Abstract: A titanium oxide nano tube material is configured so that crystal grains of a nano tube has a crystal structure oriented with the [001] direction of a tetragonal crystal system as a preferred direction. FWHM (Full Width at Half Maximum) of a rocking curve with respect to the (004) plane peak is 11.1 degrees to 20.3 degrees. The titanium oxide nano tube material has excellent photoelectric characteristics since the crystal grains of the nano tube are oriented with the (004) plane or the [001] direction of a tetragonal crystal system as a preferred direction.

Abstract: A coating for spark plugs and engine parts is resistant to fouling. The coating may be applied to the spark plug or engine part by dipping the part in a sol gel solution, ensuring it wets the part, and extracting it at a slow, controlled rate. As the part is allowed to dry, the sol gel reacts with moisture in the air to form a thin oxide film. Unlike conventional sol gel applications, which apply the oxide directly to the part, the present invention may form an oxide coating, in situ, while drying in place on the part.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a method for producing metal oxide particles, in which metal oxide particles with high photocatalytic activity is produced, and a production apparatus therefor. The above object can be achieved by using a method for producing metal oxide particles, which includes subjecting a reaction gas containing metal chloride and an oxidizing gas containing no metal chloride in a reaction tube (11) to preheating, and then subjecting a combined gas composed of the reaction gas and the oxidizing gas to main heating in a main heating region (A) apart from the downstream side of the junction (5b), wherein the time until the combined gas from the junction (5b) arrives at the upstream end (A1) of the main heating region (A) is adjusted to be less than 25 milliseconds.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cerium-zirconium-base composite oxide, which is useful, e.g., for the purification of exhaust gas discharged from combustion engines such as internal combustion engines and boilers and can release a high level of oxygen in a low temperature region, a method for producing the same, an oxygen storage/release component using the same, an exhaust gas purification catalyst, and an exhaust gas purification method. The cerium-zirconium-base composite oxide satisfies requirements (1) that the oxygen release initiation temperature is 380° C. or below, (2) that the oxygen release amount is not less than 485 ?mol/g, and further (3) that the oxygen release amount at 400° C. is not less than 15 ?mol/g.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a photocatalytic nanocomposite material, wherein the realization of the optimal wavelength for optical activation is controlled and accordingly is designed to work together with a LED operating at the wavelength for yielding the maximum efficiency.

Abstract: A composite electrolyte membrane uses a metal-oxide hydrate which has a number of hydration water molecules of 2.7 or more and 10 or less and/or which is in the form of particles having a particle diameter of 1 nm or more and 10 nm or less. The composite electrolyte membrane exhibits its expected original performance, has both a high proton conductivity and a low methanol permeability, and provides a high-output membrane electrolyte assembly for a fuel cell.

Abstract: The subject of the present invention relates to obtaining a zirconia sintered body having excellent in both properties of a translucency and a mechanical strength. The present invention relates to obtaining a high-strength zirconia sintered body having a translucency of an in-line transmission of 50% or more at a sample thickness of 1 mm for visible light at a wavelength of 600 nm and an average flexural strength of 300 MPa or more by subjecting a zirconia primary sintered body having an average grain size of 1 ?m or less and a relative density of 92% or more and the crystal phase composed of cubic crystals only to HIP treatment at a temperature of 1,250° C. to 1,600° C. and a pressure of at least 50 MPa. The primary sintered body is obtained by maintaining a molded body of a zirconia powder containing 7 mol % to 30 mol % of yttria at 1,100° C. to 1,300° C. for at least 5 hrs or by heating the molded body at a high rate of temperature rise of 500° C./hr or more.

Abstract: TiO2-xNx (0.01?x?0.2) nanotubes and a method for preparing the same are disclosed. More particularly, TiO2-xNx (0.01?x?0.2) nanotubes doped with nitrogen atoms by treating TiO2 nanotubes through nitrogen plasma to partially substitute oxygen portion of TiO2 nanotube with nitrogen, and a method for preparing the same are disclosed. The TiO2-xNx (0.01?x?0.2) nanotube of the present invention is prepared by doping nitrogen on a TiO2 nanotube to control an electronic structure and reduce a band gap of the TiO2 nanotube, so that the prepared TiO2-xNx (0.01?x?0.2) nanotube exhibits improved conductivity and extended light absorption range from a UV ray area up to a visible light area, thus having more enhanced applicable performance in optical and/or electrochemical aspects.

