Abstract: Hopcalite-type catalysts for oxidation of CO are formed by preparing a mixed-metal oxide precursor by firstly preparing a solution of a mixture of metal precursor compounds in a solvent, followed by contacting the solution with a supercritical antisolvent to precipitate the mixed-metal oxide precursor. A mixed-metal oxide may then be prepared from the precursor by oxidation, for example by calcination. The mixed-metal oxide is then collected and optionally activated for use as a catalyst. The activated or calcined catalyst contains a nano-structured mixed-phase composition comprising phase-separated intimately mixed nanoparticles of copper and manganese oxide.

Abstract: A process for the complete or partial oxidation of hydrocarbons comprises contacting a C1-C8 hydrocarbon and hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst under conditions suitable to convert the C1-C8 hydrocarbon to at least one corresponding C1-C8 oxygenate product, wherein the heterogeneous catalyst provides confinement and contains both Brønsted-Lowry and Lewis acid centers. Particularly useful catalysts may include, for example, metal-modified ZSM-5 and other zeolites.

Abstract: Hopcalite-type catalysts for oxidation of CO are formed by preparing a mixed-metal oxide precursor by firstly preparing a solution of a mixture of metal precursor compounds in a solvent, followed by contacting the solution with a supercritical antisolvent to precipitate the mixed-metal oxide precursor. A mixed-metal oxide may then be prepared from the precursor by oxidation, for example by calcination. The mixed-metal oxide is then collected and optionally activated for use as a catalyst. The activated or calcined catalyst contains a nano-structured mixed-phase composition comprising phase-separated intimately mixed nanoparticles of copper and manganese oxide.

Abstract: A catalyst effective for the direct reaction of hydrogen and oxygen to form hydrogen peroxide includes particles of gold, palladium or, preferably, gold and palladium deposited upon an acid-washed support. High selectivity to and production of hydrogen peroxide is observed, with low hydrogen peroxide decomposition. The catalysts have extended lifespan.

Abstract: A zeolite-immobilized Lewis acid e.g. copper catalyst for performing carbonyl-ene and iminoene reactions is described. The catalyst can readily be separated from the reaction mixture and re-used in further reactions with minimal reduction in activity.

Abstract: A solid catalyst for asymmetric hydrogenation reactions is disclosed comprising a chiral cationic metal-ligand complex immobilised on a mesoporous alumino-silicate support. The catalyst is formed by ion exchange with the acid sites of the support. The catalyst is reusable, and maintains its activity after use.

Abstract: A zeolite-immobilised Lewis acid e.g. copper catalyst for performing carbonyl-ene and iminoene reactions is described. The catalyst can readily be separated from the reaction mixture and re-used in further reactions with minimal reduction in activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to removal of organic pollutants from aqueous effluent streams. The present invention provides a method of destructively oxidising an organic compound present in an aqueous solution, the method comprising oxidising the organic compound in the presence of a catalyst which contains uranium. The catalyst may comprise a uranium oxide. The reaction may be carried out at low temperature, e.g. ambient temperature. The method may be used to treat aqueous effluent streams to remove organic compounds from the stream.

Abstract: A process for the destructive oxidation of organic compounds containing one or more optionally substituted hydrocarbon groups, comprising the step of carrying out the oxidation in the presence of a catalyst comprising uranium oxide in which the average oxidation state of the uranium is greater than four.

Abstract: The magnetic or conductive properties of a test fluid, or of particles within a test fluid, are measured by an apparatus comprising a solenoidal coil (1a), a magnetic field carrying means (23) disposed radially outside the solenoidal coil, a tubular electrostatic screen (22) disposed radially within the solenoidal coil and radially outside a sample detecting volume, the test fluid being disposed in use within the sample detecting volume and separated radially from the innermost surface of the electrostatic screen by an air gap (18). The solenoidal coil is energised in use, and sensing means is provided for sensing the impedance of the solenoidal coil.

Abstract: Production of aziridines comprising reacting an ethylenically unsaturated compound, such as styrene or methyl cinnamate, with a nitrene donor, such as (N-(p-tolylsulphonyl) imino) phenyliodinane in the presence of an acidic zeolitic material having a pore size large enough for the reactants to enter, and the aziridination product to leave, the zeolite supercage, said zeolite having been impregnated, or preferably exchanged, with ions of at least one metal selected from Groups VIA, VIIA, VIII, IB and IIB of the 4th to the 6th periods of the Periodic Table. The metal is preferably copper and the zeolite is preferably zeolite Y.Asymmetric aziridines may be made by treating the catalyst with a chiral modifier such as a 4,4'-disubstituted bis(oxazoline) before contact with the nitrene donor.

Abstract: A method of preparing a thiophene comprises reacting an organic compound containing a chain of at least 4 C atoms linked by single or double bonds with a source of sulphur in the vapor phase, in the presence of a supported catalyst, the catalyst having the composition(Fe.sub.0-1 M.sub.1-0)O.sub.nwherein M is a metal of Group VA, VIA or VIIA; and n is an appropriate value.

Abstract: A method of preparing a thiophene comprises reacting an organic compound containing a chain of at least 4 C atoms linked by single or double bonds with a source of sulphur in the vapour phase, in the presence of a jarosite-type catalyst, having the compositionM(Fe.sub.0.8-1 Cr.sub.0.2-0)(OH).sub.6 X.sub.nwherein M is NH.sub.4 or an alkali metal; and X.sub.n represents one or more suitable anions.