Abstract: A transfer hydrogenation process for forming vicinal diols by hydrogenating 1,2-dioxygenated organic compounds using alcohols as the reducing agent instead of the traditional H2 gas. The transfer hydrogenation is carried out under milder conditions of temperature and pressure than is typical for ester hydrogenation with H2. The milder conditions of operation provide benefits, such as lower operating and capital costs for industrial scale production as well as savings in product purification due to the avoidance of by-products from exposure of reaction mixtures and products to high temperatures.

Abstract: Iron-based homogeneous catalysts, supported by pincer ligands, are employed in the catalytic dehydrocoupling of methanol to produce methyl formate and hydrogen. As both methanol and methyl formate are volatile materials, they can be readily separated from the catalyst by applying vacuum at room temperature. The hydrogen by-product of the reaction may be isolated and utilized as a feedstock in other chemical transformations.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for recovering formic acid from a formate ester that allows for recovery of a formic acid product comprising greater than 75 wt. % formic acid. Disclosed is also a process for producing formic acid by carbonylating a carrier alcohol, hydrolyzing the formate ester of the carrier alcohol, and recovering a formic acid product comprising greater than 70 wt. % formic acid. Discloses are carrier alcohols that enable more favorable hydrolysis equilibriums and/or distillation sequences.

Abstract: Iron-based homogeneous catalysts, supported by pincer ligands, are employed in the catalytic dehydrocoupling of ethanol to produce ethyl acetate and hydrogen. As both ethanol and ethyl acetate are volatile materials, they can be readily separated from the catalyst by applying vacuum at room temperature. The hydrogen by-product of the reaction may be isolated and utilized as a feedstock in other chemical transformations.

Abstract: A process for preparing a variety of secondary and tertiary alkyl formate esters via the coupling of methanol and secondary (or tertiary) alcohols. Iron-based catalysts, supported by pincer ligands, are employed to produce these formate esters in high yields and unprecedentedly high selectivities (>99%). Remarkably, the coupling strategy is also applicable to bulkier tertiary alcohols, which afford corresponding tertiary formate esters in moderately high yields and high selectivities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of cyclododecasulfur, a cyclic sulfur allotrope wherein the number of sulfur (S) atoms in the allotrope's homocyclic ring is 12. The method includes reacting a metallasulfur derivative with an oxidizing agent in a reaction zone to form a cyclododecasulfur-containing reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of cyclododecasulfur, a cyclic sulfur allotrope wherein the number of sulfur (S) atoms in the allotrope's homocyclic ring is 12. The method includes reacting a metallasulfur derivative with an oxidizing agent in a reaction zone to form a cyclododecasulfur-containing reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of polymeric sulfur. The method includes reacting a metallasulfur derivative with an oxidizing agent to form polymeric sulfur.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing 1-butanol are described herein. In some examples, the methods can comprise, contacting a reactant comprising ethanol with a catalyst system, thereby producing a product comprising 1-butanol. The catalyst system can comprise, for example, an iridium catalyst and a nickel, copper, and/or zinc catalyst. The nickel, copper, and zinc catalysts can comprise nickel, copper, and/or zinc and a sterically bulky ligand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of cyclododecasulfur, a cyclic sulfur allotrope wherein the number of sulfur (S) atoms in the allotrope's homocyclic ring is 12. The method includes reacting a metallasulfur derivative with an oxidizing agent in a reaction zone to form a cyclododecasulfur-containing reaction mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the manufacture of polymeric sulfur. The method includes reacting a metallasulfur derivative with an oxidizing agent to form polymeric sulfur.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for producing 1-butanol are described herein. In some examples, the methods can comprise, contacting a reactant comprising ethanol with a catalyst system, thereby producing a product comprising 1-butanol. The catalyst system can comprise, for example, an iridium catalyst and a nickel, copper, and/or zinc catalyst. The nickel, copper, and zinc catalysts can comprise nickel, copper, and/or zinc and a sterically bulky ligand.

Abstract: System, controller, and computer readable medium for controlling a presentation of audio and video information to a user. Physiological parameters of the user can be monitored in real time to determine changes in activity. A video presentation and/or an audio presentation can be modified based on the determined change in activity. Additionally, a user interface can be modified based on the determined change in activity.

Abstract: The homogeneous hydrogenation of organic carbonyls, especially esters, under relatively mild conditions using iron hydrido-borohydride catalyst complexes having amino-phosphine pincer ligands. The catalyst and process are well-suited for catalyzing the hydrogenation of a wide variety of organic carbonyls, such as hydrogenation of fatty acid esters to alcohols. In particular embodiments, the process can be carried out in the absence of solvent.