Abstract: A highly oxidized form of graphene oxide and methods for production thereof are described in various embodiments of the present disclosure. In general, the methods include mixing a graphite source with a solution containing at least one oxidant and at least one protecting agent and then oxidizing the graphite source with the at least one oxidant in the presence of the at least one protecting agent to form the graphene oxide. Graphene oxide synthesized by the presently described methods is of a high structural quality that is more oxidized and maintains a higher proportion of aromatic rings and aromatic domains than does graphene oxide prepared in the absence of at least one protecting agent. Methods for reduction of graphene oxide into chemically converted graphene are also disclosed herein. The chemically converted graphene of the present disclosure is significantly more electrically conductive than is chemically converted graphene prepared from other sources of graphene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to certain ester and nitrile derivatives of formula (I): wherein one dotted line represents a carbon-carbon single or double bond and the other dotted lines each represent a carbon-carbon single bond; R1 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R2 is a methyl or ethyl group, R3 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R4 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group or said R4 taken together with the bond between carbon atom 2 and 3 form a cyclopropane; and X represents a CN or a COOR5 group, R5 representing a C1-5 alkyl group; with the compound being in the form of any one of its pure stereoisomers or mixtures thereof. These compounds are useful perfuming ingredients.

Abstract: Disclosed is an effective method for producing an ester compound at a reaction temperature lower than that of conventional methods, and with a high yield, even when inexpensive formic acid ester is used as a starting material. A method for producing an ester compound, the method comprising the step of reacting an organic compound having at least one unsaturated carbon bond in the molecule, and a formic acid ester in the presence of a catalyst system containing: a ruthenium compound; a cobalt compound; and a halide salt.

Abstract: This invention is for a catalyst for conversion of hydrocarbons. The catalyst is a non-acidic germanium zeolite, such as Ge-ZSM-5, on which at least two metals, platinum and at least one other metal selected from Group 7, Group 8, Group 9, Group 10 and tin, are deposited on the germanium zeolite. Examples of the other metal are iridium, rhenium, palladium, ruthenium, rhodium, iron, cobalt and tin. The catalyst is prepared by synthesizing a germanium zeolite; depositing platinum and at least one other metal on the germanium zeolite; and calcining after preparation of the zeolite, before depositing the metals or after depositing the metals. The catalyst may be used in a process for the conversion of hydrocarbons, such as propane to aromatics, by contacting the catalyst with a hydrocarbon stream containing alkanes, olefins and mixtures thereof having 2 to 12 carbon atoms per molecule and recovering the product.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a compound comprising a peptide moiety, a spacer moiety and a water-soluble polymer moiety such as a poly(ethylene glycol) moiety. The spacer moiety is between the peptide moiety and the water-soluble polymer moiety. The spacer moiety has the structure: —NH—(CH2)?—[O—(CH2)?]?—O?—(CH2)?—Y— wherein ?, ?, ?, ?, and ? are each integers whose values are independently selected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of continuously conveying a liquid which is used as starting material in a chemical reaction by means of a displacement pump having physically separate forward-transport valves and a liquid-filled bidirectional flow line between displacement pump and forward-transport valves, wherein an auxiliary liquid which is a product or a starting material of the chemical reaction and has a melting point which is below the melting point or below the saturation temperature of the liquid to be conveyed is present in the bidirectional flow line. The present invention additionally provides for the use of a product formed by hydrogenation of an aromatic compound as auxiliary liquid for conveying an aromatic compound and also the use of an alcohol or an ester derived from alcohol and carboxylic acid as auxiliary liquid for conveying carboxylic acids or carboxylic acid derivatives.