Abstract: Preparation of semiconductor nanocrystals and their dispersions in solvents and other media is described. The nanocrystals described herein have small (1-10 nm) particle size with minimal aggregation and can be synthesized with high yield. The capping agents on the as-synthesized nanocrystals as well as nanocrystals which have undergone cap exchange reactions result in the formation of stable suspensions in polar and nonpolar solvents which may then result in the formation of high quality nanocomposite films.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, there is provided an active material including a titanium oxide compound having a monoclinic titanium dioxide crystal structure and satisfying the equation (I). S1/(S2+S3)?1.9??(I). In the above equation, S1 is the peak area of a peak existing in a wavelength range from 1430 cm?1 to 1460 cm?1, S2 is the peak area of a peak existing in a wavelength range from 1470 cm?1 to 1500 cm?1, and S3 is the peak area of a peak existing in a wavelength range from 1520 cm?1 to 1560 cm?1, in the infrared diffusion reflective spectrum of the active material after pyridine is absorbed and then released.

Abstract: Supported catalyst particles, which can be incorporated in the tobacco cut filler, cigarette wrapper and/or cigarette filter of a cigarette, are useful for low-temperature and near-ambient temperature catalysis of carbon monoxide and/or nitric oxide. The supported catalyst comprises catalyst particles that are supported on particles of an electrically conductive support selected from the group consisting of graphitic carbon and a partially reduced oxide.

Abstract: A method for producing a densified fumed metal oxide having an increased bulk density and substantially the same surface area as an undensified fumed metal oxide with the same molecular composition is provided. The fumed metal oxide is wetted with a solvent to form a wetted fumed metal oxide. The wetted fumed metal oxide is dried to form a dried fumed metal oxide. The dried fumed metal oxide is calcined.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a method of producing low valence titanium oxides in a steady supply manner acceptable in industrial production. The low valence titanium oxides are produced by electrical discharge between two electrodes in an aqueous medium, wherein at least one of the electrodes is a titanium-containing electrode.

Abstract: A titanium halide, preferably titanium tetrachloride, is reacted with suitable reductant, preferably an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal, under ultrasonic excitation in a liquid reaction medium to form nanometer size particles of titanium which may incorporate unreacted reductant. The nanosized titanium particles may be a precursor for nanosized titanium oxide which is formed by oxidizing the titanium, preferably with a low molecular weight alcohol. When the titanium particles incorporate unreacted reductant the oxidation reaction will yield nanometer sized titanates. The nanosized particles, whether titanium oxide or titanates may be extracted by first filtering them from the reaction medium, followed by washing with water to remove any water-soluble reaction products followed by spray drying.

Abstract: A process for producing a lithium-containing composite oxide for a positive electrode active material for use in a lithium secondary battery, the oxide having the formula LipNxMmOzFa (wherein N is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Co, Mn and Ni, M is at least one element selected from the group consisting of Al, alkaline earth metal elements and transition metal elements other than N, 0.9?p?1.2, 0.9?x<1.00, 0<m?0.03, 1.9?z?2.2, x+m=1 and 0?a?0.02), which comprises using as an M element source a solution comprising a complex containing the M element dissolved in an organic solvent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the synthesis of nanoparticles by laser hydrolysis. For this purpose, a precursor interacts with a laser beam (LAS) in a pyrolysis reactor (REAC) for producing nanoparticles (nP), characterized in that the precursor is firstly in the liquid state and is then converted into the vapor phase and in that the flow rate of the precursor is controlled in the liquid phase.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for efficiently manufacturing a titanium oxide-containing slag from a material including titanium oxide and iron oxide, wherein a reduction of titanium dioxide is suppressed and the electric power consumption is minimized. The method includes the steps of: heating a raw material mixture including titanium oxide, iron oxide, and a carbonaceous reductant, or the raw material mixture further including a calcium oxide source, in a reducing furnace; reducing the iron oxide in the mixture to form reduced iron; feeding the resultant mixture to a heating melting furnace; heating the resultant mixture in the heating melting furnace to melt the reduced iron and separate the reduced iron from a titanium oxide-containing slag; and discharging and recovering the titanium oxide-containing slag out of the furnace.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous metal oxide obtained by subjecting metal alkoxide and/or a partially hydrolyzed condensate of the metal alkoxide to a sol-gel reaction in the presence of terminally branched copolymer particles represented by the following general formula (1) and having a number average molecular weight of not more than 2.

