates the non-existence of Q and Si. In such case, the operative structure is that of AlPO.sub.4 as discussed below. Where z has a positive value, then the operative structure is that of SAPO, discussed below. Thus, the term QAPSO does not perforce represent that the elements Q and S (actually Si) are present. When Q is a multiplicity of elements, then to the extent the elements present are as herein contemplated, the operative structure is that of the ELAPSO or ELAPO or MeAPO or MeAPSO molecular sieves, as herein discussed. However, in the contemplation that molecular sieves of the QAPSO variety will be invented in which Q will be another element or elements, then it is the intention to embrace the same as a suitable molecular sieve for the practice of this invention.

Illustrations of QAPSO compositions and structures are the various non-zeolitic compositions and structures described hereinbelow.

The term "non-zeolitic molecular sieves" or "NZMS" is defined in the instant invention to include the "SAPO" molecular sieves of U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,871 and U.S. Ser. No. 575,745, filed January 31, 1984, "ELAPSO" molecular sieves as disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 600,312, filed April 13, 1984, and certain "AlPO.sub.4 ", "MeAPO", "FeAPO", "TAPO" and "ELAPO" molecular sieves, as hereinafter described. Crystalline "AlPO.sub.4 " aluminophosphates are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,440 issued Jan. 12, 1982, and in U.S. Ser. No. 880,559, filed June 30, 1986; crystalline metal aluminophosphates (MeAPO where "Me" is at least one of Mg, Mn, Co and Zn) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,029, issued January 28, 1986; crystalline ferroaluminophosphates (FeAPO) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,143, issued November 19, 1985; titanium aluminophosphates (TAPO) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,651, issued Feb. 19, 1985; certain non-zeolitic molecular sieves ("ELAPO") are disclosed in EPC patent application 85104386.9 (Publication No. 0158976, published Oct. 13, 1985) and 85104388.5 (Publication No. 158349, published October 16, 1985); and ELAPSO molecular sieves are disclosed in copending U.S. Ser. No. 600,312, filed Apr. 13, 1984 (EPC Publication No. 0159624, published October 30, 1985). The aforementioned patents are incorporated herein by reference thereto. The nomenclature employed herein to refer to the members of the aforementioned NZMS is consistent with that employed in the aforementioned applications or patents. A particular member of a class is generally referred to as a "-n" species wherein "n" is an integer, e.g., SAPO-11, MeAPO-11 and ELAPSO-31. In the following discussion on NZMS set forth hereinafter the mole fraction of the NZMS are defined as compositional values which are plotted in phase diagrams in each of the identified patents, published applications or copending applications.

"ELAPSO" molecular sieves are described in copending U.S. Ser. No. 600,312, filed Apr. 13, 1984, (EPC Publication No. 0159,624, published Oct. 30, 1985, incorporated herein by reference) as crystalline molecular sieves having three-dimensional microporous framework structures of ELO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2, PO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2 oxide units and having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (El.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of from zero to about 0.3; "EL" represents at least one element capable of forming a three dimensional oxide framework, "EL" being characterized as an element having a mean "T-O" distance in tetrahedral oxide structures between about 1.51 Angstroms and about 2.06 Angstroms, "EL" having a cation electronegativity between about 125 Kcal/g-atom to about 310 Kcal/gm-atom and "EL" being capable of forming stable M-O-P, M-O-Al or M-O-M bonds in crystalline three dimensional oxide structures having a "M-O" bond dissociation energy greater than about 59 kcal/g-atom at 298.degree. K.; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "EL", aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as framework oxides, said mole fractions being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

where "p" is an integer corresponding to the number of elements "El" in the (El.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 constituent.

The "ELAPSO" molecular sieves are also described as crystalline molecular sieves having three-dimensional microporous framework structures of ELO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2, SiO.sub.2 and PO.sub.2 tetrahedral oxide units and having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (EL.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of from zero to about 0.3; "EL" represents at least one element capable of forming a framework tetrahedral oxide and is selected from the group consisting of arsenic, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, gallium, germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, titanium and zinc; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "EL", aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides, said mole fractions being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

where "p" is as above defined.

The "ELAPSO" molecular sieves include numerous species which are intended herein to be within the scope of the term "non-zeolitic molecular sieves" such being disclosed in the following copending and commonly assigned applications, incorporated herein by reference thereto:

The disclosures of the patents listed in the foregoing table are herein incorporated by reference.

As already mentioned, the TiAPSO molecular sieves are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,684,617 (incorporated herein by reference); these TiAPSO molecular sieves are also described in U.S. Ser. No. 049,274, filed May 13, 1987.

The MgAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,180, filed Apr. 13, 1984 have three-dimensional microporous framework structures of MgO.sub.2.sup.-2, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.30 and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral oxide units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Mg.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value from zero (0) to about 0.3; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides and each preferably has a value of at least 0.01. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the MgAPSO molecular sieves the values "w", "x", "y" and "z" in the above formula are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

MgAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization for an effective time at effective pressures and temperatures from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of magnesium, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and may be an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., and preferably between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. until crystals of the MgAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Generally, the crystallization period will be from about 2 hours to about 30 days with it typically being from about 4 hours to about 20 days for obtaining MgAPSO crystals. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the MgAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ reaction mixture compositions expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and can have a value within the range of from zero (0) to about 6 and is more preferably an effective amount greater than zero to about 6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxides are prepared as follows:

MgAPSO compositions are prepared using numerous reagents. Typical reagents which may be employed to prepare MgAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: Trademark of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) Mg(Ac).sub.2 : magnesium acetate tetrahydrate, Mg(C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2 "4H.sub.2 O;

(e) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid in water;

(f) TBAOH: tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (40 wt. % in water);

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine;

(h) Pr.sub.3 NH: tri-n-propylamine;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine;

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (17.9%) in water);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TEAOH: tetraethylammonium hydroxide (40 wt. % in water);

(m) DEEA: Diethylethanolamine;

(n) i-Pr.sub.2 NH: di-isopropylamine;

(o) TEABr: tetraethylammonium bromide; and

(p) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (40 wt. % in water).

The MgAPSO compositions may be prepared by preparing reaction mixtures having a molar composition expressed as:

wherein e, f, g, h, i and j represent the moles of template R, magnesium (expressed as the oxide), SiO.sub.2, Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, P.sub.2 O.sub.5 (H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 expressed as P.sub.2 O.sub.5) and H.sub.2 O, respectively.

The reaction mixtures may be prepared by the following representative procedures, designated hereinafter as Methods A, B and C.

The reaction mixture is prepared by mixing the ground aluminum source (alipro or CATAPAL) with the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and water on a gradual basis with occasional cooling with an ice bath. The resulting mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. When the aluminum source is CATAPAL the water and H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 are first mixed with the CATAPAL added thereto. The magnesium acetate is dissolved in a portion of the water and is then added followed by addition of the LUDOX-LS. The combined mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The organic templating agent is added to this mixture and blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The resulting mixture (final reaction mixture) is placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for an effective time. Alternatively, if the digestion temperature is 100.degree. C. the final reaction mixture is placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) screw top bottle for a time. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure. The products are removed from the reaction vessel, cooled and evaluated as set forth hereinafter.

When method B is employed the organic templating agent is di-n-propylamine. The aluminum source, silicon source and one-half of the water are first mixed and blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. A second solution was prepared by mixing the remaining water, the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and the magnesium acetate. This solution is then added to the above mixture. The magnesium acetate and H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 solution is then added to the above mixture and blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The organic templating agent(s) is/are then added and the resulting reaction mixture digested and product recovered as in Method A.

Method C is carried out by mixing aluminum isopropoxide, LUDOX LS and water in a blender or by mixing water and aluminum iso-propoxide in a blender followed by addition of the LUDOX LS. H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and magnesium acetate are then added to the resulting mixture. The organic templating agent is then added to the resulting mixture and digested and product recovered as in Method A.

As already mentioned, the MnAPSO molecular sieves are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,092 issued Aug. 11, 1987 (incorporated herein by reference).

The CoAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,174, filed Apr. 13, 1984 have three-dimensional microporous framework structures of CoO.sub.2.sup.-2, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Co.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of from zero to about 0.3; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of cobalt, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides, where the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are each at least 0.01 and are generally defined, as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the CoAPSO molecular sieves the values of "w", "x", "y" and "z" in the above formula are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

CoAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of cobalt, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and optionally an alkali metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at an effective temperature which is generally between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C. and preferably between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. until crystals of the CoAPSO product are obtained, usually for an effective time of from several hours to several weeks. Generally the effective crystallization time will be from about 2 hours to about 30 days and typically from about 4 hours to about 20 days. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the CoAPSO, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and 300; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of cobalt, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01. In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w +x +y +z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing cobalt, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

CoAPSO compositions may be prepared using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare CoAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: Trademark of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) Co(Ac).sub.2 : cobalt acetate,Co (C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 "4H.sub.2 O;

(e) CoSO.sub.4 cobalt sulfate, (CoSO.sub.4 "7H.sub.2 O);

(f) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent phosphoric acid in water;

(g) TBAOH: tetrabutylammonium hydroxide (25 wt % in methanol);

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j) Quin: Quinuclidine (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH):

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TEAOH: tetraethylammonium hydroxide (40 wt. % in water);

(n) DEEA: diethanolamine;

(o) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide (40 wt. % in water); and

(p) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide (40 wt. % in water).

CoAPSO compositions may be prepared by preparing reaction mixtures having a molar composition expressed as:

wherein e, f, h, i, g and j represent the moles of template R, cobalt (expressed as the oxide), Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, P.sub.2 O.sub.5 (H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 expressed as P.sub.2 O.sub.5), SiO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O, respectively.

The reaction mixtures are prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture comprising the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and one half of the water. This mixture is stirred and the aluminum source (Alipro or CATAPAL) added. The resulting mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The LUDOX-LS is then added to the resulting mixture and the new mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The cobalt source (e.g., Co(Ac).sub.2, Co(SO.sub.4) or mixtures thereof) is dissolved in the remaining water and combined with the first mixture. The combined mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The organic templating agent is added to this mixture and blended for about two to four minutes until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The resulting mixture (final reaction mixture) is placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C., 200.degree. C. or 225.degree. C.) for a time. Digestions are typically carried out at the autogenous pressure. The products are removed from the reaction vessel and cooled.

The ZnAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,170, filed Apr. 13, 1984 comprise framework structures of ZnO.sub.2.sup.-2, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Zn.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.6 Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of zinc, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides and each has a value of at least 0.01. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of ZnAPSO molecular sieves the values "w", "x", "y" and "z" in the above formula are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

ZnAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization at effective process conditions from a reaction mixture containing active sources of zinc, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating. i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element or Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure, at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., and preferably between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C. until crystals of the ZnAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Generally the effective crystallization period is from about 2 hours to about 30 days with typical periods of from about 4 hours to about 20 days being employed to obtain ZnAPSO products. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the ZnAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, more preferably between about 2 and about 300; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of zinc, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01. In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing zinc, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

ZnAPSO compositions are typically prepared using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare ZnAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the trade name of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(c) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(e) ZnAc: Zinc Acetate, Zn (C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 "4H.sub.2 O;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) TMAOH: Tetramethylammonium hydroxide pentahydrate, (CH.sub.3).sub.4 NOH"5H.sub.2 O;

(i) TPAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrapropylammonium hydroxide, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.4 NOH;

(j) Pr.sub.2 NH: Di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(k) Pr.sub.3 N: Tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(l): Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(m) C-hex: cyclohexylamine; and

(n) DEEA: diethylethanolamine, (C.sub.2 H.sub.5).sub.2 NC.sub.2 H.sub.5 OH.

ZnAPSO compositions are typically prepared by forming reaction mixtures having a molar composition expressed as:

wherein e, f, g, h, i and j represent the moles of template R, zinc (expressed as the oxide), Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, P.sub.2 O.sub.5 (H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 expressed as P.sub.2 O.sub.5), SiO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O, respectively.

The reaction mixtures are generally prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture comprising the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and a portion of the water. This mixture is stirred and the aluminum source added. The resulting mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The LUDOX LS is then added to the resulting mixture and the new mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The zinc source (zinc acetate) is dissolved in the remaining water and combined with the first mixture. The combined mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The organic templating agent is added to this mixture and blended for about two to four minutes until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The resulting mixture (final reaction mixture) is placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at an effective temperature for an effective time. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure. The products are removed from the reaction vessel and cooled.

As already mentioned, the FeAPSO molecular sieves are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,217 (incorporated herein by reference).

