Abstract: The present invention describes a heterogeneous chiral catalyst comprising a heterogeneous chiral catalyst precursor complexed with a metal species. The precursor comprises a chiral bisoxazoline group coupled to an inorganic substrate. The heterogeneous chiral catalyst may be capable of catalysing a chemical reaction, for example cyclopropanation, and the chemical reaction may be capable of generating a chiral product.

Abstract: The present invention describes a heterogeneous chiral catalyst comprising a heterogeneous chiral catalyst precursor complexed with a metal species. The precursor comprises a chiral bisoxazoline group coupled to an inorganic substrate. The heterogeneous chiral catalyst may be capable of catalysing a chemical reaction, for example cyclopropanation, and the chemical reaction may be capable of generating a chiral product.

Abstract: The invention provides a recirculating reactor for converting a substrate to a product. The reactor comprises a reaction chamber and a recirculation system, said recirculation system comprising a separator. The reaction chamber contains a catalyst, and comprises a chamber body, a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet. The recirculation system is adapted for recirculating liquid from the chamber outlet to the chamber inlet, and the separator is used for separating a by-product from the liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a heterogenised catalyst, comprising grafting a catalyst or catalyst precursor, via click chemistry, to a siliceous mesocellular foam (MCF).

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for making regular shaped particles of solid foam. A first mixture, comprising water, an acid, a surfactant and a hydrophobic material, is combined with a hydrolysable silicon species to form a second mixture. The second mixture is maintained under conditions and for a sufficient time to form regular shaped precursor particles. The second mixture is then aged at a temperature and for a time effective to produce the regular shaped particles of solid foam.

Abstract: Composites and methods associated with the same are provided. The composite structures are formed of quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles. The structures may be coated, for example, with a non-organic shell such as silica. In some cases, the shell may be functionalized or derivatized to include compounds, atoms, or materials that can alter or improve properties such as water solubility, water stability, photo-stability and biocompatibility. A reverse microemulsion process can be used to form the coated composites. The composition and other characteristics of the composites may be controlled to provide desired magnetic and optical properties. The structures may be used in a variety of applications including biological labeling, magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) and drug targeting, amongst others.

Abstract: The invention provides a heterogeneous catalyst comprising a catalytic group coupled to a mesocellular siliceous foam support. The catalytic group is capable of catalysing a reaction selected from the group consisting of a Friedel-Craft reaction and a Diels-Alder reaction.

Abstract: A catalyst composition is provided, which may be used for ring closing metathesis. In the composition, a catalyst is immobilized on a siliceous mesocellular foam support. A suitable catalyst for use in the composition is a Grubbs-type catalyst or a Hoveyda-Grubbs-type catalyst.

Abstract: Composites and methods associated with the same are provided. The composite structures are formed of quantum dots and magnetic nanoparticles. The structures may be coated, for example, with a non-organic shell such as silica. In some cases, the shell may be functionalized or derivatized to include compounds, atoms, or materials that can alter or improve properties such as water solubility, water stability, photo-stability and biocompatibility. A reverse microemulsion process can be used to form the coated composites. The composition and other characteristics of the composites may be controlled to provide desired magnetic and optical properties. The structures may be used in a variety of applications including biological labeling, magnetic resonance imagine (MRI) and drug targeting, amongst others.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for immobilizing enzymes in a solid porous support, and to enzymes immobilized in solid porous supports. Specifically, the present invention uses a fluid containing the enzyme under high pressure (such as 25 to 50 Mpa) to immobilize the enzyme (such as CALB) on the porous support (such as silica). The resulting porous support contain more immobilized enzyme than would otherwise have been obtained by a process carried out at atmospheric pressures.

Abstract: The invention provides a recirculating reactor for converting a substrate to a product. The reactor comprises a reaction chamber and a recirculation system, said recirculation system comprising a separator. The reaction chamber contains a catalyst, and comprises a chamber body, a chamber inlet and a chamber outlet. The recirculation system is adapted for recirculating liquid from the chamber outlet to the chamber inlet, and the separator is used for separating a by-product from the liquid.