Abstract: Described are various embodiments of a contrast-enhancing staining system and method. In one embodiment, a method is described for enhancing contrast in an image of a substrate surface between regions of said substrate having different charge carrier characteristics. The method comprises exposing said substrate to a staining precursor comprising an oxidant; directing microwave electromagnetic radiation at the substrate, said microwave electromagnetic radiation enhancing a reaction rate of said oxidant reacting into a deposition material, said reaction rate being related to the charge carrier characteristics of a proximal region; and acquiring an image of said substrate surface indicating a visual contrast between each of said regions based on differential deposition of the deposition material therebetween.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for converting homocitric acid to adipic acid, and more particularly to methods of using metal catalysts to catalyze the conversion of homocitric acid to adipic acid.