The QuinAPSO quinary molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. Nos. 600,168 and 600,181, both filed Apr. 13, 1984, have three-dimensional microporous framework structures of MO.sub.2 n, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units, where "n" is -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1, and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of from zero (0) to about 0.3; M represents at least two elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, gallium, germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, titanium, vanadium and zinc; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of M, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. Preferably, M represents the combination of cobalt and manganese. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" , and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Preferably the mole fractions w, x, y and z will fall within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

QuinAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of the elements M, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon and preferably an organic templating agent, i.e., structure-directing, agent. The structure-directing agents are preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and may be an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure and at typical effective temperatures between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., preferably between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C., until crystals of the QuinAPSO product are obtained, usually over a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective crystallization times are from about 2 hours to 30 days with from about 4 hours to about 20 days being generally employed to obtain QuinAPSO products. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the QuinAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of elements M, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. QuinAPSO compositions were prepared using numerous reagents; the appropriate sources of the various elements M are the same as those used in the preparation of the various APO and APSO molecular sieves containing the same elements, as described in detail above and below.

Reagents which may be employed to prepare QuinAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent of Na.sub.2 O;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent phosphoric acid;

(d) MnAc: Manganese acetate, Mn (C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 "4H.sub.2 O (for QuinAPSOs containing manganese);

(e) CoAc: Cobalt Acetate, Co (C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 "4H.sub.2 O (for QuinAPSOs containing cobalt);

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide; and

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH.

QuinAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by adding H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and one half of the quantity of water. To this mixture an aluminum isopropoxide is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture a silica (e.g., LUDOX-LS) is added and the resulting mixture blended (about 2 minutes) until a homogeneous mixture is observed. A second mixture is prepared using manganese acetate (or a appropriate source of another element M) and one half of the remaining water. A third mixture is prepared using cobalt acetate (or a appropriate source of another element M) and one half of the remaining water. The three mixtures are admixed and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The organic templating agent is then added to the resulting mixture and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed, i.e., about 2 to 4 minutes. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at an effective temperature for an effective time. Digestions are typically carried out under autogeneous pressure.

The CoMnMgAPSO senary molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,182, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and of U.S. Ser. No. 057,648 filed June 9, 1987, have three-dimensional microporous framework structures of CoO.sub.2.sup.-2, MnO.sub.2.sup.-2, MgO.sub.2.sup.-2, AlO.sub.2, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral oxide units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Co.sub.t Mn.sub.u Mg.sub.v Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of from zero (0) to about 0.3; "t", "u", "v", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of cobalt, manganese, magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides and each has a value of at least 0.01. The mole fractions "w, "x", "y" and "z", where "w" is the sum of "t" +"u"+"v", are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the CoMnMgAPSO molecular sieves the values of "w", "x", "y" and "z" in the above formula are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

CoMnMgAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of cobalt, manganese, magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, and preferably an organic templating agent, i.e., structure-directing agent. The structure-directing agents are preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., and preferably between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C., until crystals of the CoMnMgAPSO product are obtained, usually over a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical crystallization times are from about 2 hours to about 30 days with from about 4 hours to about 20 days generally being employed to obtain CoMnMgAPSO products. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the CoMnMgAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6 and more preferably from greater than zero to about 2; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300; and "t", "u", "v" , "x", "y", and "z" represent the mole fractions of cobalt, manganese, magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z", where "w" is the sum of "t"+"u" +"v", are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the retardant are normalized with respect to the total of "t", "u", "v", "x", "y" and "z" such that (t+u+v+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing cobalt, manganese, magnesium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

CoMnMgAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare CoMnMgAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : aqueous solution which is 85 weight percent phosphoric acid;

(d) MnAc: Manganese acetate, Mn(C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 "4H.sub.2 O;

(e) CoAc: Cobalt Acetate, Co(C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2).sub.2 "4H.sub.2 O;

(f) MgAc: Magnesium Acetate Mg(C.sub.2 H.sub.3 O.sub.2)"4H.sub.2 O;

(g) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide; and

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH.

CoMnMgAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by adding H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and one half of the quantity of water. To this mixture an aluminum isopropoxide is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture a silica (e.g., LUDOX-LS) is added and the resulting mixture blended (about 2 minutes) until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Three additional mixtures are prepared using cobalt acetate, magnesium acetate and manganese acetate using one third of the remainder of the water for each mixture. The four mixtures are then admixed and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. An organic templating agent is then added to the resulting mixture and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed, i.e., about 2 to 4 minutes. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature for a time. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The SenAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,183, filed Apr. 13, 1984 have three-dimensional microporous framework structures of MO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral oxide units, where "n" is -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1, and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2, and has a value of from zero to about 0.3; "M" represent three elements selected from the group consisting of arsenic, beryllium, boron, chromium, cobalt, gallium, germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, titanium, vanadium and zinc; "n" may have the aforementioned values depending upon the oxidation state of "M"; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of elements "M", aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows, wherein "w" denotes the combined mole fractions of the three elements "M" such that "w"="w.sub.1 "+"w.sub.2 "+"w.sub.3 " and each element "M" has a mole fraction of at least 0.01:

In a preferred subclass of the SenAPSO molecular sieves the values of "w", "x", "y" and "z" in the above formula are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

SenAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of elements "M", aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, and preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent. The structure-directing agents are preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., and preferably between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C., until crystals of the SenAPSO product are obtained, usually over a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical crystallization times are from about 2 hours to about 30 days with from about 4 hours to about 20 days generally being employed to obtain SenAPSO products. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the SenAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6 and more preferably from greater than zero to about 2; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300; and "w", "x", "y", and "z" represent the mole fractions of elements "M", aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01, with the proviso that each "M" is present in a mole fraction of at least 0.01.

In a preferred embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. The SenAPSO molecular sieves are prepared by preparative techniques, and using sources of the elements "M" similar to those described for the other APSO molecular sieves described above and below.

The AsAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,808, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 845,484 filed Mar. 31, 1986 have a framework structure of AsO.sub.2.sup.n, AIO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (As.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements arsenic, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the AsAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the AsAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

AsAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of arsenic, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the AsAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 12 hours to about 10 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the AsAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 1.0; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 60; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of arsenic, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from about 1 to about 2 total moles of silicon and arsenic, and from about 1 to about 2 moles of aluminum, per mole of phosphorus.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing arsenic, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

AsAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare AsAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(e) AS.sub.2 O.sub.5 arsenic (V) oxide;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j)Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(n) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(o) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol;

(p) Tetraalkylorthosilicates, such as tetraethylorthosilicate.

AsAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by dissolving the arsenic (V) oxide and the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 in at least part of the water. To this solution the aluminum isopropoxide or CATAPAL is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture the templating agent and then the silica is added and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The BAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,177, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 845,255 filed Mar. 28, 1986 have a framework structure of BO.sub.2.sup.-, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (B.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements boron, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the BAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y, and z are as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the BAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

BAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of boron, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the BAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 20 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the BAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of boron, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from about 1.0 to about 2 total moles of silicon and boron, and from about 0.75 to about 1.25 moles of aluminum, per mole of phosphorus.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z) =1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing boron, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

BAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare BAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(e) H.sub.3 BO.sub.3, boric acid, and trialkyl borates;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(n) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(o) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol;

(p) Tetraalkylorthosilicates, such as tetraethylorthosilicate.

BAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by dissolving aluminum isopropoxide in an alcohol such as isopropanol, adding the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 and recovering the solid which precipitates. This solid is then added to water, and trialkylborate (for example trimethyl borate) added, followed by silica and the templating agent. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The BeAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,176, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 841,752 filed Mar. 20, 1986 have a framework structure of BeO.sub.2.sup.-2, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Be.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements beryllium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the BeAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

BeAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of beryllium, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C., until crystals of the BeAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 20 days, have been observed, with from 1 to 10 days being preferred. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the BeAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 to about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of beryllium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing beryllium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

BeAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare BeAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(e) beryllium sulfate, BeSO.sub.4 ;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(n) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(o) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol;

(p) Tetraalkylorthosilicates, such as tetraethylorthosilicate.

BeAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting solution by mixing H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 in at least part of the water. To this solution is added beryllium sulfate (or another beryllium salt) and the resultant mixture stirred until a homogeneous solution is obtained. To this solution may be added successively the aluminum oxide, the silica and the templating agent, with the mixture being stirred between each addition until it is homogeneous. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The CAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,830, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 852,174 filed Apr. 15, 1986 have a framework structure of CrO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units (where "n" is -1, 0 or +1) having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Cr.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements chromium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the CAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the CAPSO molecular sieves, the values of x and y in the above formula are each within the range of about 0.4 to 0.5 and (z+w) is in the range of about 0.02 to 0.15.

Since the exact nature of the CAPSO molecular sieves is not clearly understood at present, although all are believed to contain CrO.sub.2 tetrahedra in the three-dimensional microporous crystal framework structure, it is advantageous to characterize the CAPSO molecular sieves by means of their chemical composition. This is due to the low level of chromium present in certain of the CAPSO molecular sieves prepared to date which makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the interaction between chromium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon. As a result, although it is believed that CrO.sub.2 tetrahedra are substituted isomorphously for AlO.sub.2, PO.sub.2 or SiO.sub.2 tetrahedra, it is appropriate to characterize certain CAPSO compositions by reference to their chemical composition in terms of the mole ratios of oxides.

CAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of chromium, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C., until crystals of the CAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 1 to about 10 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the CAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of chromium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from about 0.3 to about 0.5 total moles of silicon and chromium, and from about 0.75 to about 1.25 moles of aluminum, per mole of phosphorus.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing chromium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

CAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous agents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare CAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(e) chromium acetate, and chromium acetate hydroxide;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(n) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(o) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol;

(p) Tetraalkylorthosilicates, such as tetraethylorthosilicate.

CAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting solution by dissolving H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 in at least part of the water. To this solution the aluminum isopropoxide is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture the silica, the chromium acetate or chromium acetate hydroxide and the templating agent are successively added and at each step the resulting mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Alternatively, the water and aluminum isopropoxide may first be mixed, and then the silica, the chromium acetate or chromium acetate hydroxide, the phosphoric acid and the templating agent added, and again at each step the resulting mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

In either case, the mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The GaAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,925, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 845,985 filed Mar. 31, 1986 have a framework structure of GaO.sub.2.sup.-, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Ga.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.2; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements gallium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the GaPASO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

In an especially preferred subclasss of the GaAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

GaAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of gallium, silicon, aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C., until crystals of the GaAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 2 to about 15 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the GaAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 1.0; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of gallium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from about 0.5 to about 1.0 total moles of silicon and gallium, and from about 0.75 about 1.25 moles of aluminum, per mole of phosphorus.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing gallium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

GaAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare GaAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an

aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(e) gallium hydroxide, or gallium sulfate;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(n) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide: and

(o) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol;

(p) Tetraalkylorthosilicates, such as tetraethylorthosilicate.

GaAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting solution by dissolving H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 in at least part of the water. To this solution the aluminum hydroxide or isopropoxide is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture is added a second solution prepared by adding silica to a solution containing the gallium hydroxide and the templating agent and then the combined mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Alternatively, the templating agent may be added to the solution containing the phosphoric acid and water, and a solution of gallium sulfate in water added, followed by successive additions of silica and aluminum oxide and then the combined mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

In either case, the mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

GeAPSO MOLECULAR SIEVES

The GeAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,971, filed Apr.13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 852,175 filed Apr. 15, 1986 have a framework structure of GeO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Ge.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements geranium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limited compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the GeAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the GeAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

GeAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of geranium, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C., until crystals of the GeAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 12 hours to about 7 days have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the GaAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic template-agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20; and desirably not greater than about 10; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of germanium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from about 0.2 to about 0.3 total moles of silicon and germanium, and from about 0.75 about 1.25 moles of aluminum, per mole of phosphorus.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing germanium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

GeAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare GeAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated

pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(e) germanium tetrachloride or germanium ethoxide;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(n) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(o) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol;

(p) Tetraalkylorthosilicates, such as tetraethylorthosilicate; and

(q) aluminum chlorhydrol.

