Abstract: This invention relates to processes for making bio-based renewable oils from non-food biomass sources. Such renewable oils are used for cosmetics formulations. More specifically, disclosed are processes of preparation of furan-based compounds of the formula: (R1-A)a—CH(R2)—CH2—CH(R3)(A-R1)b wherein: a and b are independently 1 or 2 and 0 or 1; A is: independently an unsaturated, a partially hydrogenated, or a fully hydrogenated saturated fur an ring; —(CH2)4—; a saturated fur an ring-opened moiety containing a hydroxyl or a ketonic group: —CH2—CH2—CH2—CH2—OH or —CH2—CH2—CH2—CH?O; or a partially saturated furan-ring opened moiety containing a hydroxyl or a ketonic group: —CH2—CH2—CH?CH—OH or —CH2—CH?CH—CH?O where the position of the double bond is anywhere within the chain; R1, R2, and R3 are: independently selected from H, a furan ring, a tetrahydrofuran ring and alkyl groups having carbon atoms of 1 to 18; and the total carbon content of the compound is from 10 to 40.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a bio-based copolymer comprising in polymerized form (i) at least one polymerizable bio-based monomer containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass, and (ii) at least one ion-conducting co-monomer other than the bio-based monomer. Also disclosed herein are binders comprising the bio-based copolymer, electrodes comprising the binder, polymer electrolytes comprising the bio-based copolymer and an electrochemical device comprising an electrode in electrical contact with a polymer electrolyte, wherein at least one of the electrode and the polymer electrolyte comprises the bio-based copolymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making polymerizable bio-based monomers containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass. Also disclosed herein are bio-based copolymers prepared from such bio-based monomers and a co-monomer, and methods of making and using such bio-based copolymers. In particular, the bio-based copolymers can be used as pressure sensitive adhesives, binders, and polymer electrolytes.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are lubricant compositions containing 75-99% by weight of a base oil that includes one or more branched aliphatic compounds having the following formula: R1R2HC—CH2—CHR3R4 (I) wherein R1 and R3 are independently selected from alkyl groups having 8 to 26 carbon atoms, and R2 and R4 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl groups having 5 to 7 carbon atoms, with a proviso that at least one of R2 and R4 is not hydrogen. The alkyl groups are substituted or unsubstituted, or branched or unbranched; R1 and R3 may be the same or different; and the total carbon content of the branched aliphatic compound of formula (I) is in the range of 26 to 66. The lubricant compositions also include an effective amount of one or more additives. Also, disclosed herein are processes for making such compositions and their uses in pharmaceutical and personal care products.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are processes for the preparation of compounds of formula (I) from one or more bio-derived reactants, and their use as base oils: (R1-A)b-(CHx)a(CHR2)m—(C(R4R5))n—(CHR3)o—(CHy)c-(A-R1?)d??(I) wherein a and c are independently 0 or 1, b and d are independently 1 or 2, x and y are independently 1 or 2, dependent upon the values of a-d, m and o are independently 0 or 1, n is an integer of 0-6, and each A is independently an unsaturated furan ring, a partially saturated furan ring, a saturated furan ring, or —(CH2)4—. Also, R1, R1?, R2, R3, R4 and R5 are independently selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl groups having 1 to 18 carbon atoms, with a proviso that at least one of R2, R3, R4, and R5 is not hydrogen, and the total carbon content of the compound of formula (I) is in the range of 20-62.

Abstract: Compounds, including chelated compounds, which may be used for the delivery of nutrients and micronutrients to plants are provided. In addition, processes for preparing such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for delivering nutrients and micronutrients to plants with such compounds are provided.

