Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for making dibutyl ethers using a reactant comprising isobutanol and water. The dibutyl ethers so produced are useful in transportation fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making butenes using dry 1-butanol obtained from fermentation broth. The butenes so produced may be converted to isoalkanes, alkyl-substituted aromatics, isooctanes, isooctanols, and octyl ethers, which are useful in transportation fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catalytic process for making butenes using a reactant comprising 1-butanol and water. The butenes so produced may be converted to isoalkanes, alkyl-substituted aromatics, isooctanes, isooctanols and ethers, which are useful as transportation fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making dibutyl ethers using dry isobutanol derived from fermentation broth. The dibutyl ethers so produced are useful in transportation fuels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for making isooctenes using dry isobutanol derived from fermentation broth. The isooctenes so produced are useful for the production of fuel additives.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process comprising using ionic liquids for the polycondensation of 1,3-propanediol reactants to produce polytrimethylene ether glycol and copolymers thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for isomerizing olefins in the presence of at least one ionic liquid.

Abstract: Supercritical fluid phase process for converting certain lactones to their alpha-methylene substituted forms using a catalyst made from a thermally decomposed hydrotalcite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process comprising using ionic liquids for preparing poly(tetramethylene)glycol from tetrahydrofuran.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of matter that are useful as ionic liquids. The compositions of the invention are based on an N-substituted pyrrolidinone, said pyrrolidinone having a pendant ammonium cation that is separated from the pyrrolidone ring by a variable length alkyl spacer. The compositions comprise fluoroalkyl sulfonate anions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a reaction product comprising 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by (a) reacting levulinic acid with alkyl amine(s) and (b) hydrogenating the products of step (a) in the presence of a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for producing a reaction product comprising 5-methyl-N-alkyl-2-pyrrolidone by (a) reacting alkyl levulinate esters with alkyl amines and (b) hydrogenating the products of step (a) in the presence of a metal catalyst, which is optionally supported.

Abstract: Dihydronepetalactone, a minor natural constituent of the essential oil of catmints (Nepeta spp.) such as Nepeta cataria, has been identified as an effective insect repellent compound. Synthesis of dihydronepetalactone may be achieved by hydrogenation of nepetalactone, the major constituent of catmint essential oils. This compound, which also has fragrance properties, may be used commercially for its insect repellent properties, and methods for making an composition thereof are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of alkylated aromatic compounds using ionic liquids as the solvent. Alkylated aromatic compounds are synthesized by reacting an aromatic compound with a monoolefin in the presence of an acid catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions of matter that are useful as ionic liquids. The compositions of the invention are based on an N-substituted pyrrolidinone, said pyrrolidinone having a pendant ammonium cation that is separated from the pyrrolidone ring by a variable length alkyl spacer.

Abstract: An integrated two step method for making gamma-methyl alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone (meMBL) from levulinic acid, in which levulinic acid is reacted with hydrogen in the first step to form a crude reaction product containing gamma-valerolactone, and the crude reaction product, without removal of unreacted levulinic acid therefrom, is reacted with formaldehyde in the second step to produce MeMBL.

Abstract: Process for the production of ?-methyl-?-methylene-?-butyrolactone from reaction of levulinic acid and hydrogen with recycle of unreacted levulinic acid and reaction of crude ?-valerolactone and formaldehyde, both reactions being carried out in the supercritical or near-critical fluid phase.

Abstract: Process for the production of ?-methyl-?-methylene-?-butyrolactone from reaction of levulinic acid and hydrogen followed by reaction of crude ?-valerolactone and formaldehyde, both reactions being carried out in the supercritical or near-critical fluid phase.

Abstract: An integrated two-step process for the production of gamma-methyl-alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactone from reaction of levulinic acid and hydrogen in the liquid phase to produce a crude GVL-containing product, followed by reaction of the crude GVL-containing product and formaldehyde in the supercritical or near-critical fluid phase.

Abstract: Process for converting certain lactones to their alpha-methylene substituted forms using (i) a catalyst derived from a hydrotalcite or (ii) a composite catalyst comprising the hydrotalcite-derived catalyst into which at least one of lithium, sodium, potassium, rubidium, cesium, magnesium, calcium, strontium, barium has been incorporated.