Abstract: There are provided a fine structural body capable of manifesting an unprecedented property; a manufacturing method thereof; and a magnetic memory, a charge storage memory and an optical information recording medium employing such fine structural body. Unlike conventional bulk bodies phase-transited between nonmagnetic semiconductors and paramagnetic metals around about 460K, there can be provided a fine structural body 1 comprised of Ti3O5, but capable of manifesting an unprecedented property in which a paramagnetic metal property thereof is consistently maintained in all temperature ranges without undergoing phase transition to a nonmagnetic semiconductor.

Abstract: An optical element is disclosed which includes transparent superconductor material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining ceramic coatings and ceramic coatings obtained. This process allows obtaining coatings of ceramic oxides, such as ZrO2, Al2O3, TiO2, Cr2O3, Y2O3, SiO2, CaO, MgO, CeO2, Sc2O3, MnO, and/or complex mixtures thereof, by means of a high frequency pulse detonation technique in which the relative movement between the combustion stream and the substrate or piece to be coated takes place at a speed that produces an overlap between the successive coating areas exceeding 60% of the surface of a coating area. The allows producing ceramic coatings with a thickness greater than 30 microns in a single pass.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cerium oxide-zirconium oxide-based mixed oxide having superior platinum dispersibility and a suitable OSC, and a simple production process thereof. The cerium oxide-zirconium oxide-based mixed oxide comprises cerium oxide and zirconium oxide, wherein (1) the weight ratio of CeO2:ZrO2 is 60:40 to 90:10, and (2) the cerium oxide and the zirconium oxide are present as a mixture, the zirconium oxide being composed of a solid solution in which tetragonal or cubic zirconium oxide contains cerium.

Abstract: Process for preparing a mixed metal oxide powder, in which oxidizable starting materials are evaporated and oxidized, the reaction mixture is cooled after the reaction and the pulverulent solids are removed from gaseous substances, wherein as starting materials, at least one pulverulent metal and at least one metal compound, the metal and the metal component of the metal compound being different and the proportion of metal being at least 80% by weight based on the sum of metal and metal component from metal compound, together with one or more combustion gases, are fed to an evaporation zone of a reactor, where metal and metal compound are evaporated completely under nonoxidizing conditions, subsequently, the mixture flowing out of the evaporation zone is reacted in the oxidation zone of this reactor with a stream of a supplied oxygen-containing gas whose oxygen content is at least sufficient to oxidize the starting materials and combustion gases completely.

Abstract: A particulate inorganic mixed oxide comprising: aluminum; zirconium; cerium; lanthanum and an additional element selected from the group consisting of neodymium and praseodymium, wherein the inorganic mixed oxide has at least 80% of primary particles with article diameters of 100 nm or less, and at least a part of the primary particles have an enriched surface region where the additional element is locally increased in a surface layer portion thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cerium oxide powder and a process for producing the same. The cerium oxide powder of the invention, which is produced by mixing a cerium source such as cerium oxide, cerium hydroxide and cerium carbonate with an alkali metal compound, as flux, and performing high temperature treatment, may have a variety particle size while having spherical shape.

Abstract: Titanium oxide (usually titanium dioxide) catalyst support particles are doped for electronic conductivity and formed with surface area-enhancing pores for use, for example, in electro-catalyzed electrodes on proton exchange membrane electrodes in hydrogen/oxygen fuel cells. Suitable compounds of titanium and a dopant are dispersed with pore-forming particles in a liquid medium. The compounds are deposited as a precipitate or sol on the pore-forming particles and heated to transform the deposit into crystals of dopant-containing titanium dioxide. If the heating has not decomposed the pore-forming particles, they are chemically removed from the, now pore-enhanced, the titanium dioxide particles.