Abstract: A process for making neo-enriched p-menthane intermediates is disclosed. Lewis acid-catalyzed rearrangement of an oxaspiro compound provides an aldehyde mixture comprising normal (II) and neo (III) p-menthane-3-aldehydes: with the neo aldehyde (III) as the major product. The aldehyde mixture is readily oxidized to provide the corresponding carboxylic acids, and the acids are easily converted to a host of neo-enriched p-menthane esters or amides. The esters and amides are valuable as physiological coolants.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions that may alleviate symptoms of ocular stress, as well as methods of their production, use, and storage compositions. The compositions comprise at least one ocular epithelial cell associating group and at least one hydrophilic group. In one embodiment the at least one ocular epithelial cell associating group and at least one hydrophilic group are substituents on a conjugated polyaromatic core. The compositions may be used in ophthalmic compositions and ophthalmic devices.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and systems for processing biomass to selectively yield a variety of hydrocarbon molecules and hydrogen as products, wherein some or all of these products can be further utilized for other biomass processing sub-processes, particularly wherein they lead to the generation of biofuels and/or other high-value products.

Abstract: A catalyst for esterification and polyesterification is proposed. The catalyst is an iron acetylacetonate complex having a formula of Fe(RCOCH2COR)3, where R is methyl or a substituent other than methyl. A method for making an esterified product or a polyesterified product by using the iron acetylacetonate complex through esterification and polyesterification is also disclosed so as to improve the existing processes where hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid used as the catalyst causes yellowed products, danger operation and environmental pollution.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition for a resist underlayer film, the composition for a resist underlayer film to form a resist underlayer film of a multilayer resist film used in lithography, wherein the composition comprises at least (A) a fullerene derivative that is a reaction product of a substance having a fullerene skeleton with a 1,3-diene compound derivative having an electron-withdrawing group and (B) an organic solvent. There can be a composition for a resist underlayer film for a multilayer resist film used in lithography, the composition giving a resist underlayer film having excellent high dry etching resistance, capable of suppressing wiggling during substrate etching with high effectiveness, and capable of avoiding a poisoning problem in upperlayer patterning that uses a chemical amplification resist; a process for forming a resist underlayer film; a patterning process; and a fullerene derivative.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of 1-(2-ethyl-butyl)-cyclohexanecarboxylic acid which is useful as an intermediate in the preparation of pharmaceutically active compounds.

Abstract: A composition comprising a blend of first and second esters: the first ester comprising a reaction product of first reactants comprising trimer acid, first polyhydric alcohol and first monohydric alcohol; the first monohydric alcohol selected from the group of C8-18 monohydric alcohols; the second ester comprising a reaction product of second reactants comprising trimer acid, second polyhydric alcohol and second monohydric alcohol; the second monohydric alcohol selected from the group of C6-10 monohydric alcohols; the first and second monohydric alcohols being non-identical. This blend of esters, in combination with silica, is useful as a sealant composition, e.g., as a cable-protectant composition.

Abstract: Use of a composition consisting essentially of a mixture of aliphatic esters as a slip agent in a polyester polymer, said composition comprising at least two esters selected from the group comprising: Myristyl myristate, Myristyl palmitate, palmityl myristate, palmityl palmitate, palmityl stearate, stearyl myristate, stearyl palmitate, stearyl stearate, stearyl arachidate and stearyl behenate.

Abstract: The invention provides a liquid crystal compound having a suitable value of refractive index anisotropy, a suitable value of dielectric anisotropy, steep characteristics electro-optic characteristics, a wide temperature range of a nematic phase and an excellent compatibility with other liquid crystal compounds, and a liquid crystal compounds especially having a wide temperature range of a nematic phase. A compound represented by formula (1). For example, R1 and R2 are each independently alkyl having 1 to 9 carbons or alkenyl having 2 to 9 carbons, alkoxy having 1 to 8 carbons or alkenyloxy having 2 to 8 carbons; Q1 and Q4 are each independently fluorine or chlorine; Q2 and Q3 are each independently hydrogen, fluorine or chlorine, and one of Q2 and Q3 is hydrogen; Z is —CH2O— or —COO—; and h is 1 or 2.

