Patents by Inventor Stephen Zushma

Stephen Zushma has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20210198173
    Abstract: A process for oxidizing methyl-substituted biphenyl compounds comprises contacting a mixture comprising isomers of at least one methyl-substituted biphenyl compound with a source of oxygen, wherein the mixture comprises at least 20 wt % of isomer(s) having a methyl group at a 2-position or a 3-position on at least one benzene ring and at least 50 wt % of isomer(s) having a methyl group at a 4-position on at least one benzene ring, wherein said percentages are based on the total weight of the at least one methylbiphenyl compound in the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 19, 2021
    Publication date: July 1, 2021
    Inventors: Jihad M. Dakka, Bryan A. Patel, Michael Salciccioli, Stephen Zushma
  • Publication number: 20200325096
    Abstract: A process for oxidizing methyl-substituted biphenyl compounds comprises contacting a mixture comprising isomers of at least one methyl-substituted biphenyl compound with a source of oxygen, wherein the mixture comprises at least 20 wt % of isomer(s) having a methyl group at a 2-position or a 3-position on at least one benzene ring and at least 50 wt % of isomer(s) having a methyl group at a 4-position on at least one benzene ring, wherein said percentages are based on the total weight of the at least one methylbiphenyl compound in the mixture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2017
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Jihad M. Dakka, Bryan A Patel, Michael Salciccioli, Stephen Zushma
  • Patent number: 10662388
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to ester compounds formed from gamma-branched aliphatic alcohols, lubricating oil base stocks comprising such ester compounds, lubricating oil compositions comprising such ester compounds, and method of making such base stocks. The lubricating oil base stocks comprising the ester compounds exhibit desirable lubricating properties such as polarity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2020
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Abhimanyu O. Patil, Kyle G. Lewis, Satish Bodige, Stephen Zushma
  • Patent number: 10364220
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of succinimides, in particular to a method for the synthesis of a succinimide compound, comprising the step of reacting an alkyne, with carbon monoxide and ammonia or an amine, in the presence of an iron catalyst, wherein the reaction is carried out in an amine liquid phase and/or in the absence of an ether solvent. The succinimides may be reduced to quaternary ammonium cations which may be used as structure directing agents in the synthesis of molecular sieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk D. Schmitt, Stephen Zushma, Allen W. Burton
  • Patent number: 10351506
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for producing purified aromatic esters useful as plasticizers, to the purified aromatic esters, and to polymer compositions containing the purified esters. The purified aromatic esters can be produced by esterifying carboxylic acid with methyl or ethyl alcohol, separating the resulting methyl or ethyl esters from the carboxylic acid and any byproduct impurities, and then transesterifying the methyl or ethyl esters with C4 to C14 alcohol to produce the purified aromatic esters. Additionally, precipitation, filtration, and wash steps can be employed to purify the carboxylic acid, the methyl or ethyl alcohol, and/or the aromatic esters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Mika L. Shiramizu, Stephen Zushma, Jörg F. W. Weber, Neeraj Sangar
  • Patent number: 10322991
    Abstract: A process for selective oxidation of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl to form methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s), comprising contacting a solution of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl in acetic acid solvent in the presence of a Co(II) acetate catalyst and air, and optionally adding a co-solvent, or adding sodium or potassium acetate, and oxidizing the dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl under time and temperature conditions sufficient to form one or more methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s). The mono-carboxylic acids are advantageously isolated and esterified to form biphenyl mono-esters for use as plasticizers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael P. Lanci, Joshua W. Allen, Jarid M. Metz, Victor DeFlorio, Jihad M. Dakka, Bryan A. Patel, Michael Salciccioli, Michael W. Weber, Stephen Zushma
  • Patent number: 10287230
    Abstract: A process for selective oxidation of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) to form methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s), which can be esterified to form plasticizers, comprising contacting a solution of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) in acetic acid in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and air under time and temperature conditions sufficient to oxidize the dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) into one or more methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s) products, conducting at least one of (i) adding an antisolvent, or (ii) optimizing a total conversion of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) by oxidation based upon a molar ratio of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl isomers, or (iii) precipitating the methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s) products by lowering the temperature, or (iv) decreasing the oxidation reaction temperature to enhance conversion of aldehydes over methyl functional groups, so as to limit over-oxidation of the dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s), wherein the oxidation reaction is conducted in the absence of bromide-containing cata