In some cases, it may be advantageous, when synthesizing the GeAPSO compositions, to first combine sources of germanium and aluminum, or of germanium, aluminum and silicon, to form a mixed germanium/aluminum or germanium/aluminum/silicon compound (this compound being typically a mixed oxide) and thereafter to combine this mixed compound with a source of phosphorus to form the final GeAPSO composition. Such mixed oxides may be prepared for example by hydrolyzing aqueous solutions containing germanium tetrachloride and aluminum chlorhydrol, or germanium ethoxide, tetraethylorthosilicate, and aluminum tri-sec-butoxide.

GeAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting solution by dissolving H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 in at least part of the water. To this solution the aluminum isopropoxide or CATAPAL is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture is the templating agent and then a solution containing tetraethylorthosilicate and germanium ethoxide, and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Alternatively, the phosphoric acid may first be mixed with the templating agent, and then a solution containing tetraethylorthosilicate and germanium ethoxide combined with the phosphoric acid/templating agent solution. Then the aluminum oxide is added and the resultant mixture blended until homogeneous.

In a third procedure, the phosphoric acid may first be mixed with the templating agent and water, and to the resultant solution is added the solid aluminum/ silicon/germanium mixed oxide prepared as described above. The resultant mixture is then blended until homogeneous.

Whichever procedure is adopted, the final mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The LiAPSO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,952, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 847,227 filed April 2, 1986 have a framework structure of LiO.sub.2.sup.-3, AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and SiO.sub.2 tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Li.sub.w Al.sub.x P.sub.y Si.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably greater than 0.15; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements lithium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the LiAPSO molecular sieves, the values of w, x, y and z are as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the LiAPSO molecular sieves, the value of w+z is not greater than about 0.20.

Since the exact nature of the LiAPSO molecular sieves is not clearly understood at present, although all are believed to contain LiO.sub.2 tetrahedra in the three-dimensional microporous crystal framework structure, it is advantageous to characterize the LiAPSO molecular sieves by means of their chemical composition. This is due to the low level of lithium present in certain of the LiAPSO molecular sieves prepared to date which makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the interaction between lithium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon. As a result, although it is believed that LiO.sub.2 tetrahedra are substituted isomorphously for AlO.sub.2, PO.sub.2 or SiO.sub.2 tetrahedra, it is appropriate to characterize certain LiAPSO compositions by reference to their chemical composition in terms of the mole ratios of oxides.

LiAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of lithium, silicon, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the LiAPSO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 1 to about 10 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the LiAPSO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20, and most desirably not greater than about 10; and "w", "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of lithium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "w", "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y" and "z" such that (w+x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing lithium, aluminum, phosphorus and silicon as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

LiAPSO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare LiAPSOs include:

(a) Alipro: aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) CATAPAL: Trademark of Condea Corporation for hydrated pseudoboehmite;

(c) LUDOX-LS: LUDOX-LS is the tradename of DuPont for an aqueous solution of 30 weight percent SiO.sub.2 and 0.1 weight percent Na.sub.2 O;

(d) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous-phosphoric acid;

(e) lithium orthophosphate;

(f) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(g) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(h) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(i) Pr N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(j) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.3 N);

(k) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH;

(l) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(m) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(n) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(o) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol;

(p) Tetraalkylorthosilicates, such as tetraethylorthosilicate.

LiAPSOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture mixing lithium phosphate and aluminum oxide, then adding the resultant mixture to the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4. To the resultant mixture is added silica and the templating agent and the resulting mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

As already mentioned, the AlPO.sub.4 aluminophosphate molecular sieves are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,440 (incorporated herein by reference); these AlPO.sub.4 molecular sieves are also described in U.S. Ser. No. 880,559, filed June 30, 1986.

MeAPO molecular sieves are crystalline microporous aluminophosphates in which the substituent metal is one of a mixture of two or more divalent metals of the group magnesium, manganese, zinc and cobalt and are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,567,029 (incorporated herein by reference).

As already mentioned, ferroaluminphosphates (FAPO's) are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,554,143 (incorporated herein by reference).

As already mentioned, TAPO molecular sieves are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,500,561 (incorporated herein by reference).

"ELAPO" molecular sieves are a class of crystalline molecular sieves in which at least one element capable of forming a three-dimensional microporous framework forms crystal framework structures of AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and MO.sub.2.sup.n tetrahedral oxide units wherein "MO.sub.2.sup.n " represents at least one different element (other than Al or P) present as tetrahedral oxide units "MO.sub.2.sup.n " with charge "n" where "n" may be -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1. The members of this novel class of molecular sieve compositions have crystal framework structures of AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and MO.sub.2.sup.n tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at leas one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 ; "M" represents at least one element capable of forming framework tetrahedral oxides; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fraction of "M", aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. "M" is at least one different (i.e., not aluminum, phosphorus or oxygen) element such that the molecular sieves contain at least one framework tetrahedral unit in addition to AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+. "M" is at least one element selected from the group consisting of arsenic, beryllium, boron, cobalt, chromium, gallium, germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, titanium and zinc, subject to certain restrictions on the combinations of elements as will appear from the discussions of individual groups of ELAPOs below. ELAPOs and their preparation are disclosed in European Patent Application Serial No. 85104386.9, filed Apr. 11, 1985 (EPC Publication No. 0158976, published Oct. 13, 1985, incorporated herein by reference) and 85104388.5, filed Apr. 11, 1985 (EPC Publication No. 158349, published Oct. 16, 1985, incorporated herein by reference).

The "ELAPO" molecular sieves further include numerous species which are intended herein to be within the scope of the term "non-zeolitic molecular sieves" such being disclosed in the following copending and commonly assigned applications, incorporated herein by reference thereto [(A) following a serial number indicates that the application is abandoned, while (CIP) following a serial number indicates that the application is a continuation-in-part of the immediately preceding application, adn (C) indicates that the application is a continuation of the immediately preceding application]:

The disclosure of the patent listed in the foregoing table is incorporated herein by reference.

The ELAPO molecular sieves are generally referred to herein by the acronym "ELAPO" to designate element(s) "M" in a framework of AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and MO.sub.2.sup.n tetrahedral oxide units. Actual class members will be identified by replacing the "EL" of the acronym with the elements present as MO.sub.2.sup.n tetrahedral units. For example, "MgBeAPO" designates a molecular sieve comprised of AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+, MgO.sub.2.sup.-2 and BeO.sub.2.sup.-2 tetrahedral units. To identify various structural species which make up each of the subgeneric classes, each species is assigned a number and is identified as "ELAPO-i" wherein "i" is an integer. The given species designation is not intended to denote a similarity in structure to any other species denominated by a similar identification system.

The ELAPO molecular sieves comprise at least one additional element capable of forming framework tetrahedral oxide units (MO.sub.2.sup.n) to form crystal framework structures with AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral oxide units wherein "M" represents at least one element capable of forming tetrahedral units "MO.sub.2.sup.n " where ""n" is -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1 and is at least one element selected from the group consisting of arsenic, beryllium, boron, cobalt, chromium, gallium, germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, titanium and zinc.

The ELAPO molecular sieves have crystalline three-dimensional microporous framework structures of AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+ and MO.sub.2.sup.n tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at leas organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3; "M" represents a one element capable of forming framework tetrahedral oxides where "M" is at least one element selected from the group consisting of arsenic, beryllium, boron, cobalt, chromium, gallium, germanium, iron, lithium, magnesium, manganese, titanium and zinc.

The relative amounts of element(s) "M", aluminum and phosphorous are expressed by the empirical chemical formula (anhydrous):

where "x", "y" and "z" represent mole fractions of said "M" aluminum and phosphorous. The individual mole fractions of each "M" (or when M denotes two or more elements, M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, etc.) may be represented by "x.sub.1 ", "x.sub.2 ", "x.sub.3 ", etc. wherein "x.sub.1 ", "x.sub.2 ", and "x " etc. represent the individual mole fractions of elements M.sub.1, M.sub.2, M.sub.3, and etc. for "M" as above defined. The values of "x.sub.1 ", "x.sub.2 ", "x.sub.3 ", etc. are as defined for "x", hereinafter, where "x.sub.1 "+"x.sub.2 "+"x.sub.3 " . . .="x" and where x.sub.1, x.sub.2, x.sub.3, etc. are each at least 0.01.

The ELAPO molecular sieves have crystalline three-dimensional microporous framework structures of MO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units having an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at leas organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents a molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3; "M" represents at least one different element (other than Al or P) capable of forming framework tetrahedral oxides, as hereinbefore defined, and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "M", aluminum and phosphorous, respectively present as tetrahedral oxides; in general, said mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are within the following values for "x", "y" and "z", although as will appear hereinbelow, the limits for "x", "y" and "z" may vary slightly with the nature of the element "M":

Also, in general, in a preferred sub-class of the ELAPOs of this invention, the values of "x", "y" and "z" in the formula above are within the following values for "x", "y" and "z", although again the relevent limits may vary somewhat with the nature of the element "M", as set forth hereinbelow:

ELAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of the elements "M", aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between 50.degree. C. and 250.degree. C., and preferably between 100.degree. C. and 200.degree. C., until crystals of the ELAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical crystallization times are from about 2 hours to about 30 days with from about 2 hours to about 20 days being generally employed to obtain crystals of the ELAPO products. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the ELAPO compositions of the instant invention, it is in general preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic template agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and 300; "M" represents at least one element, as above described, capable of forming tetrahedral oxide framework units, MO.sub.2.sup.n, with AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units; "n" has a value of -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "M", aluminum and phosphorous, respectively; "y" and "z" each have a value of at least 0.01 and "x" has a value of at least 0.01 with each element "M" having a mole fraction of at least 0.01. In general, the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are preferably within the following values for "x", "y" and "z":

Further guidance concerning the preferred reaction mixtures for forming ELAPOs with various elements "M" will be given below.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to a total of (M+Al+P)=(x+y+z)=1.00 mole, whereas in other cases the reaction mixtures are expressed in terms of molar oxide ratios and may be normalized to 1.00 mole of P.sub.2 O.sub.5 and/or Al.sub.2 O.sub.3. This latter form is readily converted to the former form by routine calculations by dividing the total number of moles of "M", aluminum and phosphorous into the moles of each of "M", aluminum and phosphorous. The moles of template and water are similarly normalized by dividing by the total moles of "M", aluminum and phosphorous.

In forming the reaction mixture from which the instant molecular sieves are formed the organic templating agent can be any of those heretofore proposed for use in the synthesis of conventional zeolite aluminosilicates. In general these compounds contain elements of Group VA of the Periodic Table of Elements, particularly nitrogen, phosphorous, arsenic and antimony, preferably nitrogen or phosphorous and most preferably nitrogen, which compounds also contain at least one alkyl or aryl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred compounds for use as templating agents are the amines, quaternary phosphonium compounds and quaternary ammonium compounds, the latter two being represented generally by the formula R.sub.4 X.sup.+ wherein "X" is nitrogen or phosphorous and each R is an alkyl or aryl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Polymeric quaternary ammonium salts such as [(C.sub.14 H.sub.32 N.sub.2) (OH).sub.2 ].sub.x wherein "x" has a value of at least 2 are also suitable employed. The mono-, di- and tri-amines are advantageously utilized, either alone or in combination with a quaternary ammonium compound or other templating compound. Mixtures of two or more templating agents can either produce mixtures of the desired ELAPOs or the more strongly directing templating species may control the course of the reaction with the other templating species serving primarily to establish the pH conditions of the reaction gel. Representative templating agents include tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium or tetrabutylammonium ions; tetrapentylammonium ion; di-n-propylamine; tripropylamine; triethylamine; triethanolamine; piperidine; cyclohexylamine; 2-methylpyridine; N,N-dimethylbenzylamine; N,N-diamethylethanolamine; choline; N,N'-dimethylpiperazine; 1,4-diazabicyclo (2,2,2,) octane; N-methyldiethanolamine; N-methylethanolamine; N-methylpiperidine; 3-methylpiperidine; n-methylcyclohexylamine; 3-methylpyridine; 4-methylpyridine; quinuclidine; N,N'-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo (2,2,2) octane ion; di-n-butylamine, neopentylamine; di-n-pentylamine; isopropylamine; t-butylamine; ethylenediamine; pyrrolidine; and 2-imidazolidone. Not every templating agent will direct the formation of every species of ELAPO, i.e., a single templating agent can, with proper manipulation of the reaction conditions, direct the formation of several ELAPO compositions, and a given ELAPO composition can be produced using several different templating agents. The phosphorous source is preferably phosphoric acid, but organic phosphates such as triethyl phosphate may be satisfactory, and so also may crystalline or amorphous aluminophosphates such as the AlPO.sub.4 composition of U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,440. Organophosphorous compounds, such as tetrabutylphosphonium bromide, do not apparently serve as reactive sources of phosphorous, but these compounds may function as templating agents. Conventional phosphorous salts such as sodium metaphosphate, may be used, at least in part, as the phosphorous source, but are not preferred.

