Abstract: A compound represented by the formula (I) (R1 represents a substituent on the benzene ring; R2 represents a monovalent substituent; R3 and R4 represent hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group; R5 and R6 represent an alkyl group, or an aryl group; R7 and R8 represent hydrogen atom, or an alkyl group; R9 and R10 represent hydrogen atom, or a monovalent substituent; and X represents silicon atom, germanium atom, or tin atom), or a salt thereof.

Abstract: An alkyl-tin stabilizer composition is treated with a calcium compound to reduce the carboxylate content level of the stabilizer.

Abstract: Mechanosynthesis trajectories are described which are approximately coaxial, and are shown to be useful in a wide range of mechanosynthesis reactions regardless of the nature of the tip or the feedstock being transferred.

Abstract: Methods and systems for building three-dimensional workpieces are described using a plurality of mechanosynthetic reactions. These methods may employ engineered reliability in reactions and process conditions and may use simulated or otherwise vetted reaction sequences, to allow workpieces requiring many reactions to be built with acceptable reliability. These many reactions may be the repetition of one or a small number of reactions, or many diverse reactions, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: Processes are described for manufacturing atomically-precise tips using one or more tips in one or more mechanosynthetic reactions to create one or more atomically-precise tips. The processes may employ a variety of feedstock, binding any of a wide range of atoms to a workpiece to build the one or more atomically-precise tips. The processes result in atomically-precise mechanosynthesis tips with a wide variety of possible tip structures using a wide range of feedstock binding elements. Characteristics of such tips that may be used when designing new embodiments are also described.

Abstract: This invention relates to organometallic precursor compounds represented by the formula (H)mM(R)n wherein M is a metal or metalloid, R is the same or different and is a substituted or unsubstituted, saturated or unsaturated, heterocyclic radical containing at least one nitrogen atom, m is from 0 to a value less than the oxidation state of M, n is from 1 to a value equal to the oxidation state of M, and m+n is a value equal to the oxidation state of M, a process for producing the organometallic precursor compounds, and a method for producing a film or coating from the organometallic precursor compounds.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a mixture for recovery utilization or transfer of carbon dioxide gas. According to the present invention, disclosed is a mixture containing carbon dioxide and an alkyltin alkoxide composition containing carbon dioxide complex of an alkyltin alkoxide, the mixture having a composition with a specified ratio.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a dialkyl tin compound from a composition of deactivated forms of a dialkyl tin catalyst, and to provide a process for producing the dialkyl tin catalyst from the dialkyl tin compound and using the dialkyl tin catalyst to produce a carbonic acid ester. According to the present invention, a process for producing a dialkyl tin compound is provided that subjects a composition of the deactivated forms of the dialkyl tin catalyst, formed when producing an ester compound, to an alkyl group redistribution reaction and/or dealkylation reaction.

Abstract: An alkyltin compound of specified formula which has utility as an excellent stabilizer for a halogen-containing resin. The alkyltin compound has from 1-3 terminal thiol groups.

Abstract: The present invention provides organometallic latent catalyst compounds, which are suitable as catalysts in polyaddition or polycondensation reactions which are catalysed by a Lewis acid type catalyst, in particular for the crosslinking of a blocked or unblocked isocyanate or isothiocyanate component with a polyol or polythiolto form a polyurethane (PU).

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a process for producing a dialkyl tin compound from a composition of deactivated forms of a dialkyl tin catalyst, and to provide a process for producing the dialkyl tin catalyst from the dialkyl tin compound and using the dialkyl tin catalyst to produce a carbonic acid ester. According to the present invention, a process for producing a dialkyl tin compound is provided that subjects a composition of the deactivated forms of the dialkyl tin catalyst, formed when producing an ester compound, to an alkyl group redistribution reaction and/or dealkylation reaction.

