Abstract: A method for converting Explosive D, i.e., ammonium picrate to oxygenated products, particularly hydroquinone or cyclohexanediol and ammonia by hydrogenation over a supported Group VIII metal catalyst. Preferably, the ammonium picrate is dissolved in a suitable solvent and then hydrogenated at a temperature of about 25.degree. to 250.degree. C., and a pressure of about 10 to 1000 psig (69 to 6900 kPa gauge) followed by separation of the commercially valuable products and ammonia.

Abstract: The instant invention is a membrane useful for separating organic matter such as proteins from aqueous solutions which resists fouling and maintains a high flux during separation. The membrane is prepared by either drying a polysulfone composite membrane, or first treating a polysulfone composite membrane with aqueous methanol and then drying it. The membrane is then exposed to elemental fluorine in an inert gas in the substantial absence of oxygen at a temperature in the range of about -45.degree. to 70.degree. C. After fluorine treatment, the membrane is exposed to air. The fluorine content in the treatment mixture may be from 0.0125 to about 10 volume percent, preferably 0.025 to 2 volume percent. The fluorine treatment does not significantly alter the membrane pore size.