The aluminum source is preferably either an aluminum alkoxide, such as aluminum isopropoxide, or pseudoboehmite. The crystalline or amorphous aluminophosphates which are a suitable source of phosphorous are, of course, also suitable sources of aluminum. Other sources of aluminum used in zeolite synthesis, such as gibbsite, sodium aluminate and aluminum trichloride, can be employed but are not preferred.

The element(s) "M" can be introduced into the reaction system in any form which permits the formation in situ of reactive form of the element, i.e., reactive to form the framework tetrahedral oxide unit of the element. The organic and inorganic salts, of "M" such as oxides, alkoxides, hydroxides, halides and carboxyates, may be employed including the chlorides, bromides, iodides, nitrates, sulfates, phosphates, acetates, formates, and alkoxides, including ethoxides, propoxides and the like. Specific preferred reagents for introducing various elements "M" are discussed hereinbelow.

While not essential to the synthesis of ELAPO compositions, stirring or other moderate agitation of the reaction mixture and/or seeding the reaction mixture with seed crystals of either the ELAPO species to be produced or a topologically similar species, such as aluminophosphate, aluminosilicate or molecular sieve compositions, facilitates the crystallization procedure.

After crystallization the ELAPO product may be isolated and advantageously washed with water and dried in air. The as-synthesized ELAPO generally contains within its internal pore system at least one form of the templating agent employed in its formation. Most commonly the organic moiety is present, at least in part, as a charge-balancing cation as is generally the case with as-synthesized aluminosilicate zeolites prepared from organic-containing reaction systems. It is possible, however, that some or all of the organic moiety is an occluded molecular species in a particular ELAPO species. As a general rule the templating agent, and hence the occluded organic species, is too large to move freely through the pore system of the ELAPO product and must be removed by calcining the ELAPO at temperatures of 200.degree. C. to 700.degree. C. to thermally degrade the organic species. In a few instances the pores of the ELAPO product are sufficiently large to permit transport of the templating agent, particularly if the latter is a small molecule, and accordingly complete or partial removal thereof can be accomplished by conventional desorption procedures such as carried out in the case of zeolites. It will be understood that the term "as-synthesized" as used herein does not include the condition of the ELAPO phase wherein the organic moiety occupying the intracrystalline pore system as a result of the hydrothermal crystallization process has been reduced by post-synthesis treatment such that the value of "m" in the composition formula:

has a value of less than 0.02 other symbols of the formula are as defined hereinabove. In those preparations in which an alkoxide is employed as the source of element "M", aluminum or phosphorous, the corresponding alcohol is necessarily present in the reaction mixture since it is a hydrolysis product of the alkoxide. It has not been determined whether this alcohol participates in the synthesis process as a templating agent. For the purposes of this application, however, this alcohol is arbitrarily omitted from the class of templating agents, even if it is present in the as-synthesized ELAPO material.

Since the present ELAPO compositions are formed from MO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral oxide units which, respectively, have a net charge of "n", (where "n" may be -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1), the matter of cation exchangeability is considerably more complicated than in the case of zeolitic molecular sieves in which, ideally, there is stoichiometric relationship between AlO.sub.2.sup.- tetrahedra and charge-balancing cations. In the instant compositions, an AlO.sub.2.sup.- tetrahedron can be balanced electrically either by association with a PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedron or a simple cation such as an alkali metal cation, a proton (H.sup.+), a cation of "M" present in the reaction mixture, or an organic cation derived from the templating agent. Similarly, an MO.sub.2.sup.n tetrahedron, where "n" is negative, can be balanced electrically by association with PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedra, a cation of "M" present in the reaction mixture, organic cations derived from the templating agent, a simple cation such as an alkali metal cation, or other divalent or polyvalent metal cation, a proton (H.sup.+), or anions of cations introduced from an extraneous source. It has also been postulated that non-adjacent AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral pairs can be balanced by Na.sup.+ and OH.sup.- respectively (Flanigen and Grose, Molecular Sieve Zeolites-I, ACS, Washington, D.C. (1971).

The AsAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 600,166, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 830,889 filed Feb. 19, 1986 have a framework structure of AsO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units (where "n" is -1 or +1) and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (As.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements arsenic, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

There are two preferred subclasses of the AsAPO molecular sieves, depending upon whether the value of "n" is -1 or +1 (i.e. whether the arsenic is trivalent or pentavalent), it being understood that mixtures of such are permitted in a given AsAPO. When "n" is -1, the preferred values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

When "n" is +1, the preferred values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the AsAPO molecular sieves in which "n"=+1, the values of x, y and z are as follows:

AsAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of arsenic, aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the AsAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 2 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 12 hours to about 7 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the AsAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of arsenic, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those wherein the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieve containing arsenic, aluminum and phosphorous as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

AsAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare AsAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) As.sub.2 O.sub.5, arsenic (V) oxide;

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 n);

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

AsAPOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by dissolving the arsenic (V) oxide and the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 in at least part of the water. To this solution the aluminum oxide or isopropoxide is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture the templating agent and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The BAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,812, filed Apr. 13, 1984, U.S. Ser. No. 804,248, filed Dec. 4, 1985, and U.S. Ser. No. 029,540, filed Mar. 24, 1987, have a framework structure of BO.sub.2.sup.-, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at leas one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (B.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements boron, aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The more fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the BAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y, and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

An especially preferred subclass of the BAPO molecular sieves are those in which the mole fraction, "x", of boron is not greater than about 0.3.

BAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of boron, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the BAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 14 days, and preferably about 1 to about 7 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the BAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

where "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and is an effective amount preferably within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 1.0; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, desirably not greater than about 20, and most desirably not greater than about 10; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of boron, aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from 0.5 to 2.0 moles of B.sub.2 O.sub.3 and from 0.75 to 1.25 moles of for each mole of P.sub.2 O.sub.5.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole.

The exact nature of the BAPO molecular sieves is not entirely understood at present, although all are believed to contain BO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2 and PO.sub.2 tetrahedra in the three-dimensional microporous framework structure. The low level of boron present in some of the instant molecular sieves makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the interactions among boron, aluminum and phosphorus. As a result, although it is believed that BO.sub.2 tetrahedra are present in the three-dimensional microporous framework structure, it is appropriate to characterize certain BAPO compositions in terms of the molar ratios of oxides.

Molecular sieves containing boron, aluminum and phosphorus as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

BAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare BAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 wieght percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) boric acid or trimethylborate;

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of

tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(i) Quin: Quinulidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N),

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclide hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) c-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

In the preferred method of synthesizing the BAPO compositions, one first combines sources of boron, aluminum and phosphorus to form an amorphous material containing all three elements, and thereafter heats the amorphous material to produce a crystalline BAPO molecular sieve. It is not necessary that the total quantities of the reactive sources of boron, aluminum and phosphorus to be used in the final reaction mixture be present in the amorphous material, since additional quantities of the elements can be added during the later heat treatment; in particular, it has been found convenient to add additional quantities of phosphorus to the amorphous material before the heat treatment. The preliminary formation of the amorphous material assists in the incorporation of the boron into the final molecular sieve.

For example, BAPOs may be prepared by forming a solution of boric acid in a methanolic solution of the templating agent, then adding a hydrated aluminosphosphate and water and stirring to form a homogeneous reaction slurry. This slurry is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The BeAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,776, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 835,293 filed Mar. 3, 1986 have a framework structure of BeO.sub.2.sup.-2, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Be.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements beryllium, aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the BeAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the BeAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are as follows:

BeAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of beryllium, aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the BeAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 14 days, and preferably about 1 to about 7 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the BeAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 1.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 50; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of beryllium, aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those wherein the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing beryllium, aluminum and phosphorus as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

BeAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare BeAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;(b)pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) beryllium sulfate;

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclide hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

BeAPOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by dissolving the beryllium sulfate and the H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 in at least part of the water. To this solution the aluminum oxide or isopropoxide is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture the templating agent and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. The mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C. for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The CAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,813, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 830,756 filed Feb. 19, 1986 have a framework structure of CrO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units (where "n" is -1, 0 or +1) and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of )O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements chromium, aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. When "n" is -1 or +1, the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

When "n" is 0, the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

There are three preferred subclasses of the CAPO molecular sieves, depending upon whether the value of "n" is -1, 0 or +1 (i.e. whether the chromium has an oxidation number of 3, 4 or 5), it being understood the mixtures of such are permitted in a given CAPO. When "n" is -1, the preferred values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of these CAPO molecular sieves in which "n"=-1, the values of x, y and z are as follows:

When "n" is 0, the preferred values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

When "n" is +1, the preferred values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Since the exact nature of the CAPO molecular sieves is not clearly understood at present, although all are believed to contain CrO.sub.2 tetrahedra in the three-dimensional microporous crystal framework structure, it is advantageous to characterize the CAPO molecular sieves by means of their chemical composition. This is due to the low level of chromium present in certain of the CAPO molecular sieves prepared to date which makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the interaction between chromium, aluminum and phosphorous. As a result, although it is believed that CrO.sub.2 tetrahedra are substituted isomorphously for AlO.sub.2 or PO.sub.2 tetrahedra, it is appropriate to characterize certain CAPO compositions by reference to their chemical composition in terms of the mole ratios of oxides.

CAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of chromium, aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the CAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 2 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 1 to about 10 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the CAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of chromium, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from about 0.1 to about 0.4 moles of chromium, and from about 0.75 to about 1.25 moles of aluminum, per mole of phosphorous.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing chromium, aluminum and phosphorous as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

CAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare CAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide, or aluminum chlorhydrol;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) chromium (III) orthophosphate, chromium (III) acetate and chromium acetate hydroxide, (Cr.sub.3 (OH).sub.2 (CH.sub.3 COO).sub.7);

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 H NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide:

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

CAPOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by adding aluminum chlorhydrol or aluminum oxide to a solution of chromium acetate hydroxide in water, then adding successively phosphoric acid and the templating agent. Between each addition, and after formation of the final mixture, the mixture is blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Alternatively, the phosphoric acid may be mixed with at least part of the water, and aluminum oxide or isopropoxide mixed in. A solution of chromium acetate hydroxide is then added, followed by the templating agent, and the resultant mixture mixed until homogeneous.

In a third procedure, amorphous chromium phosphate is ground dry with aluminum oxide and the resultant dry mixture added to an aqueous solution of phosphoric acid in an ice bath. The templating agent is then added, and the final mixture mixed until homogenous.

Whichever technique is employed to produce the reaction mixture, this mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The GaAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,771, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 830,890 filed Feb. 19, 1986 have a framework structure of GaO.sub.2.sup.-, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Ga.sub.x A.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements gallium, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In general, the value of "z" in the GaAPO molecular sieves is not greater than about 0.60.

In a preferred subclass of the GaAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the GaAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are as follows:

GaAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of gallium, aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C., until crystals of the GaAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 4 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 1 to about 7 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the GaAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 1.0; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably between about 2 and 20; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of gallium, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from 0.2 to 0.5 mole of Ga.sub.2 O.sub.3 and from 0.3 to 1 mole of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 for each mole of P.sub.2 O.sub.5.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing gallium, aluminum and phosphorous as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

GaAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare GaAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) gallium sulfate or gallium (III) hydroxide;

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

GaAPOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by mixing the phosphoric acid with at least part of the water. To this solution the aluminum oxide or isopropoxide is added. This mixture is then blended until a homogenous mixture is observed. To this mixture the gallium sulfate or gallium hydroxide and the templating agent are successively added and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Alternatively, the aluminum oxide may be mixed with a solution of the gallium sulfate or hydroxide, and then the phosphoric acid and the templating agent successively added. The resulting mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

In a third process, the templating agent may be dissolved in water, the gallium hydroxide or sulfate added with stirring, a solution of the phosphoric acid added, and finally the aluminum oxide mixed in. The resulting mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Whichever technique is employed to form the reaction mixture, the mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressures.

The GeAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,807, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 841,753 filed Mar. 20, 1986 have a framework structure of GeO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Ge.sub.x Al.sub.P.sub.2)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably no greater than 0.2; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements germanium, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the GeAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

An especially preferred subclass of the GeAPO molecular sieves are those in which the value of "x" is not greater than about 0.13.

GeAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of germanium, aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C., until crystals of the GeAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 2 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 1 to about 10 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the GeAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 0.6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably between about 10 and about 60; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of germanium, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Especially preferred reaction mixtures are those containing from 0.2 to 0.4 mole of GeO.sub.2 and from 0.75 to 1.25 mole of Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 for each mole of P.sub.2 O.sub.5.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole. Molecular sieves containing germanium, aluminum and phosphorous as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

GeAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare GeAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) germanium tetrachloride, germanium ethoxide and germanium dioxide;

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

In some cases, it may be advantageous, when synthesizing the GeAPO compositions, to first combine sources of germanium and aluminum, to form a mixed germanium/aluminum compound (this compound being typically a mixed oxide) and thereafter to combine this mixed compound with a source of phosphorous to form the final GeAPO composition. Such mixed oxides may be prepared for example by hydrolyzing aqueous solutions containing germanium tetrachloride and aluminum chlorhydrol, or aluminum tri-sec-butoxide.

GeAPOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by mixing the phosphoric acid with at least part of the water. To this solution is added the mixed germanium/aluminum oxide prepared as described above. This mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture the templating agent is added and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Alternatively, to a solution of aluminum isopropoxide may be added germanium ethoxide. The resultant solution may optionally be dried to produce a mixed oxide. To the mixed solution or dried oxide are added successively the phosphoric acid and the templating agent. The resulting mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

In a third process, a solution is formed by dissolving the phosphoric acid in water, adding aluminum oxide or isopropoxide and mixing thoroughly. To the resultant mixture is added a solution containing the templating agent and germanium dioxide. The resulting mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Whichever technique is employed to form the reaction mixture, the mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The LiAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,811, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 834,921 filed Feb. 28, 1986 have a framework structure of LiO.sub.2.sup.-3, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (Li.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements lithium, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the LiAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the LiAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the following limits:

LiAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of lithium, aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the LiAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 12 hours to about 5 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the LiAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than about 2; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between 2 and 300, most preferably not greater than about 40; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of lithium, aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In an especially preferred subclass of the reaction mixtures, the values of "x", "y" and "z" are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole.

Since the exact nature of the LiAPO molecular sieves is not clearly understood at present, although all are believed to contain LiO.sub.2 tetrahedra in the three-dimensional microporous crystal framework structure, it is advantageous to characterize the LiAPO molecular sieves by means of their chemical composition. This is due to the low level of lithium present in certain of the LiAPO molecular sieves prepared to date which makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the interaction between lithium, aluminum and phosphorous. As a result, although it is believed that LiO.sub.2 tetrahedra are substituted isomorphously for AlO.sub.2 or PO.sub.2 tetrahedra, it is appropriate to characterize certain LiAPO compositions by reference to their chemical composition in terms of the mole ratios of oxides.

Molecular sieves containing lithium, aluminum and phosphorous as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as followed:

LiAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare LiAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) lithium sulfate or lithium orthophosphate;

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7)N;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

LiAPOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by suspending aluminum oxide in at least part of the water. To this mixture the templating agent is added. The resultant mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture the lithium phosphate or sulfate is added and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. Alternatively, an initial mixture may be formed by mixing aluminum oxide and lithium phosphate or sulfate. To the resultant mixture are added successively phosphoric acid and an aqueous solution of the templating agent, and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

In a third procedure, the phosphoric acid is mixed with at least part of the water, and the aluminum oxide is mixed in. To the resultant mixture are added lithium sulfate and the templating agent, and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

Whichever procedure is adopted to form the reaction mixture, the mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The FeTiAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,824, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 902,129 filed Sept. 2, 1986 have three-dimensional microporous framework structures of FeO.sub.2.sup.n, TiO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral oxide units, where "n" is -2 or -1, and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "M" represents iron and titanium; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero (0) to about 0.3; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "M", aluminum and phosphorus, respectively present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the FeTiAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

FeTiAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of iron, titanium, aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the FeTiAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 12 hours to about 5 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the FeTiAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "M" (iron and titanium), aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole.

Molecular sieves containing iron, titanium, aluminum and phosphorous as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

FeTiAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. The preferred sources of iron and titanium for preparing FeTiAPOs are the same as those for preparing the FeAPOs and TiAPOs already described above. Other reagents which may be employed to prepare FeTiAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(e) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(f) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(g) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(i) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(j) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(k) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(l) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(m) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

FeTiAPOs may be prepared by forming a homogeneous reaction mixture containing reactive sources of iron, titanium, aluminum and phosphorous. The reaction mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The XAPO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,810, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 902,020 filed Sept. 2, 1986 have a three-dimensional microporous framework structure of MO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral oxide units, where "n" is 0, -1 or -2, and have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "M" represents at least one element from each of the classes of: (1) iron and titanium; and (2) cobalt, magnesium, manganese and zinc; "n" is 0, -1 or -2; "m" represents a molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero (0) to about 0.3; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "M", aluminum and phosphorus, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the XAPO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

XAPO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of "M", aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100.degree. C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the XAPO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 2 hours to about 20 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the XAPO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6; "M" represents at least one element from each of the classes of: (1) iron and titanium; and (2) cobalt, magnesium, manganese and zinc; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "M" (iron and/or titanium, and at least one of cobalt, magnesium, manganese and zinc), aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, and each has a value of at least 0.01, with the proviso that "x" has a value of at least 0.02.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole.

XAPO molecular sieves are prepared as follows:

XAPO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. The preferred sources of elements "M" for preparing XAPOs are the same as those for preparing other APOs containing the same elements, as described above and below. Other reagents which may be employed to prepare XAPOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(e) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(f) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(g) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N

(h) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(i) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(j) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(k) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide

(l) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(m) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

XAPOs may be prepared by forming a homogenous reaction mixture containing reactive sources of element "M", aluminum and phosphorous. The reaction mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The mixed element APO molecular sieves of U.S. Ser. No. 599,978, filed Apr. 13, 1984, and U.S. Ser. No. 846,088 filed Mar. 31, 1986 have a framework structure of MO.sub.2.sup.n, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral units, wherein MO.sub.2.sup.n represents at least two different elements present as tetrahedral units "MO.sub.2.sup.n " with charge "n", where "n" may be -3, -2, -1, or 0 or +1. One of the elements "M" is selected from the group consisting of arsenic, beryllium, boron, chromium, gallium, germanium, lithium and vanadium, while a second one of the elements "M" is selected from the group consisting of cobalt, iron, magnesium, manganese, titanium and zinc. Preferably, "M" is a mixture of lithium and magnesium. The mixed-element molecular sieves have an empirical chemical composition on an anhydrous basis expressed by the formula:

wherein "R" represents at least one organic templating agent present in the intracrystalline pore system; "m" represents the molar amount of "R" present per mole of (M.sub.x Al.sub.y P.sub.z)O.sub.2 and has a value of zero to about 0.3, but is preferably not greater than 0.15; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of the elements "M" (i.e. "x" is the total of the mole fractions of the two or more elements "M"), aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, present as tetrahedral oxides. The mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

In a preferred subclass of the mixed-element APO molecular sieves the values of x, y and z are within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

An especially preferred subclass of the mixed-element APO molecular sieves are those in which the value of x is not greater than about 0.10.

A second group (FCAPO's) of mixed element APO molecular sieves are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,686,093 issued Aug. 11, 1987 (incorporated herein by reference).The mixed-element APO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization from a reaction mixture containing reactive sources of the elements "M", aluminum and phosphorous, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent, preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and/or optionally an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at a temperature between about 50.degree. C. and about 250.degree. C., and preferably between about 100 C. and about 200.degree. C. until crystals of the APO product are obtained, usually a period of from several hours to several weeks. Typical effective times of from 2 hours to about 30 days, generally from about 2 hours to about 20 days, and preferably about 12 hours to about 5 days, have been observed. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the mixed-element APO compositions, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of the molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6, and most preferably not more than 0.5; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300, most preferably not greater than about 20, and most desirably not more than about 10; and "x", "y" and "z" represent the mole fractions of "M", aluminum and phosphorous, respectively, "y" and "z" each having a value of at least 0.01 and "x" having a value of at least 0.02, with each element "M" having a mole fraction of at least 0.01.

In one embodiment the reaction mixture is selected such that the mole fractions "x", "y" and "z" are generally defined as being within the limiting compositional values or points as follows:

Preferred reaction mixtures are those containing not more than about 0.2 moles of the metals "M" per mole of phosphorous.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "x", "y" and "z" such that (x+y+z)=1.00 mole.

Since the exact nature of the mixed-element APO molecular sieves is not clearly understood at present, although all are believed to contain MO.sub.2 tetrahedra in the three-dimensional microporous crystal framework structure, it is advantageous to characterize the mixed-element APO molecular sieves by means of their chemical composition. This is due to the low level of the elements "M" present in certain of the mixed-element APO molecular sieves prepared to date which makes it difficult to ascertain the exact nature of the interaction between the metals "M", aluminum and phosphorous. As a result, although it is believed that MO.sub.2 tetrahedra are substituted isomorphously for AlO.sub.2 or PO.sub.2 tetrahedra, it is appropriate to characterize certain mixed-element APO compositions by reference to their chemical composition in terms of the mole ratios of oxides.

Molecular sieves containing the metals "M", aluminum and phosphorous as framework tetrahedral oxide units are prepared as follows:

Mixed-element APO compositions may be prepared by using numerous reagents. Reagents which may be employed to prepare mixed-element APOs include:

(a) aluminum isopropoxide;

(b) pseudoboehmite or other aluminum oxide;

(c) H.sub.3 PO.sub.4 : 85 weight percent aqueous phosphoric acid;

(d) lithium phosphate or magnesium hydroxide or appropriate salts of the other elements "M", as described above;

(e) TEAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetraethylammonium hydroxide;

(f) TBAOH: 40 weight percent aqueous solution of tetrabutylammonium hydroxide;

(g) Pr.sub.2 NH: di-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.2 NH;

(h) Pr.sub.3 N: tri-n-propylamine, (C.sub.3 H.sub.7).sub.3 N;

(i) Quin: Quinuclidine, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 N);

(j) MQuin: Methyl Quinuclidine hydroxide, (C.sub.7 H.sub.13 NCH.sub.3 OH);

(k) C-hex: cyclohexylamine;

(l) TMAOH: tetramethylammonium hydroxide;

(m) TPAOH: tetrapropylammonium hydroxide; and

(n) DEEA: 2-diethylaminoethanol.

Mixed element APOs may be prepared by forming a starting reaction mixture by mixing aluminum oxide, magnesium hydroxide, lithium phosphate (or the corresponding salts of the other elements "M"). To this mixture the phosphoric acid is added. The resultant mixture is then blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed. To this mixture the templating agent is added and the resulting mixture blended until a homogeneous mixture is observed.

The reaction mixture is then placed in a lined (polytetrafluoroethylene) stainless steel pressure vessel and digested at a temperature (150.degree. C. or 200.degree. C.) for a time or placed in lined screw top bottles for digestion at 100.degree. C. Digestions are typically carried out under autogenous pressure.

The silicoaluminophosphate molecular sieves are described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,440,871 (incorporated herein by reference), and U.S. Ser. No. 575,745, filed Jan. 31, 1984.

The composite compositions of this invention can be made by the hydrothermal crystallization of reactive gel precursors to the molecular sieve structure in the presence of an electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate having an inorganic oxide composition layer located in proximity to, preferably, on at least a portion of the surface thereof for crystal growth thereon. The hydrocrystallization conditions for synthesizing the composite compositions are those cited above with respect to the specific molecular sieve composition intended for the phase undergoing hydrothermal crystallization. The molecular sieve gel precursors depend upon the structure being made. Both metals and metals oxides can be utilized in the gel precursors to the molecular sieve framework constituents. In the case of an aluminosilicate based crystal framework, the precursors are the typical aluminate and silicate compositions employed for making such aluminosilicates. In the case of a silica based crystal framework, the precursors are elemental silicon, silicon dioxide in the form of colloidal silica or silica gels or a silicon dioxide layer deposited or formed on the surface of the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate. The molecular sieve phase may be made by conventional procedures in the art. It is generally not necessary to employ a new process for generating a molecular sieve phase in the presence of the other phases in order to enjoy the fruits of this invention.

