Abstract: New process of producing alpha-hydroxy compounds from sustainable resources useful as platform chemicals, such as hydroxy analogues of amino acids or polymer precursors.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of suppressing hunger by lowering plasma ghrelin levels comprising administration of a compound to a human or animal body, wherein the compound is selected from: (i) (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate; (ii) an ester of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate; and (iii) an oligomer of (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate moieties; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt or solvate thereof. The invention also provides a method of administering such a compound in a dosage effective to reduce hunger in order that a cosmetically beneficial loss or maintenance of body weight occurs, wherein in the method, plasma ghrelin levels are lowered. The aforementioned compound is also provided for use in a method of treatment of the human or animal body wherein the compound is administered and hunger is suppressed by lowering of plasma ghrelin levels. The compound is particularly useful for subjects having conditions associated with overeating, such as overweight, obese, severely obese patients or diabetic patients.

Abstract: A fragrance composition comprising a compound represented by Formula (1): wherein, in Formula (1), R represents a linear, branched, or cyclic alkyl group having 2 to 6 carbon atoms.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing alkyl hydroxyalkanoate from hydroxy carboxylic acid recovery bottoms. The methods generally comprise the steps of obtaining a hydroxy carboxylic acid recovery bottom, adding a mono-alcohol to the hydroxy carboxylic acid recovery bottom to obtain a first mixture, heating the first mixture in the presence of a catalyst to form a reaction product, distilling the reaction product, and recovering an alkyl hydroxyalkanoate fraction.

Abstract: Provided is a method of efficiently preparing alkyl lactate from by-products which are generated during a process of converting lactic acid into lactide, or from poly(lactic acid) (PLA).

Abstract: A continuous flow process for the preparation of one or more esters of lactic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-butenoic acid or ?-hydroxy methionine analogs from a sugar in the presence of a solid Lewis acid catalyst and a solvent comprising an organic solvent and water. The invention facilitates Lewis acid catalyst stability in a continuous reaction process where the water is present in an amount of up to or equal to 10 vol. % of the organic solvent.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for producing organic compounds, such as esters, from an organic feedstock that includes at least one of a biopolymer or a lipid. The method includes heating the feedstock in the presence of a solid catalyst, such as a solid, inorganic Lewis acid catalyst, and reaction medium that includes an alcohol. At least certain ester products have an ester group corresponding to a substituent of the alcohol.

Abstract: Provided in one embodiment includes a multi-fully alloyed powder that provides a wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant coating on a substrate when applied by a thermal spraying process. The coating exhibits desirable hardness, toughness, and bonding characteristics in a highly dense coating that is suitable for a wide range of temperatures. The embodiment provides a method of forming a coating, the method comprising: providing a substrate; and disposing onto the substrate a coating, comprising: a powder-containing composition comprising an alloy, the alloy comprising a solid solution comprising nickel, and a first component comprising at least one transition metal element and at least one nonmetal element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for continuously preparing di-C1-3-alkyl succinates by reacting succinic acid with an C1-3-alkanol in the presence of a fixed-bed heterogeneous acidic esterification catalyst in a tubular reactor at a temperature in the range of from 60 to 100° C., wherein a mixture, comprising succinic acid, C1-3-alkanol, mono-C1-3-alkyl succinate, di-C1-3-alkyl succinate and water, is formed in a mixing stage and fed to the entrance of the tubular reactor, and wherein 5 to 75% of the outlet flow rate of the tubular reactor are recycled directly to the mixing stage as a recycle stream, and the molar ratio of C1-3-alkanol to succinic acid added to the mixing zone, and not including the C1-3-alkanol and succinic acid at the recycle stream, being in the range of from 2.0 to 9.5.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of lactic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-butenoic acid or esters thereof from a sugar in the presence of a metallo-silicate material, a metal ion and a solvent, wherein the metal ion is selected from one or more of the group consisting of potassium ions, sodium ions, lithium ions, rubidium ions and caesium ions.

