Abstract: This invention relates to ionic liquids and their use as solvents in biocatalysis. According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a method of carrying out an enzyme-catalysed reaction comprising providing a liquid reaction medium which comprises an ionic liquid including an ion which comprises a functional group selected from the group consisting of alkenyl, hydroxyl, amino, thio, carbonyl and carboxyl groups, providing in the liquid reaction medium an enzyme and a substrate for the enzyme, and allowing reaction of the substrate to occur.

Abstract: A process for etching high dielectric constant (high-k) films (e.g., ZrzSiyOx, HfzSiyOx, ZrzHfyOx, HfzAlyOx, and ZrzAlyOx) more rapidly than coexisting SiO2, polysilicon, silicon and/or other films is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the films with an aqueous solution comprising a fluoride containing species at a concentration sufficiently dilute to achieve a desired selective etch of the high-k film. The etching solution is preferably used above ambient temperature to further increase the etch selectivity of the high-k films relative to coexisting SiO2 and/or other films. The etch rate of the solution can also be adjusted by controlling the pH of the etching solution, e.g., by the addition of other acids or bases to the solution (for example, HCl or NH4OH).

Abstract: A process for etching high dielectric constant (high-k) films (e.g., ZrzSiyOx, HfzSiyOx, ZrzHfyOx, HfzAlyOx, and ZrzAlyOx) more rapidly than coexisting SiO2, polysilicon, silicon and/or other films is disclosed. The process comprises contacting the films with an aqueous solution comprising a fluoride containing species at a concentration sufficiently dilute to achieve a desired selective etch of the high-k film. The etching solution is preferably used above ambient temperature to further increase the etch selectivity of the high-k films relative to coexisting SiO2 and/or other films. The etch rate of the solution can also be adjusted by controlling the pH of the etching solution, e.g., by the addition of other acids or bases to the solution (for example, HCl or NH4OH).

Abstract: Phthalocyanines of formula (I) are described wherein M is a metal atom, metal compound or is 2H; one H being bonded to each of the two nitrogen atoms depicted as being bonded to M (positions 29 and 31 shown); R.sub.1 -R.sub.25 may be the same or different and are chosen independently from the following groups: straight or branched chain alkyl containing up to 32 carbon atoms where 1 or more non-adjacent CH.sub.2 groups may be replaced by O and/or a double bond; H; F; and at least one of R.sub.2.3.9.10.16.17.34.24 is chosen from formula (II) wherein Y, X and Z are chosen independently from HO, `O, --O, OR, H, C.sub.1-16 branched or straight chain alkyl or alkoxy; X and Z may also be selected from phenyl groups which may be, independently of each other, substituted with one or more C.sub.1-5 straight or branched chain alkyl groups; R may be C.sub.1-16 branched or straight chain alkyl or alkene wherein 1 or more non-adjacent CH.sub.

Abstract: Phthalocyanines of formula (I) are described, wherein M is a metal atom, metal compound or silicon or a compound of silicon or is 2H; R.sub.1 -R.sub.25 may be the same or different, provided that at least one of R.sub.1 -R.sub.25 has the Formula (II), wherein Y groups are independently H, C.sub.1-3 alkyl, halogen or CN; k=0 or 1; l=1-10; m=0 or 1; n=1-10; p=1-10; q=1-20; r=0 or 1; X may be H, Me, etc . . . Compounds of the above formulae are useful in a broad range of applications, including electrooptical devices, and for use in optical recording media.