Abstract: A quaternary ammonium compound of formula (X): wherein R0, R1, R2 and R3 is each individually an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group and R includes an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl moiety having at least 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium compound which is the reaction product of: (a) a tertiary amine having a molecular weight of less than 1000; (b) an acid-activated alkylating agent; and (c) a diacid including an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl moiety having at least (5) carbon atoms.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium compound of formula (X): wherein R0, R1, R2 and R3 is each individually an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group and R includes an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl moiety having at least 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium compound of formula (X), wherein R0, R, R2 and R3 is each individually an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group and R includes an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl moiety having at least 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium salt of formula wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group having less than 8 carbon atoms and R5 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium salt of formula wherein each of R1, R2, R3 and R4 is independently selected from an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group having less than 8 carbon atoms and R5 is hydrogen or an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl group.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium compound of formula (X), wherein R0, R, R2 and R3 is each individually an optionally substituted alkyl, alkenyl or aryl group and R includes an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl moiety having at least 5 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A quaternary ammonium compound which is the reaction product of: (a) a tertiary amine having a molecular weight of less than 1000; (b) an acid-activated alkylating agent; and (c) a diacid including an optionally substituted hydrocarbyl moiety having at least (5) carbon atoms.

Abstract: A process of improving the oxidation of carbonaceous products derived from the combustion of fuel and improving combustion of a fuel is described. The process comprises adding to the fuel before combustion thereof a composition comprising at least an organo-metallic complex of a Group I or Group II metal characterized in that the concentration of the complex in the fuel before combustion is 30 ppm or less.

Abstract: A process of improving the combustion of fuel and/or improving the oxidation of carbonaceous products derived from the combustion or pyrolysis of fuel is described. The process comprises adding to the fuel before the combustion thereof a composition comprising a mixture of organo-metallic complexes, characterised in that the organo-metallic complexes only consist of Group I and Group II organo-metallic complexes and wherein the composition comprises at least one Group I organo-metallic complex and at least one Group II organo-metallic complex.

Abstract: An adduct of a lanthanide (yttrium) .beta.-diketonate and a donor ligand (N-oxide), the adduct being suitable for use in a metal-containing material deposition process, wherein the ligand has Lewis base characteristics that match the Lewis acid characteristics of the lanthanide .beta.-diketonate in the absence of the ligand is described.

Abstract: The emission of particulates and unburnt hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas emissions from liquid hydrocarbon fuels, especially diesel fuels and fuel oils is reduced by incorporating into the fuel an effective amount of an oil-soluble alkali, alkaline earth or rare earth complex of the formula:M(R).sub.m.nLwherein M is the metal cation of valency m, R is the residue of an organic compound RH containing an active hydrocarbon atom, preferably a beta-diketone, n is an integer usually 1, 2, 3 or 4, and L is an organic donor ligand molecule, i.e., a Lewis base.