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Michael P. Lanci, Joshua W. Allen, Jarid M. Metz, Victor DeFlorio, Jihad M. Dakka, Bryan A. Patel, Michael Salciccioli, Michael W. Weber, Stephen Zushma
  • Patent number: 10233403
    Abstract: A composition including one or more monomethyl ester compounds represented by the formula: R1 is a monomethyl branched C15 to C19 alkyl group and R2 is an unsubstituted C2 to C30 linear alkyl group. The composition has a viscosity (Kv100) from 1 cSt to 10 cSt at 100° C. as determined by ASTM D445, a viscosity index (VI) from ?100 to 300 as determined by ASTM D2270, a pour point from 0° C. to ?50° C. as determined by ASTM D97, and a Noack volatility of no greater than 50 percent as determined by ASTM D5800. A process for producing the composition, a lubricating oil base stock and lubricating oil containing the composition, and a method for improving one or more of cold flow properties, thermal and oxidative stability, solubility and dispersancy of polar additives, deposit control and traction control in a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil containing the composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: EXXONMOBiL RESEARCH AND ENGiNEERENG COMPANY
    Inventors: Abhimanyu O. Patil, Satish Bodige, Stephen Zushma, Kyle G. Lewis, Mark P. Hagemeister
  • Publication number: 20190062663
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to ester compounds formed from gamma-branched aliphatic alcohols, lubricating oil base stocks comprising such ester compounds, lubricating oil compositions comprising such ester compounds, and method of making such base stocks. The lubricating oil base stocks comprising the ester compounds exhibit desirable lubricating properties such as polarity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2018
    Publication date: February 28, 2019
    Inventors: Abhimanyu O. Patil, Kyle G. Lewis, Satish Bodige, Stephen Zushma
  • Publication number: 20190031593
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to methods for producing purified aromatic esters useful as plasticizers, to the purified aromatic esters, and to polymer compositions containing the purified esters. The purified aromatic esters can be produced by esterifying carboxylic acid with methyl or ethyl alcohol, separating the resulting methyl or ethyl esters from the carboxylic acid and any byproduct impurities, and then transesterifying the methyl or ethyl esters with C4 to C14 alcohol to produce the purified aromatic esters. Additionally, precipitation, filtration, and wash steps can be employed to purify the carboxylic acid, the methyl or ethyl alcohol, and/or the aromatic esters.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Publication date: January 31, 2019
    Inventors: Mika L. Shiramizu, Stephen Zushma, Jörg F.W. Weber, Neera Sangar
  • Publication number: 20180305309
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of succinimides, in particular to a method for the synthesis of a succinimide compound, comprising the step of reacting an alkyne, with carbon monoxide and ammonia or an amine, in the presence of an iron catalyst, wherein the reaction is carried out in an amine liquid phase and/or in the absence of an ether solvent. The succinimides may be reduced to quaternary ammonium cations which may be used as structure directing agents in the synthesis of molecular sieves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2018
    Publication date: October 25, 2018
    Inventors: Kirk D. Schmitt, Stephen Zushma, Allen W. Burton
  • Patent number: 10081593
    Abstract: Provided are compounds of the following: wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon optionally substituted with an alkyl and/or an OXO-ester, and R2 is a C4 to C14 hydrocarbyl, preferably the residue of a C4 to C14 OXO-alcohol. Also provided are processes for making the compounds and plasticized polymer compositions containing said compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jihad M. Dakka, Christine A. Costello, Edmund J. Mozeleski, Stephen Zushma, Diana S. Smirnova, Catherine A. Faler, Victor DeFlorio
  • Patent number: 10035762
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of succinimides, in particular to a method for the synthesis of a succinimide compound, comprising the step of reacting an alkyne, with carbon monoxide and ammonia or an amine, in the presence of an iron catalyst, wherein the reaction is carried out in an amine liquid phase and/or in the absence of an ether solvent. The succinimides may be reduced to quaternary ammonium cations which may be used as structure directing agents in the synthesis of molecular sieves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Kirk D. Schmitt, Stephen Zushma, Allen W. Burton
  • Publication number: 20180179141