Abstract: To treat an organotin compound in a liquid at low cost. Addition of iron oxide into a liquid containing an organotin compound allows trapping of the organotin compound in the liquid by the iron oxide, and reduction of the organotin compound concentration in the liquid. Various iron oxides such as FeO, Fe2O3(iron sesquioxide), and Fe3O4 (iron oxide black) may be used, but iron oxide black is preferred. Such the method of treating a liquid may be applied to polluted seawater at a harbor to allow reduction of the organotin compound concentration in the seawater and purification of the harbor.

Abstract: Methods, compounds, and kits are provided for derivatizing organometallic halide compounds. The methods include reacting an organometallic halide with a reagent to produce an analyte having desired properties. In a preferred form, the analyte has properties that render it more susceptible to chemical analysis in relation to its respective organometallic halide. The compounds include the analyte product of the derivatization reaction. The kits include a reagent and, preferably, some or all of the tools that may be used to perform the derivatization reaction.

Abstract: A method of carrying out a reaction comprising the steps of: mixing at least one organic reaction component with at least one fluorous reaction component having the formula: X1Sn(R)n[Rs(Rf)]3-n, X1X2Sn[Rs(Rf)]2 or O?Sn[Rs(Rf)]2 wherein n is 1 or 2, R is a C1-C6 alkyl group, X1 and X2 are independently, the same or different, H, F, Cl, Br, I, N3, OR1, OOR1 SR1, SeR1, CN, NC, NR1R2, an aryl group, a heteroaryl group, an alkyl group of 1 to 20 carbons, an alkenyl group, an alkynyl group, —C(O)R3, M((Rs?)(Rf?))3, OM((Rs?)(Rf?))3 or OOM((Rs?)Rf?))3, wherein M is Si, Ge, or Sn, and wherein R1 and R2 are each independently the same or different H, an alkyl group, —SO2R3 or —C(O)R3, wherein R3 is an alkyl group or an aryl group, and wherein Rs and Rs? are each independently the same or different a spacer group, and wherein Rf and Rf? are each independently the same or different a fluorous group; carrying out a reaction to produce an organic product; and after producing the organic product, separating any excess of

Abstract: A method comprises reacting a compound of the general formula R14-mMOR3m wherein m is an integer from 2 to 4, R1 is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl or epoxy, and wherein R1 is nonfluorinated, or fully or partially fluorinated; OR3 is alkoxy; and M is an element selected from group 14 of the periodic table; with a compound of the general formula R2M1 wherein R2 is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl or epoxy, and wherein R2 is at least partially fluorinated; and M1 is an element from group I of the periodic table; so as to make a compound of the general formula R14-mMOR3m-1R2.

Abstract: An improved aqueous cathodic electrocoating composition having a binder of an epoxy-amine adduct which is an epoxy resin that has been reacted with an amine, a blocked polyisocyanate crosslinking agent and an organic or inorganic acid as the neutralizing agent for the epoxy amine adduct; where the improvement is a catalyst of an alkyl tin oxide that has been dissolved with an organic or inorganic acid to provide a clear cathodic electrocoating composition.

Abstract: A compound of the general formula: R1R2R4MR5, wherein R1, R2 and R4 are independently an aryl, alkyl, alkenyl or alkynyl group, wherein at least one of R1, R2 and R4 is fully or partially fluorinated, wherein M is selected from group 14 of the periodic table, and wherein R5 is either an alkoxy group, OR3, or a halogen group, X. This compound formed can be further reacted to attach an additional organic R group, and/or hydrolyzed with one or more similar compounds (preferably having one or two R groups bound to M), to form a material having a molecular weight of from 500 to 10,000, which material can be deposited on various substrates as a coating or deposited and patterned for a waveguide or other optical device components. Methods for making and using compounds of the general formula R1R2R4MR5 are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a non-aqueous electrolyte additive for improving safety and a lithium secondary battery comprising the same, and more particularly to a non-aqueous electrolyte additive that can improve cycle life and safety properties of a lithium ion secondary battery.

