Abstract: A method for converting a diol in solution to an olefin fraction, the method comprising: (i) reacting a diol of the formula HO—R—OH in solution with a carbonyl-containing molecule of the formula: in the presence of an acid catalyst to result in a dioxolane molecule of the formula: wherein R is a hydrocarbon linker containing 1-12 carbon atoms, and R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen atom and hydrocarbon groups containing 1-12 carbon atoms, wherein R1 and R2 optionally interconnect; (ii) removing the dioxolane molecule from the solution by phase separation; and (iii) contacting the dioxolane molecule with a metal-loaded zeolite at a temperature of 100-500° C. to convert the dioxolane molecule to an olefin fraction.

Abstract: A method for converting a diol in solution to an olefin fraction, the method comprising: (i) reacting a diol of the formula HO—R—OH in solution with a carbonyl-containing molecule of the formula: in the presence of an acid catalyst to result in a dioxolane molecule of the formula: wherein R is a hydrocarbon linker containing 1-12 carbon atoms, and R1 and R2 are independently selected from hydrogen atom and hydrocarbon groups containing 1-12 carbon atoms, wherein R1 and R2 optionally interconnect; (ii) removing the dioxolane molecule from the solution by phase separation; and (iii) contacting the dioxolane molecule with a metal-loaded zeolite at a temperature of 100-500° C. to convert the dioxolane molecule to an olefin fraction.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a liquid such as a tooth whitening gel can include a plunger and a housing having a first chamber that receives a first arm of the plunger and a second chamber that receives a second arm of the plunger. The housing can further include a first channel in fluid communication with the first chamber, a second channel in fluid communication with the second chamber, and a third channel formed at an intersection of the first and second channels. The housing can further include a static mixer than mixes a first liquid from the first chamber with a second liquid from the second chamber. The plunger may be disposed along a first axis and the third channel may be disposed along a second axis that intersects the first axis at an angle of between 10° and 170°.