    Abstract: A process for selective oxidation of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) to form methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s), which can be esterified to form plasticizers, comprising contacting a solution of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) in acetic acid in the presence of an oxidation catalyst and air under time and temperature conditions sufficient to oxidize the dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) into one or more methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s) products, conducting at least one of (i) adding an antisolvent, or (ii) optimizing a total conversion of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s) by oxidation based upon a molar ratio of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl isomers, or (iii) precipitating the methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s) products by lowering the temperature, or (iv) decreasing the oxidation reaction temperature to enhance conversion of aldehydes over methyl functional groups, so as to limit over-oxidation of the dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl(s), wherein the oxidation reaction is conducted in the absence of bromide-containing cata
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Michael P. LANCI, Joshua W. ALLEN, Jarid M. METZ, Victor DeFLORIO, Jihad M. DAKKA, Bryan A. PATEL, Michael SALCICCIOLI, Michael W. WEBER, Stephen ZUSHMA
  • Publication number: 20180179138
    Abstract: A process for selective oxidation of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl to form methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s), comprising contacting a solution of dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl in acetic acid solvent in the presence of a Co(II) acetate catalyst and air, and optionally adding a co-solvent, or adding sodium or potassium acetate, and oxidizing the dimethyl-1,1?-biphenyl under time and temperature conditions sufficient to form one or more methyl-1,1?-biphenyl mono-carboxylic acid(s). The mono-carboxylic acids are advantageously isolated and esterified to form biphenyl mono-esters for use as plasticizers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2017
    Publication date: June 28, 2018
    Inventors: Michael P. LANCI, Joshua W. ALLEN, Jarid M. METZ, Victor DeFLORIO, Jihad M. DAKKA, Bryan A. PATEL, Michael SALCICCIOLI, Michael W. WEBER, Stephen ZUSHMA
  • Publication number: 20180119045
    Abstract: A composition including one or more monomethyl ester compounds represented by the formula: R1 is a monomethyl branched C15 to C19 alkyl group and R2 is an unsubstituted C2 to C30 linear alkyl group. The composition has a viscosity (Kv100) from 1 cSt to 10 cSt at 100° C. as determined by ASTM D445, a viscosity index (VI) from ?100 to 300 as determined by ASTM D2270, a pour point from 0° C. to ?50° C. as determined by ASTM D97, and a Noack volatility of no greater than 50 percent as determined by ASTM D5800. A process for producing the composition, a lubricating oil base stock and lubricating oil containing the composition, and a method for improving one or more of cold flow properties, thermal and oxidative stability, solubility and dispersancy of polar additives, deposit control and traction control in a lubricating oil by using as the lubricating oil a formulated oil containing the composition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Abhimanyu O. Patil, Satish Bodige, Stephen Zushma, Kyle G. Lewis, Mark P. Hagemeister
  • Patent number: 9896570
    Abstract: Plasticizers of indane and or tetralin esters and blends thereof with thermoplastic polymers, such as PVC, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Meagan E. Evans, Christopher M. Evans, Christine A. Costello, Stephen Zushma, Madhavi Vadlamudi
  • Publication number: 20180022689
    Abstract: Provided are compounds of the following: wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon optionally substituted with an alkyl and/or an OXO-ester, and R2 is a C4 to C14 hydrocarbyl, preferably the residue of a C4 to C14 OXO-alcohol. Also provided are processes for making the compounds and plasticized polymer compositions containing said compounds.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2017
    Publication date: January 25, 2018
    Inventors: Jihad M. Dakka, Christine A. Costello, Edmund J. Mozeleski, Stephen Zushma, Diana S. Smirnova, Catherine A. Faler, Victor DeFlorio
  • Patent number: 9815767
    Abstract: Provided are compounds of the following: wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated cyclic hydrocarbon optionally substituted with an alkyl and/or an OXO-ester, and R2 is a C4 to C14 hydrocarbyl, preferably the residue of a C4 to C14 OXO-alcohol. Also provided are processes for making the compounds and plasticized polymer compositions containing said compounds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: ExxonMobil Chemical Patents Inc.
    Inventors: Jihad M. Dakka, Lorenzo C. DeCaul, Christine A. Costello, Edmund J. Mozeleski, Pierre Osterrieth, Stephen Zushma, Allen D. Godwin, Diana Smimova, Catherine A. Faler, Victor DeFlorio, Didier A. Naert
  • Patent number: 9580571
    Abstract: Provided is a process for making non-phthalate plasticizers, by acylating an aromatic compound with a succinic anhydride to form a keto-acid, and then esterifying the keto-acid with C4-C13 OXO-alcohols to form a plasticizer compound. The aromatic rings of the aromatic compound may also be optionally hydrogenated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2017
    Assignee: EXXONMOBIL RESEARCH AND ENGINEERING COMPANY
    Inventors: Jihad Mohammed Dakka, Edmund John Mozeleski, Lisa Saunders Baugh, Colle Karla Schall, Allen David Godwin, Diana S. Smirnova, Jorg Friedrich Wilhelm Weber, Stephen Zushma