Abstract: A process is disclosed for the generation of energy achieved when an ionic hydride or deuteride is heated with certain elements capable of forming a covalent hydride or deuteride respectively.

Abstract: The present invention provides solutions and methods to decompose nitrogen-based energetic materials. The solution is an aqueous solution comprising a water soluble carbohydrate and having a pH greater than 7.0. The solution may optionally include a base. Pure or contaminated nitrogen-based energetic material is exposed to the solution at mild conditions and may be heated to enhance decomposition. The products and by products of the decomposition are water soluble and non-explosive. The solution provides a useful, convenient, and inexpensive method to decompose large quantities of otherwise dangerous energetic material.

Abstract: Methods for synthesis of chemical compounds by catalytic transfer hydrogenation comprise forming a mixture of a starting material, a hydrogen donor material and a catalyst. The catalyst is selected from a catalytic form of carbon, a polyethylene glycol phase transfer agent, and mixtures thereof. The mixture is heated at a temperature of from 30.degree. to 400.degree. C. in the presence of at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound to cause reduction of the starting material by catalytic transfer hydrogenation and form the desired chemical compound product.

Abstract: Methods for synthesis of chemical compounds by catalytic transfer hydrogenation comprise forming a mixture of a starting material, a hydrogen donor material and a catalyst. The catalyst is selected from a catalytic form of carbon, a polyethylene glycol phase transfer agent, and mixtures thereof. The mixture is heated at a temperature of from 30.degree. to 400.degree. C. in the presence of at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound to cause reduction of the starting material by catalytic transfer hydrogenation and form the desired chemical compound product.

Abstract: Methods for synthesis of chemical compounds by catalytic transfer hydrogenation comprise forming a mixture of a starting material, a hydrogen donor material and a catalyst. The catalyst is selected from a catalytic form of carbon, a polyethylene glycol phase transfer agent, and mixtures thereof. The mixture is heated at a temperature of from 30.degree. to 400.degree. C. in the presence of at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound to cause reduction of the starting material by catalytic transfer hydrogenation and form the desired chemical compound product.

Abstract: Methods for synthesis of chemical compounds by catalytic transfer hydrogenation comprise forming a mixture of a starting material, a hydrogen donor material and a catalyst. The catalyst is selected from a catalytic form of carbon, a polyethylene glycol phase transfer agent, and mixtures thereof. The mixture is heated at a temperature of from 30.degree. to 400.degree. C. in the presence of at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound to cause reduction of the starting material by catalytic transfer hydrogenation and form the desired chemical compound product.

Abstract: Methods for synthesis of chemical compounds by catalytic transfer hydrogenation comprise forming a mixture of a starting material, a hydrogen donor material and a catalyst. The catalyst is selected from a catalytic form of carbon, a polyethylene glycol phase transfer agent, and mixtures thereof. The mixture is heated at a temperature of from 30.degree. to 400.degree. C. in the presence of at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal compound to cause reduction of the starting material by catalytic transfer hydrogenation and form the desired chemical compound product.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an alkali or alkaline earth metal carbonate, bicarbonate or hydroxide to the contaminated medium in an aqueous solution or in a solvent having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C., or in the form of a solid dispersion or suspension. The medium includes a hydrogen donor compound. The hydrogen donor compound may be originally contained in the medium or may be added to the medium. The medium further includes a catalytic source of carbon, for example, a carabohydrate, which will cause formation of a free radical hydrogen ion from the hydrogen donor compound. The medium is heated to dehydrate the medium and then is further heated at a temperature between about 200.degree. and 400.degree. C. to cause formation of the free radical hydrogen ion and effect reductive decomposition of the halogenated and non-halogenated organic contaminant compounds.

Abstract: A method for the decomposition of halogenated organic compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an alkali metal carbonate or bicarbonate to the contaminated medium in an aqueous solution or in a solvent having a boiling point of at least 200.degree. C., or in the form of a solid dispersion or suspension. The medium is heated to dehydrate the medium and then is further heated at a temperature between about 250.degree. and 400.degree. C. to effect decomposition of the halogenated organic compounds. An acid is then added to the medium in an amount sufficient to neutralize the same.

Abstract: A method for the destruction of halogenated organic compounds contained in a contaminated medium comprises adding an aqueous solution of polyethylene glycol to the contaminated medium in an amount to provide from about 0.1 to about 20 weight percent of polyethylene glycol, based on the weight of the contaminated medium. An alkali metal hydroxide is then added in an amount of from about 2 to about 20 weight percent, based on the weight of the contaminated medium. The medium is then heated to substantially dehydrate the medium and then further heated at a temperature between about 100.degree. and 350.degree. C. to effect destruction of the halogenated organic compounds. An acid is then added to the medium in an amount sufficient to neutralize the same.

Abstract: Method for the total dehydrohalogenation of halogenated compounds. The method includes providing a reaction mixture by dissolving an alkali metal hydroxide in a molar excess of an ethylene glycol to form an alkali metal glycolate and reacting the halogenated organic compound with the alkali metal glycolate. In halogenated compounds having one carbon, carbon dioxide is the reaction product. In those having more than one carbon, acetylene is formed. The preferred ethylene glycol is tetraethylene glycol and the preferred alkali metal is potassium hydroxide. The method is particularly useful for disposing of toxic halogenated compounds which make up soil contaminants, like ethylene dibromide.