Abstract: The invention described herein discloses the use of silica gel as a catalyst for the efficient oxidation of hydrogen sulfide to elemental sulfur by nitric oxide. Concomitantly, this catalyst also promotes the hydrolysis of carbonyl sulfide to carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide, which then can be oxidized further by nitric oxide in the same reactor to produce elemental a sulfur. This process is designed for application in coal combustion and coal-gasification processes as a replacement for the presently available and practiced expensive methods and means for gas purification and catalytic liquid-phase conversion of these gases to sulfur.

Abstract: Newly developed testing procedures have demonstrated that three new classes of compounds, the thiopyridine-N-oxides, the thiopyridines, and the thiopyrimidines are highly effective inhibitors of urease activity in agricultural soil systems. Compositions of urea-containing fertilizers in combination with these materials can be used to reduce ammonia loss and control the activity of the soil enzyme urease in the conversion of urea to ammonia.

Abstract: The first embodiment of the present invention relates to my discovery that thiophosphoryl triamide can be utilized as a nitrification inhibitor for controlling the nitrification of ammonium to nitrate. The second embodiment relates to my discovery that this same compound can be used to control, within predetermined limits, the ammonium/nitrate ratios in urea-based fertilizers, by serving as a dual-purpose inhibitor to control both urease inhibition and nitrification inhibition and thereby maximize plant response characteristics in direct proportion to nutrient value amendments to the soil environment.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nitrogen fertilizers, especially oxamide, either indirectly or directly from oxalate esters, including the regeneration of the quinone oxidant utilized in the formation of the above esters. The process teaches preparation of oxamide, a potential slow-release nitrogen fertilizer via the oxidative carbonylation of alcohols with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a platinum group metal salt and an optionally substituted quinone (substituted or unsubstituted 2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione) followed by ammoniation of the filtered reaction mixture at room temperature, or below. High yields of isolated oxamide were obtained by regulating the temperature and pressure during the oxidative carbonylation and maintaining essentially anhydrous conditions throughout the process. In addition, nearly quantitative yields of the hydroquinones (1,4-dihydroxybenzenes) are recovered for recycle along with the solvents, or for other commercial uses.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nitrogen fertilizers, especially oxamide, either indirectly, or directly from oxalate esters, including the regeneration of the quinone oxidant utilized in the formation of the above esters.Preparation of oxalate esters as potential intermediates for nitrogen fertilizers by the oxidative carbonylation of alcohols with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a platinum group metal salt with or without a corresponding metal oxidant salt and an optionally substituted quinone (substituted or unsubstituted 2,5-cyclohexadiene-1,4-dione). High yields of isolated dialkyl oxalates are obtained by regulating temperature and carbon monoxide pressure and by maintaining essentially anhydrous conditions. In addition, high yields of the hydroquinones (1,4-dihydroxybenzenes) are recovered.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of nitrogen fertilizers, especially oxamide, either indirectly or directly from oxalate esters, including the regeneration of the quinone oxidant utilized in the formation of the above esters.Preparation of oxalate esters by the oxidative carbonylation of alcohols with carbon monoxide in the presence of a catalytic amount of a platinum group metal salt with or without a corresponding metal oxidant salt and an optionally substituted quinone. High yields of isolated dialkyl oxalates are obtained by regulating temperature and carbon monoxide pressure and by maintaining essentially anhydrous conditions. In addition, high yields of the hydroquinones (1,4-dihydroxybenzenes) are recovered.

Abstract: My testing procedures have demonstrated that thiophosphoryl triamide (I) and its linear thermal polymers (II) having the structures illustrated below are highly effective inhibitors of urease activity in agricultural soil systems.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of urea and its derivatives by reacting CO, NO, and a hydrogen source over a supported noble metal catalyst at atmospheric pressure is described. Preferably, stoichiometric amounts of reactory gases are used. Reaction temperatures are in the range of 75.degree. C. to 225.degree. C.