Abstract: The disclosed methods for preparing and isolating carboxylic esters ensure a high product purity and minimize technical complexity. These methods are based on the reaction of a carboxylic acid with an alcohol in an aqueous medium. In some examples, the alcohol is used both for the esterification and for the precipitation of the salts, preferably ammonium salts, formed in the synthesis.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing alkyl hydroxyalkanoate from hydroxy carboxylic acid recovery bottoms. The methods generally comprise the steps of obtaining a hydroxy carboxylic acid recovery bottom, adding a mono-alcohol to the hydroxy carboxylic acid recovery bottom to obtain a first mixture, heating the first mixture in the presence of a catalyst to form a reaction product, distilling the reaction product, and recovering an alkyl hydroxyalkanoate fraction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous method for the preparation of (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid from an aqueous solution of lactic acid and acetic anhydride, in acetic acid. (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid is used for the preparation of (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid chloride, an essential intermediate compound for the preparation of lopamidol and has to be industrially produced with high purity and suitable quality for producing lopamidol according to the Pharmacopoeia requirements. The continuous process according to the invention, comprises therefore also the chlorination steps of (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid with thionyl chloride to give the corresponding (S)-2-acetyloxypropionic acid chloride which is further distilled to give the suitable purity characteristics for its use for the preparation of non-ionic iodinated contrast agents as lopamidol.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of lactic acid and 2-hydroxy-3-butenoic acid or esters thereof from a sugar in the presence of a metallo-silicate material, a metal ion and a solvent, wherein the metal ion is selected from one or more of the group consisting of potassium ions, sodium ions, lithium ions, rubidium ions and caesium ions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for obtaining a catalyst of high activity based on a mixture of supports, more specifically, the mixture of supports being Al2O3 plus MgCl2, intended for the production of polyolefins. The catalyst of the present invention involves the use of a spherical support based on special alumina that serves as a porous matrix, which is impregnated, by precipitation, with magnesium chloride by dissolving the latter in ethers and/or alcohols.

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a 4-hydroxybutyrate, 1,4-butanediol, or other product pathway and being capable of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, 1,4-butanediol, or other product, wherein the microbial organism comprises one or more genetic modifications. The invention additionally provides methods of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, 1,4-butanediol, or other product or related products using the microbial organisms.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods that utilize polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) as a substrate for further conversion to C4 and C5 compounds. Polyhydroxyalkanoates can undergo esterification to yield alkyl hydroxyalkanoates and alkyl alkenoates, which may serve as useful precursors in the production of alkadienes and alkenedioic acids, including for example butadiene and butenedioic acid.

Abstract: A catalyst for synthesis of lactic acid and it derivatives is provided. The catalyst includes SnY2.mH2O and at least one of NH4X or quaternary ammonium salts, wherein X and Y are selected from F—, Cl—, Br—, I—, CH3SO3—, C6H5SO3—, CH3C6H4SO3— or CN—, m represents an integer of 1 to 15. A method for synthesis of lactic acid and it derivatives with the above catalyst is also provided. By using the above catalyst and method, it is capable of converting carbohydrate-containing raw material to lactic acid and its derivatives directly in a more efficient and economical way.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a method for preparing alkyl lactate with high yield and high selectivity, comprising the step of reacting glycerol with water or alcohol in the presence of a catalyst. In addition, the present invention provides a method for efficiently preparing lactamide using the alkyl lactate.

Abstract: An alternative method for efficiently producing lactic acids from a carbohydrate-containing raw material such as cellulose is provided. The method for producing lactic acid and/or lactic acid ester comprises performing heat treatment on a carbohydrate-containing raw material in a solvent containing a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of a tin compound, an indium compound, and a rhenium compound, and the solvent contains water and/or alcohol.

Abstract: A method for making an alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate is provided. The method can include reacting an alkyl alcohol with diketene to form an alkyl acetoacetate and then hydrogenating the alkyl acetoacetate to form the alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate. The method of the present invention may also include separating one or more impurities an alkyl acetoacetate stream and subjecting the purified acetoacetate mixture to hydrogenation to form the alkyl 3-hydroxybutyrate. Methods of the present invention can be carried out on a lab, pilot, or commercial scale.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of one or more oligomers of lactic acid or a lactic acid oligomeric product for the prophylaxis and/or treatment of a disease or condition that benefits from an acidic environment, especially a gynaecological infection including a bacterial infection such as bacterial vaginosis, unspecific colpitis, senile colpitis, cervicitis, and urethritis, a fungal infection, such as candidosis (Candida albicans), cryptococcosis, actinomycosis, or a viral infection, such as Human Immunodefiency Virus (HIV), Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV).