The class of non-zeolitic aluminumophosphate based molecular sieves are typically synthesized by hydrothermal crystallization of reactive aluminum and phosphorus containing gels containing optionally the additional framework elements and an organic template, at temperatures from about 50.degree. C. (122.degree. F.) to about 250.degree. C. (482.degree. F.), preferably from about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.) to about 225.degree. C. (437.degree. F.). The optimum crystallization temperature depends on composition and structure. The AlPO.sub.4 and SAPO materials tend not to crystallize at temperatures below about 125.degree. C. (257.degree. F.), whereas several of the MeAPO species crystallize readily at about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.).

QAPSO compositions are generally synthesized by hydrothermal crystallizations from a reaction mixture containing active sources of elements(s) "Q" (optional), silicon (optional), aluminum and phosphorus, preferably an organic templating, i.e., structure-directing, agent which is preferably a compound of an element of Group VA of the Periodic Table, and optionally, an alkali or other metal. The reaction mixture is generally placed in a sealed pressure vessel, preferably lined with an inert plastic material such as polytetrafluoroethylene and heated, preferably under autogenous pressure at an effective temperature which is preferably between about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.) and about 225.degree. C. (437.degree. F.), more preferably between 100.degree. C. (212.degree. C.) and 200.degree. C. (424.degree. F.), until crystals of the specific variety of QAPSO product are obtained, usually an effective crystallization time of from several hours to several weeks. Generally, effective crystallization times of from about 2 hours to about 30 days are employed with typically from 4 hours to about 20 days being employed to obtain the QAPSO product version. The product is recovered by any convenient method such as centrifugation or filtration.

In synthesizing the QAPSO compositions used in the instant invention, it is preferred to employ a reaction mixture composition expressed in terms of molar ratios as follows:

wherein "R" is an organic templating agent; "a" is the amount of organic templating agent "R" and has a value of from zero to about 6 and is preferably an effective amount within the range of greater than zero (0) to about 6; "b" has a value of from zero (0) to about 500, preferably between about 2 and about 300; "Q" represents at least one element, as hereinbefore described, capable of forming a framework oxide unit, QO.sub.2.sup.n, with SiO.sub.2, AlO.sub.2.sup.- and PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedral oxide units; "n" has a value of -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1; and "w", "x", "y", "z" are as defined above.

In the foregoing expression of the reaction composition, the reactants are normalized with respect to the total of "w", "x", "y", and "z" such that w+x+y+z=1.00 mole, whereas in the examples in the reaction mixtures may be expressed in terms of molar oxide ratios normalized to the moles of P.sub.2 O.sub.5. This latter form is readily converted to the former form by routine calculations by dividing the number of moles of each component (including the template and water) by the total number of moles of elements "Q", aluminum, phosphorus and silicon which results in normalized mole fractions based on total moles of the aforementioned components.

In forming reaction mixtures from which the QAPSO molecular sieves are formed, an organic templating agent is preferably employed and may be any of those heretofore proposed for use in the synthesis of conventional zeolite aluminosilicates but, in any case, the template chosen is that template taught in the art for making the particular QAPSO being made. In general, these compounds contain elements of groups VA of the Periodic Table of Elements, particularly nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic and antimony, preferably nitrogen or phosphorus and most preferably nitrogen, which compounds also contain at least one alkyl or aryl group having from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Particularly preferred compounds for use as templating agents are the amines, quaternary phosphonium and quaternary ammonium compounds, the latter two being represented generally by the formula R.sub.4 X.sup.+ wherein "X" is nitrogen or phosphorus and each R is an alkyl or aryl group containing from 1 to 8 carbon atoms. Polymeric quaternary ammonium salts such as [C.sub.14 H.sub.32 N.sub.2)(OH).sub.2 ].sub.x wherein "x" has a value of at least 2 are also suitably employed. The mono-, di- and tri-amines are advantageously utilized, either alone or in combination with a quaternary ammonium compound or other templating compound. Mixtures of two or more templating agents may be necessary or useful in producing a particular QAPSO. The initial gel pH in most cases is weakly acidic facilitating the successful incorporation of the hydrolyzable metal cation form of the elements into the frameworks, and inhibiting their precipitation as spurious hydroxides or oxides. Representative templating agents include: quaternary alkylammonium ions such as tetramethylammonium, tetraethylammonium, tetrapropylammonium, tetrabutylammonium, and tetrapentylammonium and amines such as di-n-propylamine, tripropylamine, triethylamine, triethanolamine, piperidine, cyclohexylamine,, 2-methylpyridine, N,N-dimethylbenzylamine, N,N-dimethylethanolamine, choline, N,N'-dimethypiperazine, 1,4-diazabicyclo(2,2,2)octane, N-methyldiethanolamine, N-methylethanolamine, N-methylpiperidine, 3-methylpiperidine, N-methylcyclohexylamine, 3-methylpyridine, 4-methylpyridine, quinuclidine, N,N'-dimethyl-1,4-diazabicyclo(2,2,2)octane, di-n-butylamine, neopentylamine, di-n-pentylamine, isopropylamine, t-butylamine, ethylenediamine, diethylenetriamine, triethylenetetraamine, pyrrolidine, 2-imidazolidone, and the like. Not every templating agent will direct the formation of every species of QAPSO, i.e., a single templating agent may, with proper manipulation of the reaction conditions, direct the formation of several QAPSO compositions, and a given QAPSO composition can be produced using several different templating agents.

As Flanigen et al., in a paper entitled, "Aluminophosphate Molecular Sieves and the Periodic Table", published in the "New Developments in Zeolite Science and Technology" Proceedings of the 7th International Zeolite Conference, edited by Y. Murakami, A. Iijima and J. W. Ward, point out:

"The organic template appears to play a critical structure-directing role. The template is trapped or clathrated in the structural voids as the crystals grow. Over eighty five amines and quaternary ammonium species have been used successfully as crystallization templates, including primary, secondary, tertiary and cyclic amines, and alkanolamines. The degree of template-structure specificity varies from the crystallization of AlPO.sub.4 -5 with twenty-three templates to the formation of AlPO.sub.4 -20 with only one template. Table 6, a summary of typical templates forming the major structures, amply illustrates one template forming many structures (11, 31, 41 and 46 with di-n-propylamine). Here, structure control is exercised by other synthesis variables such as temperature, template concentration, gel oxide composition, and pH. The influence of the template is both steric and electronic, and typically exhibits the neat stoichiometry and space-filling characteristics illustrated for AlPO.sub.4 -5 and 11."

The foregoing description of the role of the templating agent is characteristic of the general role of templating agents in respect to the manufacture of the QAPSO family.

The source of silicon may be silicon metal in various shapes and sizes, silica, either as a silica sol or as fumed silica, a reactive solid amorphous precipitated silica, silica gel, alkoxides of silicon, silica containing clays, silicic acid or alkali metal silicates and mixtures thereof.

The most suitable phosphorus source yet found for the aluminophosphates is phosphoric acid, but organic phosphates such as triethyl phosphate have been found satisfactory, and so also have crystalline or amorphous aluminophosphates such as the AlPO.sub.4 compositions of U.S. Pat. No. 4,310,440. Organo-phosphorus compounds, such as tetrabutylphosphonium bromide do not appear to serve as reactive sources of phosphorus, but these compounds do function as templating agents. Conventional phosphorus salts such as sodium metaphosphate, may be used, at least in part, as the phosphorus source, but are not preferred.

The preferred aluminum is either an aluminum alkoxide, such as aluminum isoproproxide, or pseudoboehmite. The crystalline or amorphous aluminophosphates which are a suitable source of phosphorus are, of course, also suitable sources of aluminum. Other sources of aluminum used in zeolite synthesis, such as gibbsite, aluminum-containing clays, sodium aluminate and aluminum trichloride, can be employed but are not preferred.

The elements(s) "Q" can be introduced into the reaction system in any form which permits the formation in situ of a reactive form of the element, i.e., reactive to form a framework oxide unit of element "Q". Compounds of element(s) "Q" which may be employed include (but are not limited to) oxides, hydroxides, alkoxides, sulfates, halides, carboxylates and mixtures thereof. Representative compounds which may be employed include inter alia: carboxylates of arsenic and beryllium; cobalt chloride hexahydrate, alpha cobaltous iodide; cobaltous sulfate; cobalt acetate; cobaltous bromide, cobaltous chloride; boron alkoxides; chromium acetate; gallium alkoxides; zinc acetate; zinc bromide; zinc formate; zinc iodide; zinc sulfate heptahydrate; germanium dioxide; iron (II) acetate; lithium acetate; magnesium acetate; magnesium bromide; magnesium chloride; magnesium iodide; magnesium sulfate; manganese acetate; manganese bromide; manganese sulfate; titanium tetrachloride; titanium carboxylates; titanium acetate; zinc acetate; and the like.

After crystallization, the QAPSO product may be isolated and advantageously washed with water and dried in air. The as-synthesized QAPSO generally contains within its internal pore system at least one form of any templating agent employed in its formation. Most commonly, this organic moiety, derived from any organic template, is at least in part present as a charge-balancing cation, as generally is the case with as-synthesized aluminosilicate zeolites prepared from organic-containing reaction systems. It is possible, however, that some or all of the organic moiety may be an occluded molecular species in a particular QAPSO species. As a general rule the templating agent, and hence the occluded organic species, is too large to move freely through the pore system of the QAPSO product and must be removed by calcining the QAPSO at temperatures of 200.degree. C. to 700.degree. C. to thermally degrade the organic species. In some instances the pores of the QAPSO compositions are sufficiently large to permit transport of the templating agent, particularly if the latter is a small molecule, and accordingly complete or partial removal thereof may be accomplished by conventional desorption procedures such as carried out in the case of zeolites. It will be understood that the term "as-synthesized" as used herein does not include the condition of QAPSO species wherein any organic moiety occupying the intracrystalline pore system as a result of the hydrothermal crystallization process has been reduced by post-synthesis treatment such that the value of "m" in the composition formula:

has a value of less than 0.02. The other symbols of the formula are as defined hereinabove. In those preparations in which an alkoxide is employed as the source of elements(s) "Q", aluminum, phosphorous and/or silicon, the corresponding alcohol is necessarily present in the reaction mixture since it is a hydrolysis product of the alkoxide. As has been reported repeatedly in the NZMS patent literature, it has not been determined whether this alcohol participates in the syntheses process as a templating agent. For the purposes of this invention, however, this alcohol is arbitrarily omitted from the class of templating agents, even if it is present in the as-synthesized QAPSO material.

Since the present QAPSO compositions are formed from AlO.sub.2.sup.-, PO.sub.2.sup.+, SiO.sub.2 and QO.sub.2.sup.n framework oxide units which, respectively, has a net charge of -1, +1, 0 and "n", where "n" is -3, -2, -1, 0 or +1, the matter of cation exchangeability is considerably more complicated than in the case of zeolitic molecular sieves in which, ideally, there is a stoichiometric relationship between AlO.sub.2.sup.- tetrahedra and charge-balancing cations. In the instant compositions, an AlO.sub.2.sup.- tetrahedron can be balanced electrically either by association with a PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedron or a simple cation such as an alkali metal cation or proton, a cation of the element "Q" present in the reaction mixture, or an organic cation derived from the templating agent. Similarly, an QO.sub.2.sup.n oxide can be balanced electrically by association with PO.sub.2.sup.+ tetrahedra, a simple cation such as an alkali metal cation, a cation of the metal "Q", organic cations derived from the templating agent, or other divalent or polyvalent metal cations introduced from an extraneous source.

The QAPSO compositions may exhibit cation-exchange capacity when analyzed using ion-exchange techniques heretofore employed with zeolite aluminosilicates and have pore diameters which are inherent in the lattice structure of each species and which are at least about 3 Angstroms in diameter. Dehydration to remove water present in the as-synthesized QAPSO compositions can usually be accomplished, to some degree at least, in the usual manner without removal of the organic moiety, but the absence of the organic species greatly facilitates adsorption and desorption procedures. The QAPSO materials will have various degrees of hydrothermal and thermal stability.

Zeolite structures, used to make the inorganic crystalline composition layer of the composite compositions of this invention, may be generated by the hydrothermal crystallization of an aluminate and silicate under basic conditions. Aqueous gels of the reactants are heated at temperatures ranging from about 50.degree. C. (122.degree. F.) to about 200.degree. C. (392.degree. F.), preferably from about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.) to about 175.degree. C. (347.degree. F.). The optimum crystallization temperature depends on composition and structure. A good characterization of processes for the manufacture of zeolites can be found in Chapter Four of Breck, Zeolite Molecular Sieves, Publ. by John Wiley & Sons, New York, N.Y., 1974.

