Abstract: The present disclosure provides Molecular Recognition Technology (MRT) for selectively sequestering lithium from natural and synthetic brines, leachates, or other chemical mixtures. Also disclosed herein are MRT extractants, ligands, beads and methods of making and using thereof.

Abstract: A process is provided herein for preparing molecularly imprinted polymers for detecting a target analyte by Reversible Addition Fragmentation Chain Transfer (RAFT). The process includes providing a complex having the formula L?3#191M wherein L is a ?-diketone ligand containing a chain transfer moiety and L?3#191 can be the same or different ligands, and M is a lanthanide element; reacting the complex with the target analyte to provide an adduct containing the target analyte; co-polymerizing the adduct with a monomer and cross-linking agent to provide a polymer; and, removing the target analyte from the polymer to provide the molecularly imprinted polymer.

Abstract: A method of creating a cationic molecularly imprinted polymer bead that can bind inorganic target compounds is disclosed and described. The cationic molecularly imprinted polymer bead can be formed by complexing a target compound with a cationic ligand, polymerizing the cationic ligands to form the bead, and then extracting the target compound from the bead. The cationic ligand complex can have an octanol water partition coefficient of about 1 to about 10. The cationic molecularly imprinted polymer bead can have a porous structure containing a plurality of complexing cavities for selectively bind specific target compounds for removal from potable water, mine effluent, industrial effluent, or other fluids.

Abstract: A system for detecting neutron radiation. A liquid cocktail mixture comprised of a neutron absorber and a scintillator is housed in a Teflon® tube having a mirror at one end of the tube and a windowed portal at the other end of the tube. Neutrons that penetrate the tube react with the neutron absorber producing ionization that excites a scintillator to produce photons. A photo-multiplier tube is coupled with the windowed portal for receiving photons and converting the photons to electrical signals. A processing device is coupled to the photo-multiplier output for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals so as to provide a measurement pertaining to the presence and relative strength of neutron radiation. The tube can be adapted to function as a portable survey instrument. Alternatively, the tube can be stretched to cover large apertured areas. In such implementations a wavelength shifter is employed to convert light emitted to another wavelength giving a multiplier effect necessary for long light guides.

Abstract: A process for preparing vinyl substituted beta-diketones includes reacting a halogen-containing beta-diketone with an olefin in a reaction zone under Heck coupling reaction conditions in the presence of a catalyst, a base, and an organic phosphine to provide a vinyl substituted beta-diketone product.

Abstract: A system for detecting neutron radiation. A liquid cocktail mixture comprised of a neutron absorber and a scintillator is housed in a Teflon® tube having a mirror at one end of the tube and a windowed portal at the other end of the tube. Neutrons that penetrate the tube react with the neutron absorber producing ionization that excites a scintillator to produce photons. A photo-multiplier tube is coupled with the windowed portal for receiving photons and converting the photons to electrical signals. A processing device is coupled to the photo-multiplier output for receiving and analyzing the electrical signals so as to provide a measurement pertaining to the presence and relative strength of neutron radiation. The tube can be adapted to function as a portable survey instrument. Alternatively, the tube can be stretched to cover large apertured areas.