Patents by Inventor Alan Whitton

Alan Whitton has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Palladacycles, Their Preparation and Catalytic Processes Involving Their Use as Catalyst, Especially Catalytic Carbonylation Processes
    Publication number: 20080064892
    Abstract: The present invention relates to palladium compounds and their use as catalysts for improved catalytic processes. Specifically there is disclosed an improved catalytic carbonylation process and improved carbonylation catalysts. Catalysts in dimer form are also disclosed, as is their catalytic activity and methods of making the compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2005
    Publication date: March 13, 2008
    Applicant: HERIOT-WATT UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Peter Preston, William Lindsell, Alan Whitton, Daniel Palmer, Raymond Jones, Robin Fieldhouse
  • Chemical process
    Publication number: 20060163159
    Abstract: 3-Isochromanone is prepared by partially chlorinating o-tolylacetic acid with sulphuryl chloride or chlorine gas in an inert organic solvent in the presence of a free radical initiator. The 2-chloromethylphenylacetic acid first obtained is converted to 3-isochromanone by treatment with a base and separated from unreacted o-tolylacetic acid, which is in the form of a salt, by a phase separation technique. The separated o-tolylacetic acid salt is converted to o-tolylacetic acid by controlled acidification and the o-tolylacetic acid is extracted for re-use. The invention reduces the formation of unwanted, over-chlorinated by-products and leads to a more efficient process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2003
    Publication date: July 27, 2006
    Inventors: Raymond Jones, Alan Whitton, Colin Bennie, David Ritchie, Pascal Bugnon