Abstract: A method for forming a fluorinated compound includes a step of forming a sulfonate ester of a polyethylene glycol. The sulfonate ester is then reacted with a fluorinated diol in the presence of a base such that the polyethylene glycol is attached to one of the hydroxyl groups in the fluorinated diol. The other hydroxyl group in the fluorinated diol is reacted is converted into a leaving group and reacted with an number of nucleophiles. Complexes of the fluorinated compounds that as useful in Magnetic Resonance Imaging are also provided.

Abstract: Hyperbranched macromolecules and methods are described for selectively filtering contaminants such as anions from water and non-aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of competing contaminants including other anions. The hyperbranched macromolecules may contain 2-hydroxyalkyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxylalkyl, and other groups, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The molecules may preferentially bind to the contaminant at interest at low pH, and release the contaminant at a pH of about 9. The molecules may be used to filter contaminants including perchlorate and nitrate even in the presence of high sulfate concentrations.

Abstract: The invention provides nanoparticles for delivery of imaging agents, drugs, and other molecules, such as genetic material. The nanoparticles have a core structure comprising the imaging agent and/or drug, and a shell structure that allows for water solubility. The shell structure further provides a barrier with limited water permeability that protects the core. The nanoparticles can be induced to release their cargo by treatment with ultrasound. Methods of delivering drugs and imaging agents are also provided, whereby the nanoparticles are delivered to tissues of interest in a substantially inert form, then activated using ultra-sound to release the drugs or imaging agents.

Abstract: Hyperbranched macromolecules and methods are described for selectively filtering contaminants such as anions from water and non-aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of competing contaminants including other anions. The hyperbranched macromolecules may contain alkyl, 2-hydroxyalkyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxylalkyl, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylalkyl, and other groups, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The molecules may preferentially bind to the contaminant at interest at low pH, and release the contaminant at a pH of about 9. The molecules may be used to filter contaminants including perchlorate and nitrate even in the presence of high sulfate concentrations.

Abstract: Methods and facilities are provided for extracting a metal, such as an actinide from a solid, such as an ore. A novel class of dendritic macromolecules is provided for use in such extraction having a core, a hyperbranched structure, and a plurality of units satisfying the formula —NR2(C?O)R1, in which R1 is not a continuation of the hyperbranched structure.

Abstract: Hyperbranched macromolecules and methods are described for selectively filtering contaminants such as anions from water and non-aqueous solutions, particularly in the presence of competing contaminants including other anions. The hyperbranched macromolecules may contain alkyl, 2-hydroxyalkyl, 2-methyl-2-hydroxylalkyl, 2-hydroxy-2-phenylalkyl, and other groups, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic. The molecules may preferentially bind to the contaminant at interest at low pH, and release the contaminant at a pH of about 9. The molecules may be used to filter contaminants including perchlorate and nitrate even in the presence of high sulfate concentrations.

Abstract: A novel class of dendritic macromolecules is provided having a core, a hyperbranched structure, and a plurality of units satisfying the formula —NR2(C?O)R1, in which R1 is not a continuation of the hyperbranched structure. Methods of preparing these dendritic macromolecules are also provided, as well as methods of using dendritic macromolecules, including those described above, in separation processes or as part of in situ leach mining processes. A class of facilities for in situ leach mining is also provided.