Abstract: The invention includes a method of increasing the substantivity of a personal care composition to hair, skin or nails by preparing a composition of an aqueous phase, a non-aqueous phase and a neutralized amino acid ester that is a reaction product of a neutral amino acid having a non-polar side chain with a long chain fatty alcohol and is represented by formula (I): wherein R1 is an alkyl group; R2 is a linear or branched carbon chain; and the amine group of the amino acid is neutralized with an acid. The composition is substantially free of petrochemicals and/or derivatives of petrochemical materials. The aqueous phase and the non-aqueous phase are emulsified by the neutralized amino acid ester. Other methods and an emulsifiers that is the neutralized amino acid ester are included. Because the neutralized amino acid ester and the compositions do not contain petrochemical-derived ingredient, the products are natural.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a belt for an image forming apparatus, including a releasing coating layer containing at least one selected from the group consisting of a paraffin-based hydrocarbon that is also known as a paraffin wax, an isomer thereof or ester compound.

Abstract: There is intended to provide the novel compounds which generate a base easily when irradiated with long wavelength light (active energy rays), a photobase generator containing the compounds and a photobase generation method, and the present invention relates to the compounds represented by the general formula [1], a photobase generator containing the compounds and a photobase generation method: (wherein, Ar represents any of groups with specific structures selected from the group consisting of an anthracenyl group, an anthraquinonyl group and a pyrenyl group; R1 and R2 each independently represent a hydrogen atom or a linear, branched or cyclic alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms, or represent ones which can form an alicyclic ring containing nitrogen atom(s) or an aromatic ring containing nitrogen atom(s) together with a nitrogen atom to which they are bound, which the rings having 3 to 8 carbon atoms which may have a substituent, R3 and R4 each independently represent a hydrogen atom, a linear, branc

Abstract: A process for preparing (meth)acrylic esters (F) of N-hydroxyalkylated imidazoles, wherein N-hydroxyalkylated imidazoles (I), in which R1 and R2 may each independently be hydrogen or C1-C20-alkyl, R3, R4 and R5 are each independently hydrogen or C1-C20-alkyl, C1-C20-alkylcarbonyl, C2-C20-alkenyl, C2-C20-alkenylcarbonyl, C2-C20-alkynyl, C2-C20-alkynylcarbonyl, C3-C15-cycloalkyl, C3-C15-cycloalkylcarbonyl, aryl, arylcarbonyl, a heterocycle or a halogen atom, and m and n are each integers in the range of in each case from 0 to 20, where m and n cannot simultaneously be 0, and in which the particular units bracketed by the variables m and n are present in any sequence, and in which, in the case that m?2, the R1 and R2 radicals are in each case independent in the particular units, in the presence of at least one catalyst (K), are esterified with (meth)acrylic acid (S) or transesterified with at least one (meth)acrylic ester (D).

Abstract: The use of cyclohexanepolycarboxylic acid derivatives for reducing or minimizing the dust emission when handling pulverulent construction chemistry products, processes for the preparation of the pulverulent construction chemistry products and hydraulically setting materials containing the cyclohexanepolycarboxylic acid derivatives according to the invention are proposed.

Abstract: The invention relates to compounds of Formula (I) wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, m and n are as defined in the description, and to pharmaceutically acceptable salts of such compounds. These compounds are useful as calcium channel blockers.

Abstract: Three biosynthetic pathways are disclosed for microorganism bio-production of 1,4-Butanediol from various carbon sources. Exemplary methods are provided. The recombinant microorganisms comprising any of these 1,4-Butanediol biosynthesis pathways may also comprise genetic modifications directed to improved tolerance for 1,4-Butanediol.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fuel preparation for use in diesel engines consisting of plant oil mono-alcohol esters and up to 20 weight percent linear and branched paraffins and olefins of chain length C5-C11 and alcohols of chain length C2-C8, whereby the paraffins, olefins and alcohols are obtained by means of gasification of biomass and subsequent Fischer-Tropsch synthesis not involving any processing of the Fischer-Tropsch fraction by means of hydrogenating procedures and the preparation has a flash point >55° C. and a density >820 kg/m3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved liquid crystal compounds which contain a mesogenic core which comprises a group of sub-formula (i) wherein R3 and R4 are independently selected from hydrogen, halogen or CF3, provided at least one of R3 or R4 is selected from halogen or CF3. The sub-formula (i) group may be located at any position within the mesogenic core of the liquid crystal compound, either at the terminus of the liquid crystal core or alternatively substantially in the middle of the liquid crystal core. The compounds of the invention provide compounds which when added to LC mixtures provide increasing birefringence, lowering of melting points, lowering clearing points, and lowering viscosities. These compounds and mixtures may fmd particular use in imaging or display media, such as monitors or televisions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for processing biomass to selectively yield a variety of hydrocarbon molecules and hydrogen as products, wherein some or all of these products can be further utilized for other biomass processing sub-processes, particularly wherein they lead to the generation of biofuels and/or other high-value products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a perfume composition as a raw material of fruity perfumes which has a conventionally unknown peculiar fresh, woody, floral, grassy-leafy nuance and is capable of harmonizing with various perfumes to provide perfume preparations having a more sophisticated odor or scent. The perfume composition of the present invention includes a compound represented by the general formula (I): wherein R1 and R2 are each independently a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms; and R3 is a hydrocarbon group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A composition comprising glycerol and at least one cyclic oligomer of glycerol, a process for obtaining the composition, and its use in the manufacture of dichloropropanol and of derived products such as epichlorohydrin and epoxy resins.

