Abstract: A process for reducing microbial growth in solutions of sugars extracted from waste materials, the process comprising monitoring indicators of microbial growth in the solution in situ and administering an antimicrobial; a sugar substrate obtained by concentrating a solution of sugar treated using the process; an apparatus for extracting sugars from waste materials, the apparatus comprising a reaction vessel (10), one or more sensors (15,20) for monitoring indicators of microbial growth in the reaction vessel, a software for analysing signals from the sensor and a source of antimicrobial.

Abstract: A process for reducing microbial growth in solutions of sugars extracted from waste materials, the process comprising monitoring indicators of microbial growth in the solution in situ and administering an antimicrobial; a sugar substrate obtained by concentrating a solution of sugar treated using the process; an apparatus for extracting sugars from waste materials, the apparatus comprising a reaction vessel (10), one or more sensors (15,20) for monitoring indicators of microbial growth in the reaction vessel, a software for analysing signals from the sensor and a source of antimicrobial.

Abstract: A process for oxidising a substrate selected from hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), diformylfuran (DFF), hydroxymethylfurancarboxylic acid (HMFCA) and formylfurancarboxylic acid (FFCA). Said process comprises mixing said substrate with catalase, one or more further enzymes and hydrogen peroxide to form a reaction mixture. Said one or more further enzymes have the ability to catalyse oxidation of said substrate. Said hydrogen peroxide is provided at a total molar ratio of at least about 0.1:1 hydrogen peroxide to substrate.

Abstract: Metal complexes such as those of formula (I) are contemplated by the present invention. The metal complexes may be used in catalytic reactions as a catalyst. The catalytic reaction may be an autotransfer process, for example hydrogen borrowing. Improved catalytic activity has been observed with certain metal complexes of the invention.

Abstract: Metal complexes such as those of formula (I) are contemplated by the present invention. The metal complexes may be used in catalytic reactions as a catalyst. The catalytic reaction may be an autotransfer process, for example hydrogen borrowing.

Abstract: A screw element for a screw conveyor, said screw element comprising a hub portion having a generally circular bore axially therethrough, and a spiral flight portion extending around said hub in a generally helical path; characterised in that said element comprises engagement means at each axial end thereof for mating with an adjacent element whereby torque may be transmitted between two or more adjacent screw elements via said engagement means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and their use as ligands, in particular, in metal catalyst complexes. The ligands of the invention are capable of binding to a solid support. The invention includes the ligands in their own right and when bound to a support and the compounds may be used to prepare metal catalyst complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and their use as ligands, in particular, in metal catalyst complexes. The ligands of the invention are capable of binding to a solid support. The invention includes the ligands in their own right and when bound to a support and the compounds may be used to prepare metal catalyst complexes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and their use as ligands, in particular in metal catalyst complexes. The ligands of the invention are capable of binding to a solid support. The invention includes the ligands in their own right and when bound to a support and the compounds may be used to prepare metal catalyst complexes.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds and their use as ligands, in particular in metal catalyst complexes. The ligands of the invention are capable of binding to a solid support. The invention includes the ligands in their own right and when bound to a support and the compounds may be used to prepare metal catalyst complexes.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: There is provided a process for the de-enrichment of enantiomerically enriched compositions which comprises reacting an enantiomerically enriched composition comprising at least a first enantiomer or diastereomer of a substrate comprising a carbon-heteroatom bond, wherein the carbon is a chiral centre and the heteroatom is a group V heteroatom, in the presence of a catalyst system and optionally a reaction promoter to give a product composition comprising first and second enantiomers or diastereomers of the substrate having a carbon-heteroatom bond, the ratio of second to first enantiomer or diastereomer in the product composition being greater than the ratio of second to first enantiomer or diastereomer in the enantiomerically enriched composition.

Abstract: A process for preparing intermediate compounds useful in the preparation of statins. The process is particularly useful for the preparation of atorvastatin. The process involves the reduction of two ketone groups at the same time using either a chiral transition metal catalyst or an enzyme based system.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel process for obtaining (1S,4S)N-methyl-4-(3,4-dichlorophenyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-1-naphthaleneamine from a mixture of its isomers. The process involves isomerising the 1-position and the 4-position and effecting separation of the desired isomer by methods such as fractured crystallization. The process can be operated as a continuous process.

Abstract: A catalytic transfer hydrogenation process is provided. The catalyst employed in the process is a metal hydrocarbyl complex which is coordinated to defined bidentate ligands substituted with at least one group selected from an optionally substituted sulphonated hydrocarbyl group, a sulphonated perhalogenated hydrocarbyl group, or an optionally substituted sulphonated heterocyclyl group. Preferred metals include rhodium, ruthenium and iridium. Preferred bidentate ligands are diamines and aminoalcohols, particularly those comprising chiral centres. The hydrogen donor is advantageously a secondary alcohol or a mixture of triethylamine and formic acid. The process can be employed to transfer hydrogenate ketones and imines, which are preferably prochiral. Catalysts for use in such a process are also provided.

Abstract: A process is provided for the preparation of a compound of formula (1) wherein R and R? represent optionally substituted hydrocarbyl groups and X represents a hydrocarbyl linking group. The process comprises either the stereoselective reduction of the keto group in a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by selective esterification of a primary hydroxy, or selective esterification of a primary hydroxy of a dihydroxy keto precursor followed by stereoselective reduction of the keto group.