Abstract: A method comprises reacting a compound of the general formula R14-mMOR3m wherein m is an integer from 2 to 4, R1 is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl or epoxy, and wherein R1 is nonfluorinated, or fully or partially fluorinated; OR3 is alkoxy; and M is an element selected from group 14 of the periodic table; with a compound of the general formula R2M1 wherein R2 is selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl or epoxy, and wherein R2 is at least partially fluorinated; and M1 is an element from group I of the periodic table; so as to make a compound of the general formula R14-mMOR3m-1R2.

Abstract: A method comprises reacting a compound of the general formula R14-mMOR3m wherein m is an integer from 2 to 4, OR3 is an alkoxy group, and M is an element selected from group 14 of the periodic table; with a compound of the general formula R2X2+Mg, wherein X2 is Br or I; where R1 and R2 are independently selected from alkyl, alkenyl, aryl, alkynyl, or epoxy, and wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is partially or fully fluorinated; so as to make a compound of the general formula R2R14-mMOR3m-1; followed by reacting R2R14-mMOR3m-1 with a halogen or halogen compound in order to replace one or more OR3 groups with a halogen group so as to form R2R14-mMOR3m-1-nXn, where X is a halogen and n is from 1 to 3 and m<n—except where R1 is fluorinated phenyl, M is Si and OR3 is ethoxy.

Abstract: A compound of the general formula R1R2MR4R5 is disclosed wherein R1 and R2 are independently an aryl, alkyl, alkenyl, epoxy or alkynyl group, wherein at least one of R1 and R2 is fully or partially fluorinated, wherein M is selected from group 14 of the periodic table, wherein R4 and R5 are independently an alkoxy group, OR3, or a halogen group, X, except where M is Si, R4 and R5 are both ethoxy groups or both chlorine groups, and R1 and R2 are perfluorinated groups. This compound formed can be further reacted to attach an additional organic R group, and/or hydrolyzed, alone or with one or more similar compounds, to form a material having a molecular weight of from 500 to 10,000, which material can be deposited on various substrates as a coating or deposited and patterned for a waveguide or other optical device components. Methods for making compounds of the general formula R1MR4R5R6 are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel dendrimic compounds, to a method for the production thereof and to the use thereof as catalysts for the production of polymers, in particular to the use thereof as co-catalysts for metallocenes for polymerizing unsaturated compounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing water-soluble organotin catalysts by contacting organotin compounds with polyelectrolytes and, optionally, subsequently removing the water.

Abstract: This invention provides: (a) new organotin functionalized silanes: (b) a solid prepared by chemically bonding organotin functionalized silanes to a solid inorganic support containing surface hydroxy groups: (c) a solid catalyst prepared from said supported organotin functionalized silane; (d) a process for conducting esterification or transesterification, and urethane, urea, silicone, and amino forming reaction utilizing said solid supported catalyst; (e) a process of separating the solid supported catalyst from the reaction products employing ligand—solid separation techniques; (f) reuse of the solid supported catalyst after being separated from the reaction products; (g) a continuous esterification or transesterification reaction or urethane, urea, silicone, or amino forming reaction or urethane, urea, silicone, or amino forming reaction comprising passing reactants for a esterification or transesterification reaction or urethane, urea, silicone, or amino forming reaction or a urethane, urea, silicone

Abstract: Rubbery polymers made by anionic polymerization can be coupled with tin halides or silicon halides to improve the characteristics of the rubber for use in some applications, such as tire treads. In cases where the rubbery polymer is synthesized by anionic polymerization utilizing a polar modifier it is difficult to attain a high level of coupling.

Abstract: Organotin oxides are synthesized by reacting powdered tin metal with an alcohol at elevated temperatures on the order of about 200-400° C. Monoalkyltin, dialkyltin and trialkyltin oxides are produced in quantitative yields according to the method.

Abstract: Organotin oxides are synthesized by reacting powdered tin metal with an alcohol at elevated temperatures on the order of about 200-400° C. Dialkyltin oxides are produced in quantitative yields according to the method.