Silica molecular sieves used to make the inorganic crystalline composition layer of the composites of this invention may be generated by hydrothermal crystallization treatment of aqueous gel precursors or of aqueous solutions containing a sacrificial source of silicon. A good characterization of a process for the manufacture of silica molecular sieves, e.g., silicalite, can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 4,061,724. A good characterization of a process for the preparation of crystalline silica polymorphs, e.g., silicalite, using elemental silicon as the silicon sources can be found in European Patent Application No. 0 137 289, published Apr. 17, 1985.

In the hydrothermal crystallization treatment of aqueous gel precursors to silica molecular sieves, for example, the tip (optical surface) of a silica-containing optical fiber or a silica coated silicon wafer can be immersed in a gel precursor containing a silica source, a structure directing template such as TPAOH and water under basic conditions. The growth of fluoride silicalite requires, in addition to the above-mentioned components, the presence of fluoride and can be crystallized under acidic conditions. The aqueous gel precursor solutions are heated at temperatures in the range of about 50.degree. C. (122.degree. F.) to about 200.degree. C. (392.degree. F.), preferably in the range of about 100.degree. C. (212.degree. F.) to about 175.degree. C. (347.degree. F.). The optimum crystallization temperature depends on composition and structure.

In the hydrothermal crystallization treatment of aqueous solutions containing a sacrificial source of silicon, a silicon metal source together with, for example, the tip (optical surface) of a silica-containing optical fiber or a silica coated silicon wafer and a silicon metal source can be immersed in an aqueous solution containing a structure directing template such as TPAOH and a surfactant such as ethanol under basic conditions. The reaction time and temperature are not critical so long as sufficient time at elevated temperature is provided to allow the reaction of the silicon and the formation of the silica molecular sieve. The reaction temperature in general can vary in the range of about 100.degree. C. to about 300.degree. C., preferably in the range of about 140.degree. C. to about 200.degree. C. The reaction time can be as long as practical, preferably in the range of from about 30 hours to about 300 hours. For purposes of this invention, the ratio of silicon (sacrificial silicon only) to water should be at most about 1:1000, preferably at most about 1:5,000, in order to grow silicalite at desired layer thickness. The optimum crystallization temperature and reaction time depend on composition and structure.

Crystalline molecular sieves, whether zeolites or silica or of the NZMS variety, are usually formed as small crystals of a size in the range of about 0.01 micron (0.4.times.10.sup.-6 inch) as the shortest crystal dimension to about 150 microns (0.006 inch) in the longest crystal dimension. Crystalline molecular sieves are not spheres, they can range from regularly to irregularly shaped structures in the fashion of most crystals. Many are formed as part of agglomerations of crystals.

As referred to hereinabove, a sacrificial source of an inorganic crystalline framework metal can be utilized in the process of this invention. For example, in the preparation of a silicalite inorganic crystalline composition layer as described above, the source of the inorganic crystalline framework silicon can be elemental silicon in the form of powders, wafers, rods, pellets and the like or silicon dioxide in the form of colloidal silica or silica gels. Other inorganic crystalline framework metals may also be used as sacrificial sources in the process of this invention. Where an electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate is employed, the sacrificial sources of inorganic crystalline framework metal can prevent or reduce any deterioration or damage, during crystallization to the substrate having an inorganic oxide composition layer upon at least a portion of the surface thereof.

As described hereinabove, a surface active agent or surfactant can be utilized in the process of this invention. The surfactant can typically be added to the template solution prior to digestion thereof. In a preferred embodiment of this invention, a surfactant is used in those processes employing a sacrificial source of an inorganic crystalline framework metal. Illustrative surfactants include ethanol, dimethyldodecylamine and the like. The amount of surfactant is not narrowly critical and can vary over a wide range.

As described above, the composite compositions of this invention are conveniently formed by the hydrothermal crystallization of the inorganic crystalline composition phase onto an inorganic oxide composition layer or surface. In one embodiment, this crystallization takes place in the presence of an electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate having an inorganic oxide composition layer located in proximity to, preferably on at least a portion of the surface thereof. Broadly speaking, the inorganic crystalline composition phase of the composite compositions is derived by the hydrothermal crystallization of the components thereof from an aqueous gel. The composite compositions derive from the hydrothermal crystallization of the precursor gel to the formation of an intended inorganic crystalline composition phase in the presence the inorganic oxide composition surface or layer, and, if applicable, in the presence of the electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate having an inorganic oxide composition layer upon at least a portion of the surface thereof which constitute the other phase or phases of the composite compositions.

The various phases of the composite compositions useful in the present invention are preferably integrally bonded to each other, more preferably the phases are joined together by direct chemical linkages. The inorganic crystalline composition and inorganic oxide composition phases of the presently useful composite compositions are preferably not simple blends or physical mixtures that are bonded together by an adhesive generated by a third component.

This invention includes the utilization of an inorganic oxide composition as a phase of the presently useful composite compositions. This inorganic oxide composition phase may exist without any substrate, such as in an optical fiber or it may be present upon at east a portion of the surface of the electrical conducting or semi-conducting substrate. The inorganic oxide composition surface or layer serves as a deposition substrate or crystallization matrix for the inorganic crystalline composition layer. The inorganic oxide composition layer can be formed or deposited upon the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate by conventional methods such as chemical vapor deposition or thermal annealing.

Illustrative of inorganic oxides which can be used in this invention include the crystalline oxides of silica, alumina, titania, germania, zirconia, magnesia, gallia and the like including mixtures thereof. The inorganic oxide composition may include two or more different inorganic oxides as a blend or as separate and distinct inorganic oxides, for example at particular locations upon the surface of the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate. In a useful embodiment, the inorganic oxide composition layer contains the corresponding inorganic metal oxide of the metal contained in the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate, e.g., a silicon dioxide layer upon at least a portion of the surface of a silicon-containing substrate.

The inorganic oxide composition layer can be formed or deposited over all or any part of the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate. Because the inorganic oxide composition layer serves as a crystallization matrix for the inorganic crystalline composition layer, composite compositions having specific patterned surfaces can be prepared by the process of this invention.

If an electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate is employed, the thickness of the inorganic oxide composition layer of this invention is not narrowly critical and preferably varies in the range of about 0.001 microns or less to about 100 microns or greater, more preferably about 100 .ANG. to about 30,000 .ANG.. The inorganic oxide composition layer or phase should have no substantial detrimental effect on the functioning of the sensing element. The thickness of the inorganic crystalline composition phase or layer in the composite compositions useful in this invention is not narrowly critical and preferably varies in the range of about 500 .ANG. or less to about 100 microns or greater, more preferably about 1 micron to about 50 microns. The inorganic crystalline composition phase or layer should be of sufficient thickness to that a useful signal can be emitted from the sensing element.

As noted above, the invention may include the utilization of an electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate. The electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate may serve as a deposition substrate for the inorganic oxide composition layer. As used herein, the electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate preferably has a minimum conductivity of at least about 10.sup.-9 ohm.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1. In other words, the electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate used in this invention contains electrical charge carrying species sufficient to provide a conductivity or at least about 10.sup.-9 ohm.sup.-1 cm.sup.-1 or greater.

The configuration of the electrically conducting or semiconducting substrate is not critical to this invention, provided it does not substantially interfere with the functioning of the present sensing element. Illustrative configurations include wafers, fibers (including optical fibers), pills, extrusions, pellets, laminates, composites, rods, bricks, tubes, tiles, blocks, honeycomb structures, monoliths and the like which can be prepared by conventional methods known in the art.

Suitable electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrates useful in this invention include those configurations described above containing silicon, aluminum, titanium, germanium, zirconium, magnesium, gallium, copper, gold, platinum, silver, molybdenum, gallium arsenide, gallium phosphide and the like including mixtures thereof. Preferred electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrates useful in this invention include silicon wafers or aluminum wafers.

In an embodiment of this invention, the surface of the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate can be modified by conventional methods such as etching and lithographic techniques. Such surface modification methods can provide improved deposition of the inorganic oxide composition layer upon the surface of the electrical conducting or semi-conducting substrate in specific patterns.

The electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate provides a support for the inorganic crystalline composition phase and provides the basis for crystal growth. As an embodiment of this invention and in accordance with the teachings of copending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 058,259, filed June 4, 1987, once one inorganic crystalline phase is crystallized in the presence of the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate, the composite may be used as the support for the creation of still another solid inorganic crystalline phase. This procedure may be repeated as many times as desired or as there exists enough molecular sieves of different compositions but having the same crystalline framework to provide a composite composition having an inorganic crystalline composition phase of an essentially single crystal structure. By this technique, one may produce a composite composition having repeated layers of different molecular sieves in an onion skin pattern, except the skins are chemically bonded to one another. There are occasions where one might wish to blend the ingredients of distinct molecular sieve compositions and effect the hydrothermal differential crystallization to form a mixed phase composition. In the typical case, the composite compositions will be formed by the hydrothermal crystallization of a molecular sieve reaction mixture in contact with another already formed or partially formed crystalline molecular sieve of appropriate crystalline structure.

It is believed that the inorganic crystalline phase of the composite compositions is formed by the growth of a crystal onto the surface of the inorganic oxide composition layer. It may be the case in some instances that this growth is facilitated by the deposition substrate. Such may be termed a "seeding" effect. The growth in this manner yields a layer of crystalline molecular sieve deposited on a substrate surface which grafts in the process of the hydrothermal crystallization to the inorganic oxide crystal framework of the substrate surface. In this fashion, one may obtain an electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate having an inorganic oxide composition layer upon at least a portion of the surface thereof and surrounded or enveloped by a layer or a film or a mantle of the molecular sieve(s) phase.

The shape of the composite composition may be determined by the shape of the electrically conducting or semi-conducting substrate. The configuration of the composite of the invention is not critical to this invention.

The inorganic crystalline composition is selected so as to have no substantial detrimental effect on the medium being analyzed or on the other components of the present sensors. Preferably, the pores of the inorganic crystalline composition are sufficiently large to provide molecules of the component of interest with substantially free access to the metal component, which is often included in the pores of this composition. In this manner, the concentration of the component of interest immediately surrounding the inorganic crystalline composition will vary as the concentration in the medium in general varies. In addition, such substantially free access aids in reducing the response time of the sensor. That is, concentration changes in the medium, in general, are more quickly reflected by the sensor when, as is preferred, the component of interest can enter or exit the pores of the inorganic crystalline composition substantially freely.

Polar components, and in particular water, may, in certain instances, be preferentially adsorbed onto certain hydrophilic inorganic crystalline compositions, e.g., such compositions with a high framework cationic charge, to the extent that this adsorption substantially interferes with the ability of the present sensing element to sense the concentration of the component of interest in the medium. Therefore, when water, and/or similar polar component or components are present in the medium, it is preferred to use an inorganic crystalline composition, e.g., a relatively or substantially non-hydrophilic inorganic crystalline composition, which provides a signal related to the concentration of the component of interest in the presence of water and/or such other polar components in the medium.

The configuration of the sensing element is not critical to the present invention. However, consideration should be given to configuring the sensing element so that the concentration related signal may be effectively emitted. Also, the sensing element preferably should reach substantial adsorption equilibrium (with respect to the component of interest) with the medium being analyzed in a matter of minutes, more preferably less than about 20 minutes, and still more preferably less than about one (1) minute.

In a particularly useful embodiment, the inorganic crystalline composition is grown on an optical fiber which comprises an inorganic oxide composition. The optical fiber, which may be of conventional configuration and construction, is preferably employed to transmit the concentration related signal from the sensing element, e.g., to the processing means.

The processing means acts to process the signal emitted by the sensing means and provide a basis for determining the concentration of the component of interest in the medium. Any suitable instrument or combination of instruments capable of measuring and/or monitoring one or more properties of such emitted signal, preferably an emitted light signal, may be employed. For example, fluorescence spectrometer and/or a time resolution spectrometer may be employed.

The sensing element is preferably associated with an excitation signal source, preferably an excitation light source, which is caused to emit a signal which, in turn, causes the sensing means to emit the signal related to the concentration of the component on interest. Any signal source may be used in the present system provided that the signal emitted by this source is effective to excite the sensing element. One particularly useful excitation signal source is a laser.

In an especially useful embodiment, the inorganic crystalline composition is grown onto the tip of an optical fiber which not only transmits an emitted signal from the sensing element, but also transmits the excitation signal from the excitation signal source to the sensing element. This "integrated" sensor very effectively utilizes the properties and structure of the optical fiber.

