Abstract: Provided herein are liposomal vesicles comprising at least a first lipid bilayer and a second lipid bilayer, and a plurality of crosslinkages between the first lipid bilayer and the second lipid bilayer, wherein the plurality of crosslinkages comprise boronic ester or thioketal bonds. Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising the liposomal vesicles described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient. Also provided are methods of making and using the liposomal vesicles. Thus, a method of treating a subject with a disease comprising administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising the liposomal vesicles is described herein. Methods of making multilamellar liposomal vesicles responsive to reactive oxygen species are also provided.

Abstract: The present application discloses a variety of improvements that enhance at least one of the mechanical, chemical/energetic, ballistic, or adhesive properties, of a class of ECPs, regardless of whether said ECPs are in solid phase or gels, singly or in combinations thereof.

Abstract: Activated carbon is rendered more thermally stable by exposure to a non-halogenated additive, and optionally to a halogen and/or a halogen-containing compound. Such treated carbon is suitable for use in mitigating the content of hazardous substances in flue gases, especially flue gases having a temperature within the range of from about 100° C. to about 420° C.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a synthetic method for producing a per-hydroxylated icosahedral boron compound via catalytic hydroxylation of icosahedral boron compound using a soft electrophile.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering boric acid from a solution containing boric acid and at least one lithium compound. The method comprises (a) passing the solution through an ion exchange resin such that boric acid accumulates on the resin; (b) removing the boric acid from the resin with an aqueous alcohol solution, thus obtaining a first solution comprising an alcohol, boric acid, and water; (c) converting at least a portion of the boric acid to trimethyl borate, thereby obtaining a second solution; (d) distilling an azeotrope from the second solution, wherein the azeotrope contains trimethyl borate; and (e) recovering boric acid from the azeotrope.

Abstract: A method of preventing or treating osteochondrosis comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of a boron containing compound to a mammal in need of such treatment.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering boric acid from a solution containing boric acid and at least one lithium compound. The method comprises (a) passing the solution through an ion exchange resin such that boric acid accumulates on the resin; (b) removing the boric acid from the resin with an aqueous alcohol solution, thus obtaining a first solution comprising an alcohol, boric acid, and water; (c) converting at least a portion of the boric acid to trimethyl borate, thereby obtaining a second solution; (d) distilling an azeotrope from the second solution, wherein the azeotrope contains trimethyl borate; and (e) recovering boric acid from the azeotrope.

Abstract: A desalination and minerals extraction process includes a desalination facility fluidly coupled to a minerals extraction facility. The desalination facility includes a nanofiltration membrane section producing a first tailings stream and a reverse osmosis membrane section producing a second tailings stream and a desalinated water outlet stream from an inlet feed stream. The extraction facility produces at least one mineral compound, an extraction tailings stream, and a second desalinated water outlet stream. At least one of the first tailings stream and the second tailings stream is fed into the extraction facility. In certain exemplary embodiments, a natural gas combined cycle power unit supplies power to at least one of the desalination facility and the extraction facility. In certain exemplary embodiments, the extraction tailings stream is recycled into the desalination facility and there are no extraction tailings streams or desalination tailings streams discharged into the environment.

Abstract: A method is provided for recovering boric acid from a solution containing boric acid and at least one lithium compound. The method comprises (a) passing the solution through an ion exchange resin such that boric acid accumulates on the resin; (b) removing the boric acid from the resin with an aqueous alcohol solution, thus obtaining a first solution comprising an alcohol, boric acid, and water; (c) converting at least a portion of the boric acid to trimethyl borate, thereby obtaining a second solution; (d) distilling an azeotrope from the second solution, wherein the azeotrope contains trimethyl borate; and (e) recovering boric acid from the azeotrope.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bridging agents for use in subterranean formations, to well drill-in and servicing fluids comprising such bridging agents, and to methods of using such bridging agents and well drill-in and servicing fluids in subterranean drilling operations. An example of a well drill-in and servicing fluid of the present invention comprises a viscosified fluid, a fluid loss control additive, and a bridging agent comprising a degradable material.

Abstract: A method of separating a mixture of carbon dioxide and a hydrocarbon gas using a metal-organic framework (MOF) material having a three-dimensional carborane ligand structure.

Abstract: This idea relates to the synthesis of salts of dodecahydrododecaborate B12H12 (2-). In the proposed process a metal hydride is reacted with an alkyl borate in the presence of a Lewis base to produce Lewis base-borane compex, which is thermally decomposed to produce salts of B12H12 (2-), while alkyl borare is recovered from the reaction by-product and is recycled.