Abstract: A metal oxide electrode catalyst which includes a metal oxide (Y) obtained by heat treating a metal compound (X) under an oxygen-containing atmosphere. The valence of the metal in the metal compound (X) is smaller than the valence of the metal in the metal oxide (Y). Further, the metal oxide electrocatalyst has an ionization potential in the range of 4.9 to 5.5 eV.

Abstract: A photocatalyst according to the invention comprises a photocatalytic film of a compound of titanium and oxygen and is characterized in that the photocatalytic film is made porous and has 0.02 or higher value as a value calculated by dividing the arithmetical mean deviation of profile Ra with the film thickness. The photocatalytic film can also be specified by the intensity ratio between x-ray diffraction peaks of the anatase structure of titanium oxide. Such a porous photocatalytic material can be obtained by a reactive sputtering method in conditions of adjusting film formation parameters such as the film formation rate, the sputtering pressure, the substrate temperature, the oxygen partial pressure and the like in proper ranges, respectively, and the photocatalyst material is provided with excellent decomposition and hydrophilization capability.

Abstract: A method of producing a titanium oxide, including the steps of: ion-exchanging a sodium titanium oxide Na2Ti6O13, to synthesize Li2Ti6O13; subjecting Li2Ti6O13 to proton exchange, to give H2Ti6O13; and subjecting H2Ti6O13, as a starting material, to a heat treatment.

Abstract: A highly photosensitivity titanium oxide composition includes a plurality of nanosize particles including titanium dioxide and titanium suboxide. The particles are substantially non-stoichiometric (TiO2-x, wherein 0.1<x<0.3 at a surface of the particles, and in the bulk of the particles x is less than at the surface), provide a magnetic susceptibility value (X) of at least 0.8 10?6 cm3/g at 300 K, and are least 30% by weight rutile. A related method of forming a high photosensitivity titanium oxide composition includes the steps of providing a titanium chloride compound, such as titanium tetrachloride, an oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen, wherein a concentration of the hydrogen is in a stoichiometric excess (H2:O2) from 2.02:1 to 2.61:1. The titanium chloride compound is burned in the presence of oxygen from the oxygen-containing gas and hydrogen to form plurality of ultrafine particles comprising titanium dioxide and titanium suboxide.

Abstract: An agent that is capable of improving dye fastness is provided. The agent includes a compound that includes at least one functional group capable of forming at least one interaction or at least one bond with a fiber or a dye molecule. Also, a method for using the agents to improve dye fastness and a dyed article including the agent are provided.

Abstract: Described is a method for the production of pure or mixed metal oxides, wherein at least one metal precursor that is a metal carboxylate with a mean carbon value per carboxylate group of at least 3, e.g. the 2-ethyl hexanoic acid salt, is formed into droplets and e.g. flame oxidized. The method is performed at viscosities prior to droplet formation of usually less than 40 mPa s, obtained by heating and/or addition of one or more low viscosity solvents with adequately high enthalpy.

Abstract: There are provided titanium oxide particles capable of manifesting an unprecedented property, a manufacturing method thereof and a magnetic memory as well as a charge storage type memory employing the titanium oxide particles. Unlike-conventional bulk bodies phase-transited between nonmagnetic semiconductors and paramagnetic metals around about 460K, provided are titanium oxide particles 3 capable of manifesting an unprecedented property that Ti3O5 particles do not undergo phase transitions at room temperature and allow a paramagnetic metal property thereof to be consistently maintained in any temperature range.

Abstract: The present teachings are directed toward hexagonally patterned porous titania synthesized from a titanium isopropoxide precursor using a viscous template of surface-active agents separating nanoscopic bicontinuous channels of water and isooctane. Subsequent catalyst metal salt reduction in the aqueous nanochannels deposits well-separated catalyst metal nanoparticles on the pore surfaces. These nanocomposites exhibit significantly higher carbon monoxide oxidation efficiency than that obtained with known supports with higher specific surface area; efficiency is believed to be due to decreased mass transfer resistance provided the presently disclosed support material.

