Abstract: Provided is a simple and environmentally friendly process for preparing tertiary amines by the aminomethylation of alkenes. This process features relatively mild reaction conditions and no metal catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention therefore pertains to a process for desulfurizing a sulfur compound-containing liquid fossil fuel. By continuously adding a solution comprising an oxidant to the sulfur compound-containing liquid fossil fuel, it is possible to improve oxidant utilization and achieve higher sulfur removal rate.

Abstract: A method for producing glycolic acid includes selectively hydrogenating glyoxylic acid using a catalyst comprising at least one transition metal element, the glycolic acid produced, which has a bio-based carbon content of above 50%. A method for preparing a composition selected from the group consisting of cosmetics, home care products, personal care products, textiles, food, beverages, drugs, fragrances, inks, or paints includes adding the glycolic acid to the composition.

Abstract: A method for the selective cleavage of a compound comprising an aromatic ring and a C—O—C linkage in the presence of a heterogeneous catalyst is provided. The heterogenous catalyst may be a supported noble metal catalyst doped with a halogen selected from the group consisting of chlorine and bromine. By using this method, it is possible to increase the selectivity and/or yield (preferably both) of aromatic compounds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical method for converting an amino acid and/or its salts to an amine and/or a nitrile. The total yield and selectivity of amine and nitrile obtained by the method according to the present invention is higher than prior art when the reaction medium has a high concentration of amino acid and/or its salts at the beginning of the reaction.

Abstract: Provided is a method for degrading epoxy resins by enzymatic route, in particular by adding an epoxy resin in a solvent followed by treatment with a glutathione S-transferase. A method for recycling a composite material comprising epoxy resin as well as the use of glutathione 5-transferase and eventually para-hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase for degrading epoxy resins are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for converting an amide into an amine comprising hydrogenation of the amide at a temperature not higher than 130° C. and a hydrogen pressure not higher than 50 bar in the presence of a supported heterogeneous catalyst preparable by a method comprising depositing vanadium on a supported noble metal catalyst by impregnation.

Abstract: The instant invention concerns a process for fragmenting a polymer chain, comprising an oxidative degradation step wherein the polymer chain is contacted with a reduced form of a metal M and an oxidant such as dioxygen, and wherein the polymer carries covalently bound chemical groups acting as a ligand of said reduced form of the metal M. The invention also relates to methods making use of this fragmentation process as a first step of a degradation process of the polymer especially useful for avoiding the negative impact of a polymer to the environment. In this connection, the invention relates to the use of polymers carrying chemical groups acting as a ligand for a reduced form of a metal M, as a polymer biodegradable in an environment wherein the reduced form of a metal M is present.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical method for preparing vanillin or its derivatives in the presence of a mediator. The mediator can be recycled and reused and therefore no salt is formed by the end of the reaction, which makes the method more environmental-friendly. Furthermore, lower potentials are needed when the mediator is used by comparing to prior arts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an electrochemical method for converting an amino acid and/or its salts to an amine and/or a nitrile. The total yield and selectivity of amine and nitrile obtained by the method according to the present invention is higher than prior art when the reaction medium has a high concentration of amino acid and/or its salts at the beginning of the reaction.

Abstract: Provided are new metal complexes having phenolic and macrocyclic amino ligands as well as to their use, in particular use for bleaching catalyst for detergent compositions and oxidative crosslinking catalyst for resins, containing said metal complexes. A formulation comprises at least a detergent, a metal complex, and optionally a source of hydrogen peroxide.