Abstract: Disclosed are a series of ?-amino-N-substituted amide compounds having a structure of the following formula, the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and the pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. The ?-amino-N-substituted amide compounds or the pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof according to the present invention have anti-tumor and/or anti-cancer activities in vivo and in vitro, can effectively depress the growth of various tumor cells and/or cancer cells, and thus can be used in preparing drugs for treating tumors and/or cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a polyketide synthase (PKS) capable of synthesizing a dicarboxylic acid (diacid). Such diacids include diketide-diacids and triketide-diacids. The invention includes recombinant nucleic acid encoding the PKS, and host cells comprising the PKS. The invention also includes methods for producing the diacids.

Abstract: A salt represented by the formula (a1): wherein Q1 and Q2 each independently represent a fluorine atom or a C1-C4 perfluoroalkyl group, X1 represents —CO—O—Xa1— or —CH2—O—Xa2— wherein Xa1 and Xa2 independently each represent a C1-C15 alkylene group and one or more —CH2— in the alkylene group can be replaced by —O— or —CO—, Y1 represents a C3-C36 alicyclic hydrocarbon group or a C6-C24 aromatic hydrocarbon group, and the alicyclic hydrocarbon group and the aromatic hydrocarbon group can have one or more substituents, and one or more —CH2— in the alicyclic hydrocarbon group can be replaced by —O— or —CO—, and Z+ represents an organic cation.

Abstract: The current invention provides novel thiotungstate derivatives, methods of making novel thiotungstate derivatives, pharmaceutical compositions of novel thiotungstate derivatives, methods of using novel thiotungstate derivatives to treat diseases associated with aberrant vascularization, copper metabolism disorders and obesity and methods of using pharmaceutical compositions of thiotungstate derivatives to treat diseases associated with aberrant vascularization, copper metabolism disorders, neurodegenerative disorders, obesity or NF-?B dysregulation.

Abstract: The present invention is related to 4-hepten-2-yl salicylate and its use as fragrance ingredient.

Abstract: There is provided a novel optically active dinickel complex and/or a production method of an optically active amine by an asymmetric Mannich reaction using the dinickel complex as a catalyst. An optically active dinickel complex of Formula (I) or Formula (I?): [where R0, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, and R7 are each independently a hydrogen atom, a halogen atom, a C1-10 alkyl group or a C1-10 alkoxy group, etc., R2 and R3 together form, together with a benzene ring bonded to them, a naphthalene ring, etc. A novel production method of an optically active amine by an asymmetric Mannich reaction using the dinickel complex as a catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for treating sensory discomfort in the upper airways of a human; treating sensory discomfort in the oropharynx of a human; alleviating pain from pharyngitis in a human; alleviating cough in a human; and ameliorating the symptoms and signs of asthma, dyspnea, sleep apnea, snoring or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a human. According to the invention, an active compound is delivered, preferably selectively delivered, to the oropharynx, preferably the oropharyngeal surfaces, more preferably the lower retropalatal oropharynx (LRO) of the patient. According to the invention, the active compound is a compound of the following formula, wherein R is C2 to C4 hydroxyalkyl or polyhydroxyalkyl.