Abstract: The invention provides new methods for synthesis of B9H9?, B10H102?, B11H14?, and B12H122? salts, particularly alkylammonium salts of B9H9?, B10H102?, B11H14?, and B12H122?. More particularly, the invention provides methods of preparing tetraalkylamronium salts of B9H9?, B10H102?, B11H14?, and B12H122? by pyrolysis of tetraalkylammonium borohydrides under controlled conditions. The invention additionally provides methods of preparing, in an atom efficient process, octadecaborane from the tetraalkylammonium salts of the invention. Preferred methods of the invention are suitable for preparation of isotopically enriched boranes, particularly isotopically enriched 10B18H22 and 11B18H22.

Abstract: Disclosed is a positive active material for a rechargeable lithium battery. The positive active material includes a core and a surface-treatment layer on the core. The core includes at least one lithiated compound and the surface-treatment layer includes at least one coating material selected from the group consisting of coating element included-hydroxides, oxyhydroxides, oxycarbonates, hydroxycarbonates and any mixture thereof.

Abstract: A hydrogen storage medium is provided, where the medium is comprised of boron oxide and closely related compounds such as orthoboric acid, metaboric acid, hydrated boric acid, and disodium borohydrate. The medium is substantially an amorphous glassy network, albeit with local regions of order, pores, and networks that provide surface area. Hydrogen is adsorbed by the medium with a heat of adsorption of about 9 kJ/mol to about 13 kJ/mol, a value which is higher than that of the heat of adsorption of hydrogen on carbon. The value for the heat of adsorption of hydrogen on the inventive storage medium is provided by computation, and corroborated by experimental observation. The higher heat of adsorption of the medium provides for operation at temperatures higher temperatures higher than those provided by carbon.

Abstract: A process for treating an industrial waste stream containing a borane compound including contacting the industrial waste stream with a resin carrying an oxidation catalyst that is capable of oxidizing the borane compound to boric acid.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of undecahydrododecaborate anions [B.sub.12 H.sub.(12-n) (XCN).sub.n ].sup.2- or [B.sub.12 H.sub.11 XH].sup.2- or a nonahydrodecaborate anions [B.sub.10 H.sub.(12-n) (XCN).sub.n ].sup.2- or [B.sub.10 H.sub.9 XH].sup.2- or anions of formula [B.sub.12 H.sub.11 SC(NR.sup.1 R.sup.2).sub.2 ].sup.-1 wherein X=O, S, or Se.

Abstract: Direct thermal syntheses in the absence of catalyst, of poly(borazylenes) and of oligomers of borazine with polyhedral boranes, carboranes or heteroboranes are disclosed. The products of these syntheses are precursors to BN or other boron-containing ceramics.

Abstract: Lithium carbonate can be efficiently produced from a brine by (i) removing the boron therefrom, (ii) diluting the boron-free brine, (iii) removing magnesium from the diluted brine, and (iv) adding sodium carbonate to thereby precipitate lithium carbonate. By diluting the boron-free brine, the co-precipitation of lithium carbonate during the magnesium removal process is greatly reduced, thereby improving the recovery and purity of the lithium carbonate.

Abstract: A fire suppressant powder with particle sizes less than 5 .mu.m is made by a chemical reaction between a gas or vapour of a first material and a vapour or an aerosol of a second material. For example an aerosol of sodium hydroxide droplets may be reacted with carbon dioxide gas to produce sodium bicarbonate powder; or boron halide vapour may be reacted with steam to form boric acid powder The powder may be used in fire extinguishers either on its own, or combined with other ingredients such as silica and/or alumina, and calcium stearate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for neutralizing pentaborane. A high-capacity pentaborane processing system is disclosed that may be employed at a variety of sites where pentaborane may be stored. Remote monitoring and worker interface with the pentaboraneis limited to placement of a target cylinder into an airtight chamber and connection of process piping to each cylinder valve. Hydrolysis of the pentaborane is achieved in the system by rapid and extensive physical mixing of the pentaborane with water, which yields gaseous elemental hydrogen and residual boric acid. Sodium hydroxide may be provided to neutralize boric acid and form borax, which may be later precipitated out of the waste stream. Continuous monitoring through various pH and ORP sensors give operators information needed to maintain correct chemical balance throughout the reaction process. A cylinder or other container filled with pentaborane may be connected to an airtight system.

