Abstract: Improved catalytic methods are disclosed. The methods include both hydrogenation and disproportionation catalysis. While the reaction conditions for hydrogenation and disproportionation differ, the catalysts disclosed herein can be used for either process. In certain aspects, the methods utilize a catalyst: CpM(N—N)Ln; wherein Cp is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ligand; wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ir and Rh; wherein N—N is a substituted or unsubstituted bidentate ligand selected from the group consisting of a bipyridine ligand and a phenanthroline ligand; wherein n is 0 or 1; and wherein when n is 1 L is selected from the group consisting of an anion and a molecule of a solvent.

Abstract: Improved catalytic methods are disclosed. The methods include both hydrogenation and disproportionation catalysis. While the reaction conditions for hydrogenation and disproportionation differ, the catalysts disclosed herein can be used for either process. In certain aspects, the methods utilize a catalyst: CpM(N—N)Ln; wherein Cp is a substituted or unsubstituted cyclopentadienyl ligand; wherein M is selected from the group consisting of Ir and Rh; wherein N—N is a substituted or unsubstituted bidentate ligand selected from the group consisting of a bipyridine ligand and a phenanthroline ligand; wherein n is 0 or 1; and wherein when n is 1 L is selected from the group consisting of an anion and a molecule of a solvent.

Abstract: Methods for electrolysis of water to oxygen gas are provided. The method utilizes dimeric copper cations in water at a basic pH. The cations are provided in the water by adding a complex in solid form with an appropriate anion, or through a “self-assembly” method whereby a copper salt and appropriate ligands are added to water adjusted to a basic pH. The cations decrease the overpotential of water electrolysis, thereby providing for efficient generations of oxygen gas using a catalyst formed from an abundant material (copper).

Abstract: Methods for electrolysis of water to oxygen gas are provided. The method utilizes dimeric copper cations in water at a basic pH. The cations are provided in the water by adding a complex in solid form with an appropriate anion, or through a “self-assembly” method whereby a copper salt and appropriate ligands are added to water adjusted to a basic pH. The cations decrease the overpotential of water electrolysis, thereby providing for efficient generations of oxygen gas using a catalyst formed from an abundant material (copper).

Abstract: A machine for dispensing a plurality of ingredients includes stepped arrays of canisters providing a source of materials. The bottom ends of the canisters are generally coplanar, and are positioned immediately above a low profile drive train mounted on a tray. A drive train includes two spaced arrays of pumps with a motor providing a common drive for the pumps, mounted between the arrays. A valve tray is located above the canisters and includes a low profile dispense head, an array of tubing members arranged side-by-side in a common, generally horizontal plane, and an array of dispense valves attached at the back of the valve tray. The dispense valves are coupled to the pumps by pairs of fluid lines, so as to circulate materials between the pumps and dispense valves.

Abstract: Substituted-butanediperoxoic acids represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl of 6 to 18 carbon atoms or phenyl are useful oxidizing agents. These substituted-butanediperoxoic acids are useful as bleaching agents and disinfecting agents.

Abstract: Substituted-butanediperoxoic acids represented by the formula: ##STR1##wherein R is alkyl of 6 to 18 carbon atoms or phenyl are useful oxidizing agents. These substituted-butanediperoxoic acids are useful as bleaching agents and disinfecting agents.

Abstract: Substituted-butanediperoxoic acids represented by the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl of 6 to 18 carbon atoms or phenyl are useful oxidizing agents. These substituted-butanediperoxoic acids are useful as bleaching agents and disinfecting agents.

Abstract: Novel monoalkyl oxybisacetates are attractively useful as surfactants, and particularly in detergent compositions.

Abstract: A substantially stable, crystalline dipotassium N-chloroimidodisulfate is useful as a bleach to remove stains from soiled fabrics when dissolved in an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A fabric bleaching composition is provided which consists essentially of water and a bleach selected from the group consisting of disodium chloroimidodisulfate, dipotassium chloroimidodisulfate and mixtures thereof. The fabric bleaching composition can also contain a detergent, a buffering agent and other ingredients in a detergent formulation. The fabric bleaching composition is intermediate in strength between peroxide-type fabric bleaches and alkali metal hypochlorite fabric bleaches.

Abstract: The alkali metal salts of imidobis sulfuric acid, particularly the trisodium salt, is effective in heavy duty laundry detergent compositions by reducing the damaging effects of chlorine-containing bleaches on the fabric while minimizing the loss in effectiveness of the bleach in removing stains from the soiled fabric. Accordingly, a detergent composition is provided which comprises, based on the total weight of the composition, at least 5 percent by weight of a surfactant selected from the group consisting of anionic, nonionic, zwitterionic, ampholytic and amphoteric surfactants, at least 5 percent by weight of a builder, and a bleach-damage mitigating amount of trisodium imidobis sulfate, tripotassium imidobis sulfate or mixtures thereof. A process for washing soiled fabrics is also provided comprising contacting the fabrics with a detergent, a chlorine-containing bleach, and a bleach-damage mitigating amount of the alkali metal imidobis sulfate.