Abstract: Provided are a novel ?-glucuronidase inhibitor including a compound selected from a macrocyclic ketone, a ketone, a macrocyclic lactone, a macrocyclic oxalactone, an ester, an aldehyde, an alcohol, and a terpene of specific kinds, and an environmental hygiene product and a sanitary product each containing the ?-glucuronidase inhibitor. Also provided are a composition for suppressing the generation of urine odor and a method of suppressing the generation of urine odor each using a ?-glucuronidase inhibitor.

Abstract: The invention relates to functionalized, telechelic polymers synthesized by enzymatic catalysis and methods, and the functionalization of polymers via Michael addition with a lipase catalyst, and the crosslinking of mono- or difunctional (telechelic) polymers made by enzymatic catalysis, such as by using multifunctional coupling agents and enzyme catalysts. Quantitative transesterification of vinyl methacrylate with poly(ethylene glycol), poly(isobutylene) and poly(dimethylsiloxane) was achieved using Candida antarctica lipase B. In addition, methacrylate-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether has been successfully coupled to aminoethoxy poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether via Michael addition using Candida antarctica lipase B. Amine-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)s have also been used for the preparation of poly(ethylene glycol)-based dendrimers and gels through Michael addition of the polymer onto triacryloyl hexahydro-triazine using the same enzyme.

Abstract: Devices, compositions, and methods are described which provide a tubular nanostructure targeted to a lipid bilayer membrane. The targeted tubular nanostructure can have a surface region configured to pass through a lipid bilayer membrane of a cell, a hydrophobic surface region flanked by two hydrophilic surface regions configured to form a pore in a lipid bilayer membrane of a cellular organelle, and at least one ligand configured to bind one or more cognates on the lipid bilayer membrane of the cellular organelle. The target cell can be, for example, a tumor cell, an infected cell, or a diseased cell in a subject. The tubular nanostructure can form a pore in the lipid bilayer membrane of the cellular organelle, e.g., mitochondria, which can permit transit or translocation of at least one compound across the membrane and cause cell death of the target cell.

Abstract: In a hydroformylation reaction, the circulation and recovery of cobalt carbonyl in a cobalt catalyst cycle using carbonylate as an intermediate and acidification thereof, is improved by supplying an aqueous sulfuric acid solution containing less than 16% wt of sulfuric acid to the carbonylate to control sulfuric acid concentration in the carbonylate/acid mixture, before accounting for any acid consuming reaction, to a value of from 2% to 10% by weight. Single step and multistage liquid/liquid extraction techniques as well as vapour/liquid extraction techniques followed by the absorption of cobalt from the vapour in an organic liquid both benefit from this improvement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a salt of the formula (I): wherein ring X represents monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon group having 3 to 30 carbon atoms, and one or more hydrogen atom in the monocyclic or polycyclic hydrocarbon group is optionally substituted with alkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atom, alkoxy group having 1 to 10 carbon atom, perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 4 carbon atoms, hydroxyalkyl group having 1 to 10 carbon atoms or cyano group; Q1 and Q2 each independently represent fluorine atom or perfluoroalkyl group having 1 to 6 carbon atoms; and A+ represents organic counter ion. The present invention also provides a chemically amplified resist composition comprising the salt of the formula (I).

Abstract: Compound of formula (I) wherein the dotted line is no bond or the dotted line together with the carbon-carbon bond represents a double bond; X and Y represent independently carbonyl, —CH2—, —CHMe-, or —C(Me)2-; and n and m are independently 0 or 1; with the proviso that if X is carbonyl either or both of n or m is 0, and their use as malodor counteractant. Furthermore, a process of their production and consumer products comprising them is described.

Abstract: A dissolution modification agent suitable for use in a photoresist composition including a polymer, a photoacid generator and casting solvent. The dissolution modification agent is insoluble in aqueous alkaline developer and inhibits dissolution of the polymer in the developer until acid is generated by the photoacid generator being exposed to actinic radiation, whereupon the dissolution modifying agent, at a suitable temperature, becomes soluble in the developer and allows the polymer to dissolve in the developer. The DMAs are glucosides, cholates, citrates and adamantanedicarboxylates protected with acid-labile ethoxyethyl, tetrahydrofuranyl, and angelicalactonyl groups.