Abstract: A process for the production of calcium borate from boric acid; boric acid, obtained from any source, is reacted with a calcium compound, preferably calcium hydroxide, in an aqueous medium to obtain a suspension of solid calcium borate which is then separated from the residual liquor. Preferably the boric acid is prepared from minerals containing borate salts, in particular, colemanite and howlite; wherein said minerals are ground, reacted with sulfuric acid in an aqueous medium, at high temperature, to obtain a pulp of solids, including mainly gypsum and clay, in a liquor; said solids are eliminated from the liquor and boric acid is crystallized.

Abstract: A waste water cleanup process where an aqueous solution of organoboron compounds is hydrolyzed to boric acid and the corresponding organic compound by treatment at a temperature of greater than 150.degree. C. at a pressure sufficient to prevent substantial evaporation and at a pH of 5 or greater, but 9 or less.

Abstract: A process for extracting boron from brines of natural or industrial salt mines which includes the steps of reacting borates contained in the brine with a solution of hydrochloric acid and forming boric acid, cooling the brine containing boric acid, separating the boric acid from the remainder of the brine to obtain impure boric acid and brine having a low boron content, washing the impure boric acid with distilled or demineralized water to obtain purified boric acid, and drying the purified boric acid. Boric acid crystals thus obtained are washed and recrystallized. The remaining boron in the low boron content brine can be removed by extraction in a paraffin solvent. The boron can then be re-extracted from the solvent and converted to boric acid for isolation and purification as above.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for decontaminating a surface of nuclear or fissile materials or both. The process includes impacting ortho-boric acid crystals onto the surface. The present invention also provides an abrasive media comprising ortho-boric acid crystals having a boron-10 content of at least 19 percent by weight.

Abstract: Direct thermal syntheses in the absence of catalyst, of poly(borazylenes) and of oligomers of borazine with polyhedral boranes, carboranes or heteroboranes are disclosed. The products of these syntheses are precursors to BN or other boron-containing ceramics.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of and apparatus for the continuous and selective separation of boron-10 (B.sup.10) isotope having high neutron capture cross-section from boron-11 (B.sup.10) isotope from a mixture of boron isotopes in a boric acid solution by using a weak base ion exchange resin and water eluant in a continuous annular chromatograph.

Abstract: Improved sodium borohydride powder compositions have a silica-based anticaking agent. In a method wherein a mixture of sodium borohydride and an anti-caking agent are compacted under pressure, the process is improved, particularly in speed, by the use of a silica-based anti-caking agent.

Abstract: Pure boric acid is obtained by a high-yield method with a non-pollutant effluent discharge, comprising the following stages carried out in succession:a) dissolving impure boric acid in an aqueous vehicle to form an aqueous solution of impure boric acid;b) separating pure crystalline boric acid from the aqueous solution of stage a) by crystallization;c) treating the discharge liquor from the crystallization of stage b) firstly through a strong cation exchange resin and then through a weak anion exchange resin;d) recycling the discharge liquor treated in stage c) for use as the aqueous vehicle for dissolving the impure boric acid in stage a).

Abstract: High-purity boric oxide which does not adhere to the reactor walls is obtained by:(a) gradually heat in boric acid, with the absence or substantial absence of fusion phenomena, at increasing temperature to a value not exceeding about 150.degree. C.; operating at below atmospheric pressure, to eliminate water until the boric acid has been completely or substantially completely converted into metaboric acid;(b) gradually heating the metaboric acid obtained in stage (a), with the absence or substantial absence of fusion phenomena, at increasing temperature to a value not exceeding about 400.degree. C., operating at below atmospheric pressure, to eliminate water until the metaboric acid has been completely or substantially completely converted into boric oxide.

Abstract: A process for producing acidic boratozirconium chloride sols which comprises: reacting a zirconium compound with a boron compound in molar ratios of B/Zr of 0.3-1.2 together with a compound of a metal M other than boron, the metal M being selected from the group consisting of divalent, trivalent, tetravalent and pentavalent metals in molar ratios of M/Zr of about 0.01-1 in water in the presence of chloride ions in molar ratios of Cl/Zr of not less than about 1.The acidic boratozirconium chloride sol may be converted to basic boratozirconium sols by reacting the acidic sol with a basic carbonate compound such as ammonium carbonate.The sols, either acidic or basic, are readily gelled by contact with a dehydration solvent such as methanol or acetone.The gel is calcined at relatively low temperatures to provide zirconia which is either very pure or stabilized in varied degrees.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of boric acid from colemanite and/or howlite minerals basically comprising: treating the mineral with sulfuric acid in order to dissolve boron compounds from the minerals; separating a solution formed by the chemical reaction, from the solids in suspension; reacting said solution with hydrogen sulfide in order to precipitate arsenic and iron impurities contained in the solution; separating the impurities precipitated from the remaining solution; reacting said remaining solution with ammonia so as to precipitate aluminum impurities; separating said aluminum impurities form the remaining solution; reacting the latter with hot sulfuric acid in order to generate boric acid; cooling the reaction mixture in order to precipitate the boric acid; and separating the boric acid from the remaining solution, being the latter susceptible to be recycled to the sulfuric acid treatment stage in order to concentrate the mineral.