The complete sensor can be precalibrated with various known concentrations of the component of interest. This calibration provides a relationship between the concentration of the component of interest and a given property of the signal emitted by the sensing element. If the signal property is intensity, this relationship may be quite simple and straight forward. If lifetime or decay rate is used as the signal property, the relationship may be more complex. Lifetime or decay rate measurements do tend to be more sensitive to changes in the concentration of the component of interest. Commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 213,231 filed June 26, 1988, provides an illustration of how such measurements may be analyzed. This application is incorporated in its entirety herein by reference.

In any event, once the concentration/signal property relationship is established, the sensor can be used to determine unknown concentrations. For example, the emitted signal from a unknown concentration can be compared to the emitted signals with a series of known concentrations to determine the unknown concentration.

The component, preferably gaseous component, of interest, the concentration of which may be determined by the present system, may be any component. It is preferred that this gaseous component interacts in some manner, e.g., either chemically and/or physically, either directly or indirectly, such as through a hydroxide or oxo group, with the metal component. Such interacting may result in the emitted signal from the sensing means being dependent on the concentration of this component of interest. Also, it is preferred that the component of interest be of sufficiently small atomic or molecular size as to have substantially free access to the pores of the inorganic crystallites material. Examples of gaseous components of interest include H.sub.2, D.sub.2, O.sub.2, N.sub.2, nitrogen oxides, NH.sub.3, H.sub.2 O, CO, CO.sub.2, hydrocarbons and substituted (e.g., oxygenated-), hydrocarbons containing up to about 10 carbon atoms per molecule, halided organic compounds other polar compounds and the like.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram, partly in cross-section, showing one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram, partly in cross-section, showing another embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a sensor system, shown generally at 10, includes a light source 12, a sensing element 14 an optical fiber 16 and a light processor 18.

Sensing element 14 is made of an inorganic crystalline material, such as a zeolite molecular sieve, a silica molecular sieve or a non-zeolitic molecular sieve, as described herein.

Sensing element 14 also includes a metal component which is an integral part of the inorganic crystalline material. For example, the metal component may be included directly during synthesis of the inorganic crystalline material, or such component may be included by ion exchange, e.g., using conventional ion exchange techniques.

In an important aspect of the present invention, the inorganic crystalline material of sensing element 14 is synthesized by growing using crystal growing techniques. Thus, this inorganic crystalline material is grown on the distal tip 19 of optical fiber 16, which includes the optical surface 20. Optical surface 20 is part of the core 22 of optical fiber 16, and is composed of an inorganic oxide. Ordinarily, core 22 will be made of inorganic oxide. However, if desired, optical fiber 16 may be treated, e.g., coated with inorganic oxide or inorganic oxide precursor, to provide that optical surface 20 is composed of inorganic oxide which facilitates the growth of the inorganic crystalline material in sensing element 14. Optical fiber 16 also includes an inorganic oxide-containing glass cladding 24, which acts to improve the light transmitting properties of optical fiber 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the inorganic oxide in cladding 24 also supports growth of the inorganic crystalline material so that substantially the entire distal tip 19 of optical fiber 16 is coated with this material.

The inorganic crystalline material of sensing element 14 is grown directly onto distal tip 19 so that this material is contiguous with distal tip 19. The metal component of sensing element 14 may be included while the inorganic crystalline material is being grown. For example, in growing MnAPSO-36 the manganese useful as the metal component in sensing element 14 becomes an integral part of the inorganic crystalline material. Alternately, if Y-zeolite is grown on distal tip 19, the metal component, e.g., europium in the +3 oxidation state, can be included as an integral part of the Y-zeolite by ion exchange after the zeolite is grown.

In any event, the metal component in sensing element 14 is selected so as to provide an emission signal in response to being subjected to light from light source 12. At least one property, e.g., intensity, decay rate and the like, of this emission signal from sensing element 14 varies in response to the concentration of one component in the environment in which sensing element 14 exists.

Light source 12 may be any suitable means capable of causing sensing element 14 to emit the desired emission signal. Preferably, light source 12 provide light to sensing element 14 at substantially a single wave-length or at a relatively limited range of wavelengths. One particularly useful light source 12 is a laser, a pulsed laser. The signal, e.g., excitation signal, from light source 12 is choosen to cause sensing element 14 to emit the desired emission signal. The excitation signal may be provided at one wavelength, while the emission signal may be emitted at a different wavelength.

Light source 12 may act to excite sensing element 14 directly via path 28 in FIG. 1. Alternately, light source 12 can transmit excitation light to sensing element 14 via path 30 through optical fiber 16.

Optical fiber 16 transmits the emission signal from sensing element 14 to light processor 18.

Light processor 18 acts to process the emission signal from sensing element 14, e.g., to measure the property of emission signal which varies in response to the concentration of one component in the environment surrounding sensing element 14. For example, if intensity is the property of interest, light processor 18 may include a photon counting system while decay rate is to be measured, light processor 18 may be include a time resolution spectrometer.

Sensor system 10 functions as follows. It is desired to measure the concentration of a component, e.g, oxygen, in an environment. Sensing element 14, chosen to be sensitive to the concentration of oxygen, on the distal tip 19 of optical fiber 16 is placed in a gaseous environment inside a vessel, shown in FIG. 1 in shadow lines at 26. Optical fiber 16 is connected to light processor 18 so that optical fiber 16 is able to transmit emission signals from sensing element 14 to the light processor 18.

After a period of time, e.g., on the order of 20 minutes, substantial adsorption equilibrium between sensing element 14 and the surrounding environment is achieved. At this point, light source 12 is caused to emit a controlled increment of light, through either path 28 or path 30, which impacts sensing element 14 and causes sensing element 14 to produce an emission signal. Optical fiber 16 transmits this emission signal to light processor 18 which measures at least one variable property (which varies in response to the concentration of oxygen in the environment in vessel 26) of this emission signal. Light processor 18 can be calibrated in advance to provide a component concentration/emission signal property relationship or curve. Thus, by knowing the value of the emission signal property, one can easily determine the concentration of oxygen in the environment in vessel 26.

FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a sensor system, shown generally at 40, which includes a silica wafer 42, a silica layer 44 deposited on and contiguous to the top surface 46 of silicon wafer 42, a Y-zeolite layer 48 grown on and contiguous to top surface 47 of silica layer 44, a light source 50 and a light processor 52. Y-zeolite layer includes an effective amount of europium (3+) which is incorporated using conventional ion exchange techniques. The combination of silicon wafer 42, silica layer 44 and Y-zeolite layer 48 is referred to as composite composition 49.

Sensor system 40 functions in much the same manner set forth above with respect to sensor system 10. It is desired to measure the concentration of a component, e.g., oxygen, in an environment. Composite composition 49 is placed in a gaseous environment inside a vessel, shown in FIG. 2 in shadow lines at 54. Composite composition 49 is placed so that a light signal from light source 50 can travel via path 56 to impact Y-zeolite layer 48. In addition, the light signal emitted from Y-zeolite layer 48 can be transmitted to light processor 52 via path 58. Both paths 56 and 58 may be defined by conventional optical fibers, e.g., as described above.

After a period of time, adsorption equilibrium between composite composition 49 and the surrounding environment is achieved. At this point, light source 50 is caused to emit a controlled increment of light, through path 56, which impacts Y-zeolite layer 48 and causes Y-zeolite layer 48 to produce an emission signal. This emission signal is transmitted through path 58 to light processor 52 which measures at least one variable property (which is responsive to the concentration of oxygen in the environment in vessel 54) of this emission signal. Light processor 52 can be calibrated in advance to provide a component concentration/emission signal property relationship or curve. Thus, by knowing the value of the emission signal property, one can easily determine the concentration of oxygen in the environment in vessel 54.

The following non-limiting examples further illustrate certain aspects of the present invention.

A MnAPSO-44 molecular sieve is grown on the optical surface or tip of an optical fiber by contacting this tip of a conventional, cladded 125 micron diameter glass multimode optical fiber with 15 grams of an aqueous "gel" and heating the "gel" and fiber tip in a closed pressure vessel to 200.degree. C. for 24 hours. The glass core, optical surface and cladding of the optical fiber include silica.

The aqueous "gel" is prepared by dissolving 2.7 grams of manganese acetate hydrate in 5 grams of water. 6.4 grams of 85% phosphoric acid is added to 15.7 grams of water, and 3.9 grams of pseudoboehmite alumina is added to this phosphoric acid solution followed by 3.4 grams of a colloidal silica solution. The entire mixture is mixed well. To this mixture is added the manganese solution followed by 5.9 grams of cyclohexylamine. The "gel" is stirred until homogeneous. The gel has a relative composition calculated as oxides of: 0.9 MnO, 1.0 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3, 0.9 P.sub.2 O.sub.5, 0.57 SiO.sub.2, 50 H.sub.2 O, and 2.0 cyclohexylamine. The crystallites on the fiber have the x-ray diffraction pattern of MnAPSO-44.

The MnAPSO-44 at the end of the fiber is activated in vacuum for two hours at room temperature and then exposed to various atmospheres. The optical fiber with an optically responsive gas sensing element on its distal tip is used as part of a sensor device by attaching the opposite or clean end of the fiber to a time resolution spectrometer.

This sensor is excited by a pulse of 440 nm wavelength laser light travelling through the fiber. The concentration of a gaseous component of interest in the environment in which the MnAPSO-44 is placed is sensed by measuring the average lifetime of the emission at a wavelength of 560 nm, following 440 nm excitation. Used in this mode with the template still in the pores of the MnAPSO-44, the life time of the emission is a function of the kinetic diameter of the gas to be sensed, and is most responsive to hydrogen, with little sensitivity to polyatomic molecules such as methane.

Example 1 is repeated except that the MnAPSO-44 on the optical fiber is activated to remove the template. This is accomplished by heating the MnAPSO-44 from room temperature to 460.degree. C. over a 6 hour period under vacuum, treating the MnAPSO at that temperature with 400 torr of oxygen for 6 hours, evacuating the system while cooling it to 420.degree. C., and then introducing 500 torr of hydrogen to re-reduce the Mn(II) which is oxidized during this template removal procedure. This template-free MnAPSO-44 on the optical fiber is included in a sensor as described in Example 1. The MnAPSO-44 is excited by a laser pulse with a wavelength of 470 nm and the light emitted at 560 nm is monitored. The intensity of that emitted light is sensitive to CO, O.sub.2 and N.sub.2 O, with the intensity of the emission decreasing with increasing pressures of these gases. Thus, this sensor is useful for determining the concentration of such gases.

Y-zeolite is grown on the optical surface and distal tip of an optical fiber by contacting this tip of a conventional, cladded 125 micron diameter glass multimode optical fiber with an alkali aluminosilicate gel. The glass core, optical surface and cladding of the glass fiber include silica. This gel is well known in the art to be a precursor for Y-zeolite. The gel on the tip of the optical fiber is aged and digested with the fiber being subjected to conditions which are well known in the art to be effective to form Y-zeolite. This Y-zeolite at the tip of the optical fiber is ion exchanged with europium 3+ ion using europium chloride. This ion exchange is conducted in a conventional manner well known in the art. The exchanged zeolite is washed free of chloride ion with distilled water.

The europium 3+, Y-zeolite on the tip of the optical fiber is activated by treating the sample for 16 hours at room temperature under a vacuum of less than 0.00001 torr, heating the sample from room temperature to 400.degree. C. over 5 hours and leaving the sample at 400.degree. C. for 1 hour, all under vacuum. The sample is then treated at 300 torr oxygen at 400.degree. C. for 16 hours. This oxidation step, while not needed, greatly increase the emission intensity. It is not do to oxidation of Eu(II) to Eu(III) because there is almost no Eu(II) in the sample before the oxygen treatment. Without wishing to limit the invention to any particular theory of operation, it appears that this oxygen treatment reduces the effect of other quenchers on the system.

This optical fiber with an optically responsive gas sensing element on the optical surface is used as part of a sensor device by attaching the opposite or clean end of the fiber to a time resolution spectrometer. This sensor is excited by a pulse of laser light traveling through the fiber. The concentration of a gaseous component of interest, e.g., oxygen, in the environment in which the europium (III)-containing Y-zeolite is placed is sensed by measuring the intensity of the light emitted by the sensing element. By analyzing, e.g., comparing to an intensity/concentration relationship, the intensity of an emitted signal, one is able to determine the concentration of the gaseous component o interest. This sensor is particularly effective for determining the concentration of O.sub.2.

While this invention has been described with respect to various specific examples and embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and that it can be variously practiced within the scope to the following claims.