Abstract: An organic electroluminescent device having a pair of electrodes including a positive electrode and a negative electrode at least one of which is transparent or translucent, and one or more organic compound layers interposed between the pair of electrodes, at least one layer of the organic compound layers containing at least one charge transporting polyester having a repeating unit that contains at least one structure selected from structures represented by the following formula (I-1) as a partial structure.

Abstract: Methods and reagents for photo-initiated carbonylation with carbon-isotope labeled carbon monoxide using alkyl/aryl iodides with alcohols or water treated by photosensitizers are provided. The resultant carbon-isotope labeled esters and acids, and pharmaceutical acceptable salts and solvates are useful as radiopharmaceuticals, especially for use in Positron Emission Tomography (PET). Associated kits and method for PET studies are also provided.

Abstract: Acetals are formed from an aldehyde hydrogenation product mixture comprising alcohols and at most 2% of alde-hydes and the product is distilled to yield purified alcohols and a second stream containing acetals and/or unsaturated ethers.

Abstract: The invention relates to new cyclohexylene reactive mesogens (RM), polymers derived thereof, liquid crystal (LC) media comprising them, and the use of the compounds, polymers and liquid crystalline media in optical, electrooptical, electronic, semiconducting or luminescent components or devices, in decorative, security, cosmetic or diagnostic applications, especially in the polymer stabilised blue phase.

Abstract: Provided is a method for characterizing an analyte by matrix assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry, which method comprises: (a) labelling the analyte with a light-absorbing label that absorbs light at a pre-determined frequency, to form a labelled analyte; (b) embedding the labelled analyte in a matrix formed from at least one compound that absorbs light, to form an embedded labelled analyte; (c) desorbing the embedded labelled analyte by exposing it to light having the pre-determined frequency, to form a desorbed analyte; and (d) detecting the desorbed analyte by mass spectrometry to characterize the analyte.

Abstract: A polymer compound that, within a chemically amplified positive resist system, exhibits a significant change in alkali solubility from a state prior to exposure to that following exposure, as well as a photoresist composition that includes such a polymer compound and a method for forming a resist pattern, which are capable of forming fine patterns with a high level of resolution. The polymer compound includes, as an alkali-soluble group (i), a substituent group in which a group selected from amongst alcoholic hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, and phenolic hydroxyl groups is protected with an acid dissociable, dissolution inhibiting group (ii) represented by a general formula (1) shown below: (wherein, A represents an organic group of 1 to 20 carbon atoms with a valency of at least n+1, and n represents an integer from 1 to 4).

Abstract: Devices, compositions, and methods are described which provide a tubular nanostructure targeted to a lipid bilayer membrane. The targeted tubular nanostructure can have a surface region configured to pass through a lipid bilayer membrane of a cell, a hydrophobic surface region flanked by two hydrophilic surface regions configured to form a pore in a lipid bilayer membrane of a cellular organelle, and at least one ligand configured to bind one or more cognates on the lipid bilayer membrane of the cellular organelle. The target cell can be, for example, a tumor cell, an infected cell, or a diseased cell in a subject. The tubular nanostructure can form a pore in the lipid bilayer membrane of the cellular organelle, e.g., mitochondria, which can permit transit or translocation of at least one compound across the membrane and cause cell death of the target cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agonists of the hTAS2R14 bitter taste receptor and its role in bitter taste transduction. The invention also relates to assays for screening molecules that modulate, e.g. suppress or block hTAS2R14 bitter taste transduction or bitter taste response.

Abstract: A sulfonic acid group-containing carbonaceous material that is useful as a solid acid catalyst for various reactions such as hydration of olefins and acidolysis reaction of hydroperoxide and also useful as a proton conductor material having excellent proton conductivity is provided. In addition, an economical and environmentally friendly method for producing methyl ethyl ketone is provided. A sulfonic acid group-containing carbonaceous material having high catalytic activities for various acid catalyst reactions and also having high proton conductivity can be obtained by carbonization and sulfonation of a phenolic resin.