Abstract: A novel suspension of boric acid comprising a concentrated, finely dispersed suspension of boric acid and a small amount of a soluble borate salt in an aqueous medium and a method of preparing the same.

Abstract: A process for preparing tractable preceramic precursors of Group IIIA metal/Group VA nonmetal compounds, such as BN, in which a first reactant containing a Group VA nonmetal to hydrogen bond, such as ammonia or an amine is reacted with a second reactant containing a Group IIIA metal to hydrogen bond, such as a metal hydride, in the presence of a metal catalyst that catalyzes dehydrocoupling of the bonds to form the precursor. Further reaction of the precursor in the presence of the catalyst forms oligomeric/polymeric forms of the precursor.

Abstract: Improved process for obtaining boric acid from colemanite and/or howlite minerals basically comprising the stages of: treating the mineral with sulfuric acid to dissolve boron compounds; separating a solution thus formed from the solids in suspension; reacting said solution with hydrogen sulfide to precipitate arsenic and iron impurities precipitated from the remaining solution; cooling the remaining solution to precipitate boric acid; and separating the boric acid from the formed suspension. The liquor produced is free from impurities and before cooling can be recycled to the stage where the mineral is treated with sulfuric acid in order to concentrate the mineral. Likewise, the liquor obtained after precipitation of boric acid can also be recycled to said stage in order to concentrate the solution.

Abstract: An improved process to benefit colemanite and/or howlite minerals comprising the stages of: treating mineral with sulfuric acid in order to dissolve boron compounds; separating the solution formed from the solids in suspension; reacting said solution with hydrogen sulfide in order to precipitate the arsenic and iron impurities contained in the solution, and separating the impurities precipitated from the remaining solution as a beneficiated colemanite with boron. Said solution of the beneficiated colemanite with boron can be dried by spray fluidizing in order to obtain solid beneficiated colemanite with boron or said solution can be reacted with calcium hydroxide to precipitate a beneficiated colemanite with calcium borate which is separated from the remaining solution. This can be recycled for treatment with sulfuric acid to concentrate the mineral.

Abstract: Sodium metaborate is recovered from a boron-containing first feed solution by extraction of the first feed solution with a 1,3-diol, followed by re-extraction with a solution of an alkali metal hydroxide. Boric acid is recovered from a boron-containing second feed solution by extraction of the second feed solution with a water-insoluble aromatic polyol, followed by re-extraction with mineral acid. The boric acid and sodium metaborate are reacted to form sodium tetraborate. By exchanging sodium ions in the polyol extract with potassium ions, the potassium salts of the mineral acid may be recovered from the polyol as a by-product.

Abstract: A waste-water concentrate containing boric acid together with chemical residues and radionuclides, especially from a nuclear power plant, is treated to recovering boric acid which can be recycled to the plant. According to the invention, the practically neutral solution is acidified with an acid selected from the group which consists of sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid and acetic acid to precipitate the boric acid which is separated from the concentrate and subjected to at least one recrystallization step. The boric acid thus obtained is of comparatively high purity.

Abstract: Boric acid is recovered from a water phase separated after hydrolyzing the reaction mixture obtained by oxidizing cyclohexane in the presence of a catalyst of boric acid. The method comprises(a) a concentration-crystallization step of concentrating the water phase by heating it and crystallizing boric acid;(b) a concentrating step of separating crystals of boric acid from the slurry obtained by the step (a) and then controlling the water content of the mother liquor to 20 to 50 wt. %;(c) a cooling-crystallization step of cooling the concentrated solution obtained by the step (b) under a reduced pressure to crystallize boric acid; and(d) a boric acid recycling step of separating crystals of boric acid separated from the slurry obtained by the step (c) and then, recycling the boric acid to the step (a).

