Abstract: A surfactant composition selected from the group consisting of: (R1O)CH2—CH[(OCH2CH2)1-20OH]—CH2(OR2) and mixtures thereof; wherein at least one of R1 and R2 are secondary alkyl groups including from 3 to 9 Carbon atoms; an aqueous coating composition including an aqueous polymeric dispersion; and certain other compositions including the surfactant composition are provided. Also provided is a method for forming a coating.

Abstract: A compound of the formula R1.[(AO)n.—R2]m (I) where: R1 is the residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms; AO is an alkylene oxide residue; each n is independently from 1 to 100; m is at least 2; and each R2 is independently H, a C1 to C21 hydrocarbyl, or an acyl group —OC.R3, where R3 is a C1 to C21 hydrocarbyl group, wherein on average greater than one of the R2 groups is or comprises a C4 to C21 hydrocarbyl group comprising at least two ethylenic double bonds. The compounds are particularly suitable for use in preparing aqueous emulsions or dispersions of resins and polymers, especially alkyd resins.

Abstract: A method of isomerizing a substance includes combining a substance including a terminal alkenyl group and a substance including a fluorosulfonic acid group in a reaction mixture, and forming a substance including a 2-alkenyl group from the substance including a terminal alkenyl group in the reaction mixture. The method may be used to functionalize a substance, as the substance including a 2-alkenyl group can be reacted with a functionalizing agent to form a substance including a first functional group. The methods may be used to form a dicarboxylic acid, such as suberic acid, from a renewable feedstock.

Abstract: Disclosed herein a process for the synthesis of diacids or diesters of general formula ROOC—(CH2)x-COOR, in which n represents an integer between 5 and 14 and R is either H or an alkyl radical of 1 to 4 carbon atoms, starting from long-chain natural monounsaturated fatty acids or esters comprising at least 10 adjacent carbon atoms per molecule, of formula CH3—(CH2)n-CHR1—CH2—CH?CH—(CH2)p-COOR, in which R represents H or an alkyl radical comprising from 1 to 4 carbon atoms, R1 is either H or OH, and n and p, which are identical or different, are indices between 2 and 11.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for the chemocatalytic conversion of a glucose source to an adipic acid product. The present invention includes processes for the conversion of glucose to an adipic acid product via glucaric acid or derivatives thereof. The present invention also includes processes comprising catalytic oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid or derivative thereof and processes comprising the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of glucaric acid or derivatives thereof to an adipic acid product. The present invention also includes products produced from adipic acid product and processes for the production thereof from such adipic acid product.

Abstract: Disclosed are catalysts comprised of platinum and rhodium on a support selected from the group of zirconia, stabilized (doped) zirconia, zirconia-metal oxide composites, and mixtures thereof, wherein the outer surfaces of the support are selected from the group of zirconia, stabilized zirconia, and mixtures thereof. More particularly, the supported catalysts comprise platinum and rhodium, wherein the molar ratio of platinum to rhodium is in the range of about 3:1 to about 1:2. The average pore diameter of the catalyst supports is in the range of about 5 nm to about 70 nm and the surface area is in the range of about 15 m2/g to about 200 m2/g. Also disclosed are methods for the hydrodeoxygenation of carboxylic acids, mono- and/or di-lactones thereof having at least one hydroxyl group on the backbone thereof to corresponding acids where the backbone hydroxyl group has been reduced in the presence of the catalyst.

Abstract: A method for preparing succinic acid, including producing a modified palladium-containing catalyst by using an acid and liquid-phase hydrogenation of unsaturated acid compounds on the modified catalyst at an increased temperature and pressure; separating the catalyst from the succinic acid; wherein the modification of the catalyst is performed on a substrate having the palladium-containing catalyst delivered thereon, the delivery being performed in an oxygen-free atmosphere; the delivery being performed in an aqueous medium of succinic, maleic or fumaric acids and/or their mixtures at a Pd2+/acid ratio of 1:1-1:100; hydrogenating the liquid-phase unsaturated acid compounds selected from maleic, fumaric acids or their anhydrides or their mixtures; and crystallizing the succinic acid from an aqueous solution containing 0.001-0.01 wt. % succinic acid seed.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for the chemocatalytic conversion of a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product. The present invention includes processes for the conversion of a carbohydrate source to an adipic acid product via a furanic substrate, such as 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid or derivatives thereof. The present invention also includes processes for producing an adipic acid product comprising the catalytic hydrogenation of a furanic substrate to produce a tetrahydrofuranic substrate and the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of at least a portion of the tetrahydrofuranic substrate to an adipic acid product. The present invention also includes products produced from adipic acid product and processes for the production thereof from such adipic acid product.