Abstract: [Problem] To provide a novel antimicrobial agent that has excellent antimicrobial activity and which is prepared from an ester composed of propanediol and a ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid. [Solution] An antimicrobial agent which is prepared from a propanediol mono-?-hydroxycarboxylic acid ester expressed by the following formula (1) or formula (2) (wherein R1 and R2 are both branched or unbranched, and saturated or unsaturated alkyl groups having 5 to 9 carbon atoms).

Abstract: The invention provides non-naturally occurring microbial organisms having a 4-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutanal, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or putrescine pathway and being capable of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, wherein the microbial organism comprises one or more genetic modifications. The invention additionally provides methods of producing 4-hydroxybutyrate, gamma-butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, 4-hydroxybutanal, 4-hydroxybutyryl-CoA and/or putrescine or related products using the microbial organisms.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel derivatives of 4-hydroxybutyric acid and prodrugs thereof, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts of the foregoing. This invention also provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising a compound of this invention and the use of such compositions in methods of treating narcolepsy, fibromyalgia, other disorders or conditions that are beneficially treated by improving nocturnal sleep or by administering sodium oxybate.

Abstract: A process for producing high purity 3-hydroxypropionic acid from a fermentation cell broth is described. The 3-hydroxypropionic acid can be converted to a variety of products, such as acrylamide, 3-hydroxypropionic esters, acrylic esters, and 3-HP amide. This process features a high degree of product flexibility, limited or no solvent recycle, discrete waste streams, an efficient water removal process, and efficient recovery of products and solvents with proven and scalable equipment.

Abstract: A method is provided for treating a subject in need of therapy for depression, anxiety, impaired cognition and/or pain comprising administering to said subject an amount of a ketogenic material sufficient to produce a ketosis in the subject sufficient to provide anti-depressant effect, cognition enhancing and/or analgesic effect. Preferred materials produce a ketosis is such that the total concentration of acetoacetate and (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate in the blood of the subject is raised to between 0.1 and 30 mM.

Abstract: Preparation of derivatives of ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid, including ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid esters, ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, esters of ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and alkoxy derivatives, such as preparation of acrylic acid from 3-hydroxypropionic acid.

Abstract: A method for synthesis of lactic acid and its derivatives is provided. First, a mixture is prepared, which includes: at least one carbohydrate-containing raw material, at least one alcohol, at least one composite catalyst containing metal chloride(s) (MCln) and tin-containing compound(s), and at least one solvent, wherein M is selected from a group consisting of Li+, Na+ K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ga3+, In3+, Sb3+, Bi3+, Cr3+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+, and n represents 1, 2 or 3. Then, the mixture is heated to obtain lactic acid and its derivatives. By using the above catalyst and method, it is capable of converting carbohydrate-containing raw material to lactic acid and its derivatives directly in a more efficient and economical way.

Abstract: An organosolv process for producing bio-products by decomposing lignocellulosic materials comprises providing an initial lignin solvent with water, an acid, and a lignin dissolving chemical comprising at least one of an organic ester, butyl acetate, an organic furan, and furfural. The process also includes placing the lignin solvent in contact with a biomass to form a circulation solvent, and recycling at least a portion of the circulation solvent by circulating the circulation solvent back into contact with the biomass. The circulating of the circulation solvent occurs for a period of time, after which, the process then includes separating material such as chemicals and lignin from the circulation solvent. The chemicals can be recycled as new solvent or sold while lignin can be used as natural and renewable colorant for polymers such as poly lactic acid.

Abstract: A compound which is 3-hydroxybutyl 3-hydroxybutyrate enantiomerically enriched with respect to (3R)-hydroxybutyl (3R)-hydroxybutyrate of formula (I) is an effective and palatable precursor to the ketone body (3R)-hydroxybutyrate and may therefore be used to treat a condition which is caused by, exacerbated by or associated with elevated plasma levels of free fatty acids in a human or animal subject, for instance a condition where weight loss or weight gain is implicated, or to promote alertness or improve cognitive function, or to treat, prevent or reduce the effects of neurodegeneration, free radical toxicity, hypoxic conditions or hyperglycaemia.