Abstract: Boron and calcium are removed from brines with use of a mixture of from about 0.8 to 15 volume percent of an .alpha.-hydroxy oxime extractant having the general formula: ##STR1## where R and R' are hydrocarbon radicals and R" is hydrogen or a hydrocarbon radical, from 0 to 10 volume percent of a 7 to 12 carbon alcohol, balance diluent.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of utilizing alkali metal hydrides, such as sodium hydride and lithium hydride, under mild and safe conditions. The method may be used to produce bonds between hydrogen and elements such as carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, phosphorous, arsenic, antimony and tellurium. Many organic compounds, such as chlorides, bromides, ketones, aldehydes and acid chlorides, may also be reduced. The elements from the above list are bonded, before the reduction, to electronegative elements such as fluorine, chlorine, bromine, iodine, oxygen, sulfur, selenium and nitrogen.According to the invention, the alkali metal hydride is catalytically activated by a solution of an alkali borohydride in a suitable ether solvent, so that it rapidly replaces the halogens or other electronegative groups by hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: For the conversion of sodium tetraborate (e.g. "5 mole borax" or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate) to a solid, particulate mass of flame-retardant chemical, using little or no water, 0.95 to 0.98 mole of sulfuric acid is added to convert the tetraborate to a moist, particulate mixture of boric acid and sodium sulfate. The moist particulate mixture is suitable for imparting flame retardancy to cellulosic insulation; preferably, however, it is first dried to <20 wt.-% moisture.

Abstract: A salting-out process for recovering lithium from brines which have been concentrated by solar or thermal evaporation. Soluble sulfate salts are added to the strong brine solutions containing lithium to yield lithium sulfate monohydrate. Subsequent treatment of some residual brines with a strong acid will crystallize quantities of boron present as boric acid. Depending on the time of year and type of brine being used, a brine solar heating or plant evaporation system is provided to enhance the recovery processes.

Abstract: A process for the treatment of a waste liquid containing boron compounds and organic compounds, such as resulting from the oxidation of paraffins with oxygen in the presence of boron compounds, includes combusting the waste liquid in a furnace at a temperature higher than 1000.degree. C. in the presence of a large amount of steam. The combustion gas may be introduced into a heat recovery zone, preferably a boiler, to recover the heat thereof and then into a contacting vessel to bring same into contact with water and to recover the boron components contained in the gas. Since substantially all the boron components contained in the combustion gas are present in the form of gaseous metaboric acid, there is caused no deposition of boron oxide onto the interior walls of the combustion furnace or gas passages in the boiler.

Abstract: Revitalization of air by circulation thereof through a quantity of a salt zirconium, titanium or boron and oxygen in the peroxide or higher positive valence state and by mixtures thereof with an alkali metal or alkaline earth hydroxide, oxide, peroxide, superoxide, or ozonide or mixture thereof.

Abstract: High purity ammonium pentaborate or boric acid is produced from alkali metal and alkaline earth metal borate ores by a relatively non-corrosive technology requiring low energy, without polluting the environment, by treating finely ground borate ores with ammonia and sulphur dioxide or ammonium sulphite in the presence of methanol. Useful by-products, such as sulphites, or fertilizers, such as ammonium phosphates, can be obtained. If the ore is rendered anhydrous prior to treatment, there is produced methylborate-ammonia adduct which upon hydrolysis is transformed into ammonium pentaborate and boric acid.

Abstract: A method for the recovery of boron compounds from waste streams containing boric acid and combustible organic materials in water by incineration of the combustible organic materials and dehydration of the boric acid to boric oxide. Quenching of the boric oxide, depending upon temperature and water content, yields orthoboric and/or metaboric acids in vapor phase and polyboric acid in liquid phase which is cooled along with the products of the combustion of the organic materials and, in the presence of water, converted to a mixture of boric acids in solid and liquid phase leaving the products of combustion in vapor phase. The mixture of boric acids is then separated from the products of combustion.

Abstract: For the conversion of sodium tetraborate (e.g. "5 mole borax" or sodium tetraborate pentahydrate) to a solid, particulate mass of flame-retardant chemical, a slurrying amount of water (e.g. 3-5 moles per mole of tetraborate) is first added, so that a stable slurry can be formed. Then 0.95 to 0.98 mole of sulfuric acid is added to the slurry, and the tetraborate is substantially converted to a moist, particulate mixture of boric acid and sodium sulfate, the water in the slurry having been largely driven off as steam. The moist particulate mixture is suitable for imparting flame retardency to cellulosic insulation; preferably, however, it is first dried to <20 wt.-% moisture.

Abstract: Boron or uranium isotopes can be chemically separated and enriched with high speed and with high separating efficiency by using weakly basic anion exchange fibers having a diameter of not more than 100 .mu., an aspect ratio of at least 5 and an exchange capacity of at least 2 meq/g-dry fiber, which are packed in a column at a specific volume of 2.0 - 20.0 ml/g-dry fiber.

Abstract: Process for recovering boric acid from a sodium borate-mineral acid reaction product mixture by use of a diluted monohydric alcohol having 6 to 12 carbon atoms.