Abstract: This invention provides: (a) new organotin functionalized silanes: (b) a solid prepared by chemically bonding organotin functionalized silanes to a solid inorganic support containing surface hydroxy groups: (c) a solid catalyst prepared from said supported organotin functionalized silane; (d) a process for conducting esterification or transesterification, and urethane, urea, silicone, and amino forming reaction utilizing said solid supported catalyst; (e) a process of separating the solid supported catalyst from the reaction products employing ligand-solid separation techniques; (f) reuse of the solid supported catalyst after being separated from the reaction products; (g) a continuous esterification or transesterification reaction or urethane, urea, silicone, or amino form.

Abstract: The present invention provides several methods of synthesis and separation in which organic/fluorous phase separation techniques are used to effect separations. The present invention also provides novel compositions of matter comprising fluorous Si, Sn and Ge compounds.

Abstract: A very effective catalyst system for the polymerization or copolymerization of olefins comprises a cocatalyst, preferably an aluminoxane or a supported aluminoxane, and a metallocene of the formula I ##STR1## in which, in the preferred form, M.sup.1 in Zr or Hf, R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are halogen or alkyl, R.sup.3 is alkyl, R.sup.4 to R.sup.12 are alkyl or hydrogen and R.sup.13 is a (substituted) alkylene or heteroatom bridge. The metallocenes, in particular the zirconocenes, produce polymers of very high molecular weight, in the case of prochiral monomers polymers of very high molecular weight, very high stereotacticity and very high melting point, at high catalyst activities in the industrially particularly interesting temperature range between 50 and 80.degree. C. In addition, reactor deposits are avoided by means of supported catalyst systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst for transesterification comprising an organotin compound expressed by the following general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein, X, Y, and Z represent, respectively and independently, an alkoxyl group, alkylthio group, halogen atom, or alkyl group; where at least two groups among X, Y, and Z represent an alkoxyl group, alkylthio group, or halogen atom; R represents an organic chain; and R' represents a hydrogen atom, or alkyl group.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for carrying out a chemical reaction comprising the steps of forming an organic/fluorous solubilizing liquid phase comprising a solvent system. The solvent system is selected or adapted to substantially solubilize a fluorous reaction component or components (that is, a fluorous reagent, a fluorous catalyst and/or a fluorous reactant). The "fluorous reaction component" is functionalized to comprise at least one fluorous moiety having the formula -(R).sub.d (Rf).sub.e. (Rf).sub.e is at least one fluorous group and e is a whole number. (R).sub.d is an organic (for example, hydrocarbon) spacer group, which may be present or absent, and d is an integer equal to at least zero. The solvent system is also adapted to substantially solubilize an organic reaction component or components. After the reaction occurs in the organic/fluorous solubilizing liquid phase, a phase separation into at least a fluorous phase and an organic phase is effected.

Abstract: A process for making a catalyst product which comprises reacting dialkyltin oxide with an alcohol and the corresponding alkyl carbamate at a temperature in the range between about 160 to 190.degree. C. and at an autogenous pressure, wherein the catalyst product comprises dialkyltin dialkoxide in the range between about 50 to 100 mole % based on the tin species of the catalyst product.

Abstract: A process for making a catalyst product which comprises reacting dialkyltin oxide with an alcohol and the corresponding dialkyl carbonate at a temperature in the range between about 50.degree. to 200.degree. C. and at a pressure in the range between about 75 to 600 psi (0.52 to 4.14 MPa), wherein the catalyst product comprises dialkyltin dialkoxide in the range between about 90 to 100 mole % based on the tin species of the catalyst product. This process also forms effective catalyst product when the methanol is replaced with either a primary or secondary alcohol.

Abstract: An antimony and tin containing compound for passivating contaminant metals to which a catalyst is exposed during fluid catalytic cracking of hydrocarbons containing said contaminant metals, said compound having a composition as follows (R*).sub.x Sb(OSn(R**).sub.3).sub.n wherein R* and R** are aryl compounds having between 6 to 13 carbon atoms, wherein n=1, 2 or 3 and x=4 when n=1, x=3 when n=2, and x=0 when n=3.