Abstract: Wet-chemical methods involving the use of water-soluble hydrolytically stable metal-ion chelate precursors and an ammonium oxalate precipitant can be used in a coprecipitation procedure for the preparation of ceramic powders. Both the precursor solution and the ammonium oxalate precipitant solution are at neutral or near-neutral pH. A composition-modified barium titanate is one of the ceramic powders that can be produced. Certain metal-ion chelates can be prepared from 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and ammonium hydroxide.

Abstract: A coating material includes an amorphous alkali titanate.

Abstract: The method allows ZrF4 to be converted into ZrO2, by carrying out a thermal conversion operation based on solid ZrF4 and water which are heated in a reactor until converted into ZrO2. The initial ratio by weight of ZrF4 to water is in particular between 1/5 and 1/500, and this ratio is maintained substantially for the entire duration of the conversion. The thermal conversion is carried out at a temperature greater than or equal to 300° C. The invention is used in particular for recycling pickling baths for zirconium alloys.

Abstract: A method of producing a phthaloyl dichloride compound, the method including: providing a compound represented by the following formula (1) and a compound represented by the following formula (2); and bringing the compound represented by the following formula (1) and the compound represented by the following formula (2) into reaction, so as to form a compound represented by the following formula (3), in the presence of at least one compound selected from a zirconium compound, a hafnium compound, and zinc oxide; wherein, in formulae, X represents a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a nitro group, a methyl group, or a methoxy group; when the X is plural, Xs may be the same or different from each other; n represents an integer of from 0 to 2; R represents a halogen atom, a chlorocarbonyl group, a low carbon number alkyl group, or a halogen-substituted low carbon number alkyl group; when the R is plural, Rs may be the same or different from each other; and m represents an integer of from 0 to 2.

Abstract: Example embodiments relate to a composite material exhibiting a low or even negligible volumetric shrinkage upon curing, or even a small expansion (e.g. up to 0.5%), in particular composite materials in the form of dental filling materials. Example embodiments also relate to a method of controlling volumetric shrinkage of a composite material upon curing, and to a method of reconstructing a tooth. Example embodiments also relate to ultrasonic curing of dental filling materials. Example embodiments further relate to a population of zirconia particles and methods for preparing such zirconia particles (e.g. zirconia in the tetragonal phase or zirconia in the cubic phase). The martensitic transformation of the filler ingredients is, e.g., triggered by application of ultrasound or by a chemical trigger.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for coating a positive active material of a lithium-ion battery. The method includes the step of dissolving at least one salt that contains a coating metal in a solvent to provide a solution, the step of dissolving a lithium-containing positive active material in the solution and adjusting the pH value of the solution to deposit M(OH)2n on the lithium-containing positive active material, the step of drying the M(OH)2n and the lithium-containing positive active material, and the step of sintering the M(OH)2n and the lithium-containing positive active material to coat the lithium-containing positive active material with MOn.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fine hollow powder with a titanium oxide shell, obtained by spray drying an exfoliated titania sol, and thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverizing the fine hollow powder, and also to processes for producing the same. The present fine hollow powder and thin flaky titanium oxide powder have a distinguished dispersibility and are useful for additives to cosmetics, pigments, paints, etc., and the present fine hollow powder also has a distinguished flowability and is useful for seed particles for flow measurement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fine hollow powder with a titanium oxide shell, obtained by spray drying an exfoliated titania sol, and thin flaky titanium oxide powder obtained by pulverizing the fine hollow powder, and also to processes for producing the same. The present fine hollow powder and thin flaky titanium oxide powder have a distinguished dispersibility and are useful for additives to cosmetics, pigments, paints, etc., and the present fine hollow powder also has a distinguished flowability and is useful for seed particles for flow measurement.

Abstract: An improved method for the formation of composite hydroxides or oxides comprising, on an oxide basis, Al2O3 and ZrO2, and optionally CeO2, La2O3, Nd2O3, Pr6O11, Sm2O3, Y2O3, and other rare earth oxides, comprising the steps of preparing an aqueous metal salt solution and forming a hydroxide precipitate slurry by combining the aqueous metal salt solution with an aqueous solution of a caustic alkali at a pH greater than 8.5 to precipitate out all the metal species. The variation in pH during the precipitation reaction is ±1. The invention also relates to composites formed by this method comprising 20-70 wt % Al2O3, 10-77 wt % ZrO2, 0-34 wt % CeO2 and 0-22 wt % REOs other than CeO2, and to composites per se comprising, on an oxide basis, 42-70 wt % Al2O3, 10-48 wt % ZrO2, 2-34 wt % CeO2 and 0-9 wt % REOs other than CeO2 and having the following properties after heating to 850° C. over four hours and holding at 850° C.

