Abstract: A method of producing a biodiesel from a wet biomass is provided. The method includes providing the wet biomass that includes water and biomass solids. The method also includes heating the wet biomass at a first temperature and a first pressure for a time period ranging from 10 to 480 minutes to form an aqueous solution and a solid agglomerate containing a hydrolyzed lipid component. The method also includes step of transesterifying the hydrolyzed lipid component to form biodiesel.

Abstract: A method of producing a biodiesel from a wet biomass is provided. The method includes providing the wet biomass that includes water and biomass solids. The method also includes heating the wet biomass at a first temperature and a first pressure for a time period ranging from 10 to 480 minutes to form an aqueous solution and a solid agglomerate containing a hydrolyzed lipid component. The method also includes step of transesterifying the hydrolyzed lipid component to form biodiesel.

Abstract: A method of producing an upgraded bio-oil from a wet biomass that includes heating the wet biomass at a first temperature and a first pressure for a time period ranging from 10 to 200 minutes to form a crude bio-oil. The first temperature ranges from 200 to 400° C. and the first pressure ranges from 0.1 to 25 MPa, with the proviso that at least a portion of the water present in the wet biomass remains in a liquid phase throughout the step of heating to form the crude bio-oil, and the first temperature and pressure are below super-critical conditions for water. The method also includes heating the crude bio-oil and the water at a second temperature and a second pressure to form the upgraded bio-oil. Some water remains in the liquid phase or in a super-critical fluid phase throughout the step of heating to form the upgraded bio-oil.

Abstract: A method for reducing contaminants during synthesis of pentachlorophenol includes providing a phenol-based starting material and a catalyst, which form a reaction mixture. A chlorine flow is introduced so that it is in contact with the reaction mixture, and the starting material and chlorine are reacted via a temperature-programmed reaction. The chlorine flow is terminated at a predetermined temperature prior to an end of the temperature-programmed reaction and/or at a point where the yield of pentachlorophenol is less than about 95%.

Abstract: A method for reducing contaminants during synthesis of pentachlorophenol includes providing a phenol-based starting material and a catalyst, which form a reaction mixture. A chlorine flow is introduced so that it is in contact with the reaction mixture, and the starting material and chlorine are reacted via a temperature-programmed reaction. The chlorine flow is terminated at a predetermined temperature prior to an end of the temperature-programmed reaction and/or at a point where the yield of pentachlorophenol is less than about 95%.

Abstract: A method for reducing contaminants during synthesis of pentachlorophenol includes providing a phenol-based starting material and a catalyst, which form a reaction mixture. A chlorine flow is introduced so that it is in contact with the reaction mixture, and the starting material and chlorine are reacted via a temperature-programmed reaction. The chlorine flow is terminated at a predetermined temperature prior to an end of the temperature-programmed reaction and/or at a point where the yield of pentachlorophenol is less than about 95%.