Abstract: An organotin stabilizer mixture comprising: (a) monoalkyltin mercaptoalcohol (b) a monoalkyltin mercaptoacid ester; and (c) a monoalkyltin sulfide provides improved early color, lubricity, and weatherability to rigid vinyl polymer formulations. The formulation may also contain a monoalkyltin mercaptoalcohol ester as an optional component.

Abstract: Reaction products of dibutyl tin oxide with selected aromatic aminocarboxylic acids, a process for their preparation and their use as catalysts for the preparation of polyurethanes.

Abstract: Useful as catalysts for the reaction of a polyisocyanate or a partially blocked polyisocyanate with a hydroxy-containing compound are organotin compositions obtained by reacting a diorganotin oxide of the formula R.sub.2 SnO of a diorganotin dichloride of the formula R.sub.2 SnCl.sub.2 with a compound of the formula HS--CH.sub.2 CH(OH)CH.sub.2 XH where R is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.8 alkyl or an aryl group and X is --O-- or --S--.Also disclosed are cationic electrodepositable (CED) compositions containing such catalysts.

Abstract: An optically active pentane compound of the general formula (I): ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1 represents a lower alkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R.sub.2 represents a lower alkoxycarbonyl group having an alkoxy moiety of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, or a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having 1 to 7 carbon atoms which is unsubstituted or substituted with a hydroxy or protected hydroxy group, A represents a halogen atom, hydroxy, protected hydroxy, or ethynyl group, or a group of the formula ##STR2## B represents a hydrogen atom, hydroxy, protected hydroxy or acyloxy group, D represents a hydrogen atom, or A and B together can form an acetal or epoxy group, A and D together can form an ethylidene group, and B and D together can form a carbon-carbon direct bond, and a chiral central carbon atoms marked with symbols *, # and .thrfore. in said formula (I) alternatively have one of an R-configuration and an S-configuration.

Abstract: Optionally chelated tetracoordinated or pentacoordinated tin(IV) compounds having the general formula: ##STR1## are useful latent catalysts in compositions for the preparation of polyurethanes, or for the crosslinking of organopolysiloxanes, by increasing the temperature of appropriate reaction mixtures to a level above the decomposition temperature of such tin(IV) compound.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns novel compounds and methods for inhibiting the growth of microorganisms. Specifically, tin-containing polymers which are selectively active against Candida albicans are described. The invention further concerns a unique process for synthesizing the novel compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to (a) novel organogermanium compounds represented by the general formula (1) ##STR1## (R.sub.1 to R.sub.6 are independently a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; X is a halogen atom; and Y.sub.1 and Y.sub.2 are independently a hydroxyl group or a group chemically equivalent thereto) or by the general formula (2) ##STR2## (R.sub.1 to R.sub.6 are independently a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group, and Z is an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom), (b) processes for producing the above organogermanium compounds, and (c) an agent for inhibiting the activity of opioid peptide-degrading enzyme, containing the above organogermanium compounds as an active ingredient.

Abstract: A process which comprises extracting 1,3-diacyloxy-1,1,3,3-tetra(hydrocarbyl) distannoxane from a mixture containing 1,3-diacyloxy-1,1,3,3-tetra(hydrocarbyl)distannoxane, a sucrose-6-ester, and polar aprotic solvent, which process comprises the steps of:(a) contacting said mixture, in the presence of a small amount of water, with an organic solvent that is substantially immiscible with water to form thereby an extraction mixture, wherein the amount of water employed is sufficient to cause efficient partitioning of said 1,3-diacyloxy-1,1,3,3-tetra(hydrocarbyl)distannoxane from a first phase comprising said polar aprotic solvent into second phase comprising said organic solvent;(b) agitating the extraction mixture for a period of time and at a temperature sufficient to form thereby a two-phase mixture wherein the preponderance of the 1,3-diacyloxy-1,1,3,3-tetra(hydrocabyl)distannoxane in the extraction mixture is contained in said second phase and essentially all of the sucrose-6-ester in the extraction mixture

Abstract: A process is disclosed for preparing biaryl, bidentate ligands comprising:(1) contacting a biaryl compound having the structural formula: ##STR1## with a proton abstracting agent under conditions suitable to form a biaryl dianion, which is then(2) contacted with a Group V compound of the formula: ##STR2## where X' is halogen or a suitable leaving group.