Abstract: Article comprising a substrate; and a conductive metal oxide film adjacent to a surface of the substrate, wherein the conductive metal oxide film has an electron mobility (cm2/V-s) of 35 or greater are described. Photovoltaic devices comprising conductive metal oxide films are also described.

Abstract: A method of preparing stable, transparent photocatalytic titanium dioxide sots is disclosed which involves thermal treatment of a suspension of amorphous titanium dioxide in the presence of certain alpha-hydroxy acids. The sots comprise titanium dioxide particles in the anatase form having a crystallite size less than about 10 nm and exhibit excellent stability and transparency at basic, neutral, and acid pH.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous zirconium powder having improved heat resistance of total pore volume, and a simple production method thereof. More specifically, the present invention provides: (1) a porous zirconium powder in which total pore volume following heat treatment for three hours at 1000° C. is at least 0.75 ml/g, and total volume of pores having a diameter of 10 to 100 nm following heat treatment for three hours at 1000° C. is at least 30% of the total pore volume, and (2) a production method of a porous zirconia powder comprising: forming a basic zirconium sulfate by adding a sulfating agent to a zirconium salt solution; forming zirconium hydroxide by neutralizing the basic zirconium sulfate; and heat-treating the zirconium hydroxide, wherein, when adding the sulfating agent to the zirconium salt solution, the sulfating agent is added to the zirconium salt solution having a temperature of 100° C. or higher in an autoclave.

Abstract: Proposed is a zirconium crucible used for melting an analytical sample in the pretreatment of the analytical sample, wherein the purity of the zirconium crucible is 99.99 wt % or higher. In light of the recent analytical technology demanded of fast and accurate measurement of high purity materials, the present invention provides a zirconium crucible for melting an analytical sample, a method of preparing such analytical sample, and a method of analysis that enables the analysis of high purity materials by inhibiting the inclusion of impurities from the crucible regardless of difference in the analysts and their skill.

Abstract: A method of producing porous complex oxides includes the steps of providing a mixture of a) precursor elements suitable to produce the complex oxide; or b) one or more precursor elements suitable to produce particles of the complex oxide and one or more metal oxide particles; and c) a particulate carbon-containing pore-forming material selected to provide pore sizes in the range of approximately 7 nm to 250 nm, and treating the mixture to (i) form the porous complex oxide in which two or more of the precursor elements from (a) above or one or more of the precursor elements and one or more of the metals in the metal oxide particles from (b) above are incorporated into a phase of the complex metal oxide and the complex metal oxide has grain sizes in the range of about 1 nm to 150 nm; and (ii) remove the pore-forming material under conditions such that the porous structure and composition of the complex oxide is substantially preserved. The method may be used to produce non-refractory metal oxides as well.

Abstract: This invention provides a titanic acid compound-type electrode active material having a high battery capacity and, at the same time, having excellent cycle characteristics. The titanic acid compound exhibits an X-ray diffraction pattern corresponding to a bronze-type titanium dioxide except for a peak for a (200) plane and having a peak intensity ratio between the (001) plane and the (200) plane, i.e., I(200)/I(001), of not more than 0.2. The titanic acid compound may be produced by heat dehydrating H2Ti3O7 at a temperature in the range of 200 to 330° C., by heat dehydrating H2Ti4O9 at a temperature in the range of 250 to 650° C., or by heat dehydrating H2Ti5O11 at a temperature in the range of 200 to 600° C.

Abstract: Wet-chemical methods involving the use of water-soluble hydrolytically stable metal-ion chelate precursors and the use of a nonmetal-ion-containing strong base can be used in a coprecipitation procedure for the preparation of ceramic powders. Examples of the precipitants used include tetraalkylammonium hydroxides. A composition-modified barium titanate is one of the ceramic powders that can be produced. Certain metal-ion chelates can be prepared from 2-hydroxypropanoic acid and ammonium hydroxide.