Abstract: A method of converting a lignocellulosic biomass to monosaccharides, and optionally further converting the monosaccharides to one or both of furfural and HMF, includes contacting the biomass with a reactive liquid phase comprising LiBr, H2SO4, and water, wherein H2SO4 preferably constitutes at most 1.0 wt %, more preferably at most 0.5 wt %, and most preferably at most 0.1 wt % of the reactive liquid phase, and water preferably constitutes at most at most 60 wt %, more preferably at most 50 wt %, and most preferably at most 30 wt % of the reactive liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for in-situ preparation of metal oxide(s) comprising the step of precipitating a metal salt solution with Fehling's reagent B and glucose at a suitable temperature. The metal oxide(s) prepared according to the present invention can be used for diverse applications including their utility as catalyst(s) in one or more reactions. The present invention further provides a highly selective bi-functional hybrid catalyst for direct conversion of syn-gas to dimethyl ether (DME) and methods of preparation thereof. The one or more metal oxide(s) can be directly obtained from the metal precursors following the method(s) of the present invention instead of metal hydroxides as in conventional known methods, thereby eliminating the necessity of high temperature calcination step(s) and rigorous reduction procedure(s).

Abstract: A method of converting a lignocellulosic biomass to monosaccharides, and optionally further converting the monosaccharides to one or both of furfural and HMF, includes contacting the biomass with a reactive liquid phase comprising LiBr, H2SO4. and water, wherein H2SO4 preferably constitutes at most 1.0 wt %, more preferably at most 0.5 wt %, and most preferably at most 0.1 wt % of the reactive liquid phase, and water preferably constitutes at most at most 60 wt %, more preferably at most 50 wt %, and most preferably at most 30 wt % of the reactive liquid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of making polymerizable bio-based monomers containing one phenolic hydroxyl group which has been derivatized to provide at least one polymerizable functional group which is an ethylenically unsaturated functional group (such as a [meth]acrylate group), where the precursors of the polymerizable bio-based monomers are derived from raw lignin-containing biomass. Also disclosed herein are bio-based copolymers prepared from such bio-based monomers and a co-monomer, and methods of making and using such bio-based copolymers. In particular, the bio-based copolymers can be used as pressure sensitive adhesives, binders, and polymer electrolytes.

Abstract: Compounds, including chelated compounds, which may be used for the delivery of nutrients and micronutrients to plants are provided. In addition, processes for preparing such compounds, compositions comprising such compounds, and methods for delivering nutrients and micronutrients to plants with such compounds are provided.

Abstract: Described herein are processes for one-step delignification and hydrodeoxygenation of lignin fraction a biomass feedstock. The lignin feedstock is derived from by-products of paper production and biorefineries. Additionally described is a process for converting biomass-derived oxygenates to lower oxygen-content compounds and/or hydrocarbons in the liquid or vapor phase in a reactor system containing hydrogen and a catalyst comprised of a hydrogenation function and/or an oxophilic function and/or an acid function. Finally, also described herein is a process for converting biomass-derived oxygenates to lower oxygen-content compounds and/or hydrocarbons in the liquid or vapor phase in a reactor system containing hydrogen and a catalyst comprised of a hydrogenation function and/or an oxophilic function and/or an acid function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for in-situ preparation of metal oxide(s) comprising the step of precipitating a metal salt solution with Fehling's reagent B and glucose at a suitable temperature. The metal oxide(s) prepared according to the present invention can be used for diverse applications including their utility as catalyst(s) in one or more reactions. The present invention further provides a highly selective bi-functional hybrid catalyst for direct conversion of syn-gas to dimethyl ether (DME) and methods of preparation thereof. The one or more metal oxide(s) can be directly obtained from the metal precursors following the method(s) of the present invention instead of metal hydroxides as in conventional known methods, thereby eliminating the necessity of high temperature calcination step(s) and rigorous reduction procedure(s).

Abstract: Described herein are processes for one-step delignification and hydrodeoxygenation of lignin fraction a biomass feedstock. The lignin feedstock is derived from by-products of paper production and biorefineries. Additionally described is a process for converting biomass-derived oxygenates to lower oxygen-content compounds and/or hydrocarbons in the liquid or vapor phase in a reactor system containing hydrogen and a catalyst comprised of a hydrogenation function and/or an oxophilic function and/or an acid function. Finally, also described herein is a process for converting biomass-derived oxygenates to lower oxygen-content compounds and/or hydrocarbons in the liquid or vapor phase in a reactor system containing hydrogen and a catalyst comprised of a hydrogenation function and/or an oxophilic function and/or an acid function.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the epoxidation of an olefinic compound with an oxidant, which process comprises reaction of an olefinic compound with an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst in an apparatus that comprises a reactive distillation column, which column comprises (i) a reactive section, which comprises the catalyst (ii) a rectifying section situated above the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of reagents and/or by-products from products (vii) a stripping section situated below the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of product from reagents and/or by-products (viii) a vessel situated below the stripping section and adapted to provide a source of heat for the column and in which initial vaporization of one or more of the reagents can occur, wherein the temperature in the reactive section (i) is a temperature at which the reaction between the olefinic compound and the oxidant takes place and the temperature in the stripping section (iii) is hi