Abstract: An organogermanium compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are hydrogen atom, alkyl, substituted alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl, and R.sub.5 is a radical of ##STR2## n is an integer of 2 or more, and R.sub.6 and R.sub.7 are hydrogen atom, alkyl, substituted alkyl, phenyl or substituted phenyl,a salt of the compound, a processs for the preparation of the compound as well as a use of the compound as an affective ingredient for pharmaceutical preparations.

Abstract: A bisindenyl derivate of the formula I ##STR1## (M.sup.1 =Si or Ge, R.sup.6 and R.sup.7 =unsubstituted or substituted idenyl radical)is obtained in very good yield by reacting a compound of the formula II ##STR2## (X=halogen) with a compound of the formula III or IVR.sup.6 -M.sup.2 (III) R.sup.7 -M.sup.2 (IV)(M.sup.2 =alkali metal)if, in the reaction, compound III or IV is added slowly to compound II.Compound I is suitable as a starting material for the preparation of metallocene catalyst components.

Abstract: The present invention provides (A) an organogermanium compound represented by the general formula (1) ##STR1## wherein X is a halogen atom and R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, or by the general formula (2) ##STR2## wherein X and Y are each a halogen atom and R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, or by the general formula (3-O), ##STR3## wherein R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, or by the general formula (3-S), ##STR4## wherein R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, or by the general formula (4-O), ##STR5## wherein R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, or by the general formula (4-S), ##STR6## wherein R is a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group or a phenyl group, and (B) a process for producing an organogermanium compound represented by each of the formulas (3-O), (3-S), (4-O) and (4-S).

Abstract: The present invention provides salts of organogermanium compounds expressed by the following Formual (a): ##STR1## (wherein M denotes an oxygen or sulfur atom; and R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 may be the same or different from each other and each denotes a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, or an aryl group) with compounds having basic groups, and medicines containing the salts such as biological response modifiers and antitumor agents.

Abstract: A process for the fractional production of alkyltin oxides which comprises the steps of:subjecting a mono-, di- or trialkyltin halide to continuous hydrolysis at a temperature between 30.degree. to 100.degree. C. for a period of 10 minutes to 3 hours by the use of a 1% to 50% aqueous solution of a basic substance, thereby forming in the hydrolysis reaction mixture a dialkyltin oxide having an average particle diameter of 10 .mu.m or more, provided that where an intended alkyltin oxide is solid, the continuous hydrolysis is performed in the presence of an organic solvent slightly soluble in water and having a boiling point as measured under ordinary pressure of 150.degree. C. or lower and a specific gravity of 1.1 or smaller;allowing the resulting reaction mixture to stand, thereby to form three phases composed of an organic phase, an aqueous phase, and a phase consisting substantially of the dialkyltin oxide and having a specific gravity 0.

Abstract: A compound of the formula: ##STR1## in which R.sup.1 represents alkyl, cycloalkyl or aralkyl, R* represents fluorophenyl or trifluoromethylphenyl when R.sup.1 is alkyl; R* represents dichlorophenyl, neopentyl, trimethylsilylmethyl, dimethylphenylsilylmethyl or a group of the formula: ##STR2## wherein R.sup.2 represents halogen, trifluoromethyl, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy when R.sup.1 is cycloalkyl; or R* represents 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, neopentyl, trimethylsilylmethyl, dimethylphenylsilylmethyl or a group of the formula: ##STR3## wherein R.sup.3, R.sup.4 and R.sup.5 independently represent halogen, trifluoromethyl, lower alkyl or lower alkoxy when R.sup.1 is aralkyl, m represents 1 or 2, and X represents halogen, imidazolyl, triazolyl, phenylthio or a radical selected from the group consisting of: ##STR4## wherein R.sup.6 represents alkyl, R.sup.7 and R.sup.8 independently represent lower alkyl and R.sup.9 and R.sup.