Patents by Inventor Zhufang Liu

Zhufang Liu 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: 20120149947
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of the corresponding 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the vapor phase in the presence of a supported catalyst. The process is useful for the preparation of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol from 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dione. The process can produce a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol product having a cis:trans isomer ratio of 1:1 or greater.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhidong Zhu, Gerald Charles Tustin, Philip Conrad Heidt, Zhufang Liu
  • Publication number: 20120149948
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the isomerization of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diols, such as 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol, by contacting the diol with a supported ruthenium catalyst in the presence of hydrogen at elevated pressures and temperatures. The process is carried under conditions in which there is no net production of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. The process may be carried out in the presence or absence of a solvent and in the liquid or vapor phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Zhufang Liu, Lori Cooke Ensor, Kelmara Khadene Kelly, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, JR., Kim Steven Chamberlin, Charles Everette Kelly, Carey Dan Ashcroft, Charles Edwan Sumner, JR.
  • Patent number: 7838707
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of a ruthenium-promoted cobalt-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Jr., Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Patent number: 7659432
    Abstract: Mixed ketones are prepared from a mixture of carboxylic acids in a process with high selectivity by using an improved catalyst. The catalyst contains zirconium dioxide or zirconium dioxide and titanium dioxide, and a Group 1 or 2 metal silicate or phosphate salt. The new catalyst is more selective toward the formation of the mixed ketone, as opposed to a symmetrical ketone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Alexey V. Ignatchenko, Michelle Manichanh King, Zhufang Liu, Calvin W. Whiddon
  • Patent number: 7632962
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of dimethyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates by the hydrogenation of the corresponding dimethyl benzenedicarboxylate ester in the presence of supported catalysts comprising (i) a Group VIII metal and (ii) a catalyst support material selected from graphite and silicon carbide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventor: Zhufang Liu
  • Patent number: 7582804
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of a promoted copper-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Jr., Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Publication number: 20090182173
    Abstract: Mixed ketones are prepared from a mixture of carboxylic acids in a process with high selectivity by using an improved catalyst. The catalyst contains zirconium dioxide or zirconium dioxide and titanium dioxide, and a Group 1 or 2 metal silicate or phosphate salt. The new catalyst is more selective toward the formation of the mixed ketone, as opposed to a symmetrical ketone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: Alexey V. Ignatchenko, Michelle Manichanh King, Zhufang Liu, Calvin W. Whiddon
  • Patent number: 7538060
    Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprising copper chromite, palladium and lanthanum having hydrogenation activity. The combination of copper chromite with palladium and lanthanum enhances catalyst activity more than the presence of either palladium alone or palladium in combination with alkali or alkaline earth metals. The catalysts are useful for the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen and for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds such as, for example, aldehydes, ketones, and esters, to their corresponding alcohols. The catalysts may be used for the preparation of cyclohexanedimethanols from dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates or of ethylene glycol from alkyl glycolates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Scott Donald Barnicki, Bruce LeRoy Gustafson, Zhufang Liu, Steven Thomas Perri, Paul Randolph Worsham
  • Patent number: 7524994
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of an iridium-promoted cobalt-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Jr., Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Patent number: 7521583
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of a cobalt-based catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Jr., Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Patent number: 7452841
    Abstract: Mixed ketones are prepared from a mixture of carboxylic acids in a process with high selectivity by using an improved catalyst. The catalyst contains zirconium dioxide or zirconium dioxide and titanium dioxide, and a Group 1 or 2 metal silicate or phosphate salt. The new catalyst is more selective toward the formation of the mixed ketone, as opposed to a symmetrical ketone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Alexey V. Ignatchenko, Michelle Manichanh King, Zhufang Liu, Calvin W. Whiddon
  • Publication number: 20080194397
    Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprising copper chromite, palladium and lanthanum having hydrogenation activity. The combination of copper chromite with palladium and lanthanum enhances catalyst activity more than the presence of either palladium alone or palladium in combination with alkali or alkaline earth metals. The catalysts are useful for the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen and for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds such as, for example, aldehydes, ketones, and esters, to their corresponding alcohols. The catalysts may be used for the preparation of cyclohexanedimethanols from dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates or of ethylene glycol from alkyl glycolates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: SCOTT DONALD BARNICKI, BRUCE LEROY GUSTAFSON, ZHUFANG LIU, STEVEN THOMAS PERRI, PAUL RANDOLPH WORSHAM
  • Publication number: 20080194750
    Abstract: A process for removing metal species from a composition comprising contacting: a. an oligomer mixture stream comprising the monomers of a partially aromatic polyester polymer and at least one metal species, or b. a molten polyester polymer stream comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers and at least one metal species, with a non-catalytic porous material in the presence of hydrogen to produce a treated stream containing a reduced amount of at least one metal species. There is also provided a composition comprising a partially aromatic polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in a direct esterification melt phase process, from greater than 0 to less than 50 ppm antimony, and less than 40 ppm cobalt. There is also provided a composition comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in an ester exchange melt phase process, from greater than zero to less than 5 ppm titanium, and less than 10 ppm manganese.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Zhufang Liu, Jeff Scott Howell
  • Publication number: 20080194398
    Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprising copper chromite, ruthenium and at least one promoter selected from alkali metals, alkaline earth metals, rare earth elements having hydrogenation activity. The combination of copper chromite with ruthenium and the alkali, alkaline earth, and/or rare earth elements enhances catalyst activity more than the addition of either type of promoter alone. The catalysts are useful for the preparation of methanol from carbon monoxide and hydrogen and for the hydrogenation of carbonyl compounds such as, for example, aldehydes, ketones, and esters, to their corresponding alcohols. The catalysts may be used for the preparation of cyclohexanedimethanols from dialkyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates or of ethylene glycol from alkyl glycolates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: SCOTT DONALD BARNICKI, BRUCE LEROY GUSTAFSON, ZHUFANG LIU, STEVEN THOMAS PERRI, PAUL RANDOLPH WORSHAM
  • Publication number: 20080154069
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of a ruthenium-promoted cobalt-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 26, 2008
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Patent number: 7390869
    Abstract: A process for removing metal species from a composition comprising contacting: a. an oligomer mixture stream comprising the monomers of a partially aromatic polyester polymer and at least one metal species, or b. a molten polyester polymer stream comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers and at least one metal species, with a non-catalytic porous material in the presence of hydrogen to produce a treated stream containing a reduced amount of at least one metal species. There is also provided a composition comprising a partially aromatic polyester polymer having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in a direct esterification melt phase process, from greater than 0 to less than 50 ppm antimony, and less than 40 ppm cobalt. There is also provided a composition comprising partially aromatic polyester polymers having an It.V. of at least 0.50 produced in an ester exchange melt phase process, from greater than zero to less than 5 ppm titanium, and less than 10 ppm manganese.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Assignee: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Zhufang Liu, Jeff Scott Howell
  • Publication number: 20080132742
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of a promoted copper-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Publication number: 20080132739
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of 2,2,4,4-tetramethylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of a cobalt-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Publication number: 20080132737
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to the production of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-diol by hydrogenation of a 2,2,4,4-tetraalkylcyclobutane-1,3-dione in the presence of an iridium-promoted cobalt-based catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2007
    Publication date: June 5, 2008
    Applicant: EASTMAN CHEMICAL COMPANY
    Inventors: Jennifer Ellen McCusker-Orth, Jerome Leonard Stavinoha, Anthony Dominick Messina, Steven Thomas Perri, Zhufang Liu, Philip Conrad Heidt, Brent Alan Tennant
  • Publication number: 20070255070
    Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of dimethyl cyclohexanedicarboxylates by the hydrogenation of the corresponding dimethyl benzenedicarboxylate ester in the presence of supported catalysts comprising (i) a Group VIII metal and (ii) a catalyst support material selected from graphite and silicon carbide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Publication date: November 1, 2007
    Inventor: Zhufang Liu