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a method of producing a silylated polyoxyalkylene polymer having at least one crosslinkable silyl group and at least one hydroxyl group in each molecule. The method comprises providing a polyoxyalkylene polymer having at least one unsaturated group and at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group in each molecule, wherein the polyoxyalkylene polymer includes an impurity double metal cyanide complex mixed therein, and wherein the polyoxyalkylene polymer has not been treated with a metal-coordinating compound; and adding to the polyoxyalkylene polymer a compound having a hydrogen-silicon bond and a crosslinkable silyl group in each molecule and a hydrosilylation catalyst to thereby carry out a hydrosilylation reaction, wherein the hydrosilyation reaction is performed in an absence of a metal-coordinating compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the epoxidation of an olefinic compound with an oxidant, which process comprises reaction of an olefinic compound with an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst in an apparatus that comprises a reactive distillation column, which column comprises (i) a reactive section, which comprises the catalyst (ii) a rectifying section situated above the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of reagents and/or by-products from products (vii) a stripping section situated below the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of product from reagents and/or by-products (viii) a vessel situated below the stripping section and adapted to provide a source of heat for the column and in which initial vaporisation of one or more of the reagents can occur, wherein the temperature in the reactive section (i) is a temperature at which the reaction between the olefinic compound and the oxidant takes place and the temperature in the stripping section (iii)

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the epoxidation of an olefinic compound with an oxidant, which process comprises reaction of an olefinic compound with an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst in an apparatus that comprises a reactive distillation column, which column comprises (i) a reactive section, which comprises the catalyst (ii) a rectifying section situated above the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of reagents and/or by-products from products (ix) a stripping section situated below the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of product from reagents and/or by-products (x) a vessel situated below the stripping section and adapted to provide a source of heat for the column and in which initial vaporization of one or more of the reagents can occur, wherein the temperature in the reactive section (i) is a temperature at which the reaction between the olefinic compound and the oxidant takes place and the temperature in the stripping section (iii) is higher

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide for a method of producing a silylated polyoxyalkylene polymer having at least one crosslinkable silyl group and at least one hydroxyl group in each molecule. The method comprises providing a polyoxyalkylene polymer having at least one unsaturated group and at least one alcoholic hydroxyl group in each molecule, wherein the polyoxyalkylene polymer includes an impurity double metal cyanide complex mixed therein, and wherein the polyoxyalkylene polymer has not been treated with a metal-coordinating compound; and adding to the polyoxyalkylene polymer a compound having a hydrogen-silicon bond and a crosslinkable silyl group in each molecule and a hydrosilylation catalyst to thereby carry out a hydrosilylation reaction, wherein the hydrosilyation reaction is performed in an absence of a metal-coordinating compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a continuous process for the epoxidation of an olefinic compound with an oxidant, which process comprises reaction of an olefinic compound with an oxidant in the presence of a catalyst in an apparatus that comprises a reactive distillation column, which column comprises (i) a reactive section, which comprises the catalyst (ii) a rectifying section situated above the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of reagents and/or by-products from products (ix) a stripping section situated below the reactive section and adapted to allow separation of product from reagents and/or by-products (x) a vessel situated below the stripping section and adapted to provide a source of heat for the column and in which initial vaporisation of one or more of the reagents can occur, wherein the temperature in the reactive section (i) is a temperature at which the reaction between the olefinic compound and the oxidant takes place and the temperature in the stripping section (iii) is higher