Abstract: Described is a method of processing biomass to separate it into a liquid fraction enriched in solubilized C5-sugar-containing oligomers and C-5 sugar monomers and a solid fraction enriched in substantially insoluble cellulose and C6-sugar-containing oligomers. The method includes the steps of reacting biomass with a solvent system comprising water, at least one lactone, or at least one furan, or at least one cyclic ether, and at least one acid, for a time and at a temperature to yield the liquid and solid fractions. The liquid and solid fractions may then be separated. Gamma-valeroloactone is a preferred lactone for use in the solvent system. Tetrahydrofuran is a preferred furan species for use in the solvent system.

Abstract: A method to produce levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL) from biomass-derived cellulose or lignocellulose by selective extraction of LA using GVL and optionally converting the LA so isolated into GVL, with no purifications steps required to yield the GVL.

Abstract: Described is a method to make linear alpha olefins. The method includes the steps of contacting a feedstock having a lactone and/or an unsaturated carboxylic acid with a solid acid catalyst having acidic catalytic sites including Lewis acid catalytic sites, for a time and a temperature wherein at least a fraction of the lactone and/or unsaturated carboxylic acid present in the feedstock is converted into a linear alpha olefin. The method may optionally take place in the presence of water. The solid acid catalyst should preferably have at least 50% Lewis acid catalytic sites.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbons, especially C8 or larger alkenes, from lactones, hydroxy-carboxylic acids, alkene-carboxylic acids, alcohols, or mixtures thereof, or an aqueous solution of lactones, hydroxy-carboxylic acids, alkene-carboxylic acids, alcohols, or mixtures thereof is described. The process includes reacting the starting materials with a first acid catalyst to yield a first product mixture. The first product mixture is then reacted with a second acid catalyst (which can be the same or different from the first acid catalyst) to yield a second product mixture comprising hydrocarbons, for example alkenes having a chain length of C8+. The process is suitable for producing hydrocarbons that can be used in or as liquid transportation fuels.

Abstract: A method to make levulinic acid (LA), furfural, or gamma-valerolactone (GVL). React cellulose (and/or other C6 carbohydrates) or xylose (and/or other C5 carbohydrates) or combinations thereof in a monophasic reaction medium comprising GVL and an acid; or (ii) a biphasic reaction system comprising an organic layer comprising GVL, and a substantially immiscible aqueous layer. At least a portion of the cellulose (and/or other C6 carbohydrates), if present, is converted to LA and at least a portion of the xylose (and/or other C5 carbohydrates), if present, is converted into furfural.

Abstract: A method to make levulinic acid (LA), furfural, or gamma-valerolactone (GVL). React cellulose (and/or other C6 carbohydrates) or xylose (and/or other C5 carbohydrates) or combinations thereof in a monophasic reaction medium comprising GVL and an acid; or (ii) a biphasic reaction system comprising an organic layer comprising GVL, and a substantially immiscible aqueous layer. At least a portion of the cellulose (and/or other C6 carbohydrates), if present, is converted to LA and at least a portion of the xylose (and/or other C5 carbohydrates), if present, is converted into furfural.

Abstract: A method to produce levulinic acid (LA) and gamma-valerolactone (GVL) from biomass-derived cellulose or lignocellulose by selective extraction of LA using GVL and optionally converting the LA so isolated into GVL, with no purifications steps required to yield the GVL.

Abstract: A process for producing hydrocarbons, especially C8 or larger alkenes, from lactones, hydroxy-carboxylic acids, alkene-carboxylic acids, alcohols, or mixtures thereof, or an aqueous solution of lactones, hydroxy-carboxylic acids, alkene-carboxylic acids, alcohols, or mixtures thereof is described. The process includes reacting the starting materials with a first acid catalyst to yield a first product mixture. The first product mixture is then reacted with a second acid catalyst (which can be the same or different from the first acid catalyst) to yield a second product mixture comprising hydrocarbons, for example alkenes having a chain length of C8+. The process is suitable for producing hydrocarbons that can be used in or as liquid transportation fuels.

Abstract: A moulded insulating housing for a female electrical contact has an internal latching boss for engagement with detent means on the female contact. The latching boss, which is shaped as a right angle triangle, as seen in plan view, has a first ramp tapering towards one end of the housing and a latching shoulder facing the opposite end of the housing. A second ramp formed integrally with a lower wall of the housing opposite to the first ramp is directed towards the one end of the housing. The latching boss, has a flat summit which is also shaped as a right angle triangle as seen in plan view, the first ramp and the latching shoulder immediately adjoining the flat summit.