Abstract: Provided are stable compositions comprising alkylating agents, including nitrogen mustards, that are suitable for topical use, and methods for treating skin disorders comprising topically administering the compositions.

Abstract: Provided is a process for producing ?-hydroxycarboxylic esters from ?-hydroxycarboxylic amides and aliphatic alcohols, wherein it is a production process which is inhibited in a production cost and enhanced in a conversion rate and a selectivity and which is industrially advantageous. To be specific, it is a production process for ?-hydroxycarboxylic ester characterized by subjecting ?-hydroxycarboxylic amide and aliphatic alcohol to a gas phase reaction in the presence of a zirconium dioxide catalyst. A catalyst lifetime is improved to a large extent by using a zirconium dioxide catalyst containing a specific element.

Abstract: Provided are processes for preparing polytrimethylene ether glycol monoester or diesters composition wherein polytrimethylene ether glycol containing less than about 1 weight % of unreacted diol monomer is reacted with an equivalent excess of a monocarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for preparing alpha-hydroxycarboxylic esters by reacting at least one alpha-hydroxycarboxamide present in the liquid phase with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst, which is characterized in that the resulting alpha-hydroxycarboxylic ester is at least partly separated from the reaction mixture via the gas phase.

Abstract: ?-Hydroxycarboxylic esters and ?-lactones which are suitable as flavors can be prepared by electrochemical reductive cross-coupling of ?,?-unsaturated esters with carbonyl compounds in an undivided electrolysis cell having a cathode composed of lead, lead alloys, cadmium, cadmium alloys, mercury, steel, glassy carbon or boron-doped diamonds and a basic aqueous electrolyte comprising an electrolyte salt which suppresses the cathodic formation of hydrogen.

Abstract: The dehydrated alkali metal salts of carboxylic acid are dissolved in the alcohol such as methanol or ethanol or butanol to make their solution in corresponding alcohol. The solution alcohol is further treated with carbon dioxide under pressure or at atmospheric pressure at elevated temperature such as 150 to 200° C. The carboxylic acid gets converted into corresponding alkyl ester and calcium carbonate or sodium carbonate or potassium carbonate as the byproduct. Calcium lactate or sodium lactate or sodium acetate or sodium benzoate or sodium salicylate as alkali metal salt solution prepared in methanol or ethanol or butanol when treated with carbon dioxide under pressure or at atmospheric pressure at elevated temperature gets converted to methyl lactate or ethyl lactate or methyl acetate or methyl benzoate or methyl salicylate as product.

Abstract: A compound which is 3-hydroxybutyl 3-hydroxybutyrate enantiomerically enriched with respect to (3R)-hydroxybutyl (3R)-hydroxybutyrate of formula (I) is an effective and palatable precursor to the ketone body (3R)-hydroxybutyrate and may therefore be used to treat a condition which is caused by, exacerbated by or associated with elevated plasma levels of free fatty acids in a human or animal subject, for instance a condition where weight loss or weight gain is implicated, or to promote alertness or improve cognitive function, or to treat, prevent or reduce the effects of neurodegeneration, free radical toxicity, hypoxic conditions or hyperglycaemia.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing lactic acid and lactate is invented from carbohydrates, such as monosaccharides and/or polysaccharides in the presence of the catalyst that is the combinations of nitrogen-heterocycle aromatic ring cation salts and metal compounds. In the reaction, at least one alcohol and at least one solvent are used. Specifically, in the presence of [SnCl4-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl)], SnCl4-1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate ([DMIM]CH3SO4)], [SnCl2-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl)], or SnCl2-1,3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate ([DMIM]CH3SO4)] in methanol.

Abstract: A process for producing high purity 3-hydroxypropionic acid from a fermentation cell broth is described. The 3-hydroxypropionic acid can be converted to a variety of products, such as acrylamide, 3-hydroxypropionic esters, acrylic esters, and 3-HP amide. This process features a high degree of product flexibility, limited or no solvent recycle, discrete waste streams, an efficient water removal process, and efficient recovery of products and solvents with proven and scalable equipment.

Abstract: A method of using organic compounds and providing slow release flavoring in or for food products wherein flavor precursors are added to flavor compositions and/or food products and release flavor compounds upon consumption of the food products, and novel flavor precursor compounds. The flavor precursors can be prepared from mono- and/or diglycerides and lactone flavor compounds.

Abstract: Alpha-hydroxycarboxylic esters are prepared by a continuous process in which alpha-hydroxycarboxamide is reacted with an alcohol in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a product mixture which contains alpha-hydroxycarboxylic ester, ammonia, unconverted alpha-hydroxycarboxamide and alcohol, and catalyst; wherein reactant streams containing an alpha-hydroxycarboxamide, an alcohol and a catalyst are fed into a pressure reactor. The reactant streams are reacted with one another in the pressure reactor at a pressure in the range of 1 bar to 100 bar; and the product mixture is depleted in alcohol and ammonia by distilling off ammonia at a pressure which is constantly kept greater than 1 bar without the aid of additional stripping media. The continuous process can be employed particularly advantageously on the industrial scale.

Abstract: Provided are processes for preparing polytrimethylene ether glycol monoester or diesters composition wherein polytrimethylene ether glycol containing less than about 1 weight % of unreacted diol monomer is reacted with an equivalent excess of a monocarboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an industrial process for producing a lactic ester containing in total at least seven carbon atoms, from a fermentation liquor containing ammonium lactate in order to avoid the inherent production of gypsum, with a high yield and according to which the loss of lactic ester in the form of lactamide is limited as much as possible.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing lactic acid and lactate is invented from carbohydrates, such as monosaccharides and/or polysaccharides in the presence of the catalyst that is the combinations of nitrogen-heterocycle aromatic ring cation salts and metal compounds. In the reaction, at least one alcohol and at least one solvent are used. Specifically, in the presence of [SnCl4-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl)], SnCl4-1, 3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate ([DMIM] CH3SO4)], [SnCl2-1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride ([EMIM]Cl)], or SnCl2-1, 3-dimethylimidazolium methyl sulfate ([DMIM] CH3SO4)] in methanol.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chiral spiro-pyridylamidophosphine ligand compound, synthesis method therefor and application thereof. The chiral spiro-pyridylamidophosphine compound is a compound having a structure of Formula (I), a racemate or optical isomer thereof, or a catalytically acceptable salt thereof, and is mainly characterized by having a chiral spiro-dihydro-indene skeleton in its structure. The chiral spiro-pyridylamidophosphine compound may be synthesized with optical active 7-diaryl/alkylphosphino-7?-amino-1,1?-spiro-dihydro-indene or substituted 7-diaryl/alkylphosphino-7?-amino-1,1?-spiro-dihydro-indene having a spiro-skeleton as chiral starting material. The chiral spiro-pyridylamidophosphine compound may be used as a chiral ligand in asymmetric hydrogenation of a carbonyl compound catalyzed by iridium, in which the reaction activity is very high, the amount of the catalyst may be 0.0001 mol %, and the enantioselectivity of the reaction is up to 99.9% ee.

Abstract: An alternative method for efficiently producing lactic acids from a carbohydrate-containing raw material such as cellulose is provided. The method for producing lactic acid and/or lactic acid ester comprises performing heat treatment on a carbohydrate-containing raw material in a solvent containing a catalyst, wherein the catalyst is at least one type of compound selected from the group consisting of a tin compound, an indium compound, and a rhenium compound, and the solvent contains water and/or alcohol.

Abstract: Preparation of derivatives of ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid, including ?-hydroxycarboxylic acid esters, ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, esters of ?,?-unsaturated carboxylic acid, and alkoxy derivatives.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) and compounds of formula I, and their use in the treatment and/or prevention of diseases and disorders.

Abstract: Highly efficient methods are provided for preparing key intermediates in the synthesis of epothilones and use new alane reagents which are broadly applicable and can provide selected components having a variety of substituents groups.