Abstract: Methods and systems for electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide to carboxylic acids, glycols, and carboxylates are disclosed. A method may include, but is not limited to, steps (A) to (D). Step (A) may introduce water to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first compartment may include an anode. Step (B) may introduce carbon dioxide to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment may include a solution of an electrolyte and a cathode. Step (C) may apply an electrical potential between the anode and the cathode in the electrochemical cell sufficient to reduce the carbon dioxide to a carboxylic acid intermediate. Step (D) may contact the carboxylic acid intermediate with hydrogen to produce a reaction product.

Abstract: A method for preparing succinic acid, including producing a modified palladium-containing catalyst by using an acid and liquid-phase hydrogenation of unsaturated acid compounds on the modified catalyst at an increased temperature and pressure; separating the catalyst from the succinic acid; wherein the modification of the catalyst is performed on a substrate having the palladium-containing catalyst delivered thereon, the delivery being performed in an oxygen-free atmosphere; the delivery being performed in an aqueous medium of succinic, maleic or fumaric acids and/or their mixtures at a Pd2+/acid ratio of 1:1-1:100; hydrogenating the liquid-phase unsaturated acid compounds selected from maleic, fumaric acids or their anhydrides or their mixtures; and crystallizing the succinic acid from an aqueous solution containing 0.001-0.01 wt. % succinic acid seed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing 1,2-dodeca-2,10-diene diacid and 1,12-dodecanoic acid whereby cyclooctene and acrylic acid are reacted with a ruthenium catalyst by way of a metathesis reaction at high substrate concentrations until the reaction takes place in substance, the resulting unsaturated dicarboxylic acid being precipitated and being hydrated in a second reaction step.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to processes for the chemocatalytic conversion of a glucose source to an adipic acid product. The present invention includes processes for the conversion of glucose to an adipic acid product via glucaric acid or derivatives thereof. The present invention also includes processes comprising catalytic oxidation of glucose to glucaric acid or derivative thereof and processes comprising the catalytic hydrodeoxygenation of glucaric acid or derivatives thereof to an adipic acid product. The present invention also includes products produced from adipic acid product and processes for the production thereof from such adipic acid product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ?/?-unsaturated dicarboxylic acids and the corresponding saturated dicarboxylic acids, whereby the corresponding cycloalkene and acrylic acid are reacted with a ruthenium catalyst by way of a metathesis reaction at high substrate concentrations until the reaction takes place in substance, the resulting dicarboxylic acid being precipitated.

Abstract: The invention discloses a series of glycerin/succinate/alkyl succinate polyesters. These materials are high foaming detergents useful in the formulation of biodegradable, polyoxyalkylene free, cosmetic and personal care products.

Abstract: This invention involves highly porous, stable metal oxide felt materials that are used as catalytic supports for a number of different applications including dehydrogenation of light paraffins to olefins, selective hydrogenation of dienes to olefins, hydrogenation of carboxylic acids, oxidation or ammoxidation reactions, epoxidation of light olefins and removal of sulfur compounds from gas streams.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hydrogenation of an organic compound comprising at least one carbonyl group, whereby the organic compound is brought into contact with a moulded body in the presence of hydrogen. Said body may be produced by a method in which (i) an oxidic material is prepared, comprising copper oxide, aluminium oxide, and at least one oxide of lanthanum, tungsten, molybdenum, titanium, or zirconium, followed by (ii) addition of powdered metallic copper, copper platelets, powdered cement, graphite, mixtures or a mixture thereof with graphite to the oxidic material and (iii) moulding the mixture from (ii) to give a moulded body, characterised in that the moulded body is in the form of catalyst tablets or catalyst extrudates with a diameter d and/or height h<2.5 mm, catalyst beads with a diameter d<2.5 mm or catalyst honeycomb with a cell diameter rz<2.5 mm.

Abstract: A process for preparing butanetetracarboxylic acid derivatives as product of value I by coupled electrosynthesis which comprises cathodically reducing a compound selected from the group consisting of maleic esters, maleic ester derivatives, fumaric esters and fumaric ester derivatives where at least one hydrogen atom in positions 2 and 3 may be replaced by inert groups and obtaining a product of value II at the node.

Abstract: A process for recovering carboxylic acids from an aqueous mixture such as a fermentation broth using a solvent containing at least one olefin without the need for first removing the spent microorganism cells is provided. A co-solvent which increases the partition coefficient of the solvent relative to the carboxylic acid may optionally be included. The resulting carboxylic acid is hydrogenated to produce a saturated carboxylic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides functionalized cyclopropane compounds that have pesticidal and/or TMOF activity. The pesticidal compounds and other compounds of the present invention are usefully employed in the control of pests, particularly insect pests such as mosquitoes, which ingest blood.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula R2.[(AO)n.R3]m, where R2 is a residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms derived from hydroxyl and/or amino and/or amido groups, AO is alkyleneoxy, n is 2 to 200; R3 includes residue(s) of alkenyl succinic acids and optionally other acids, and m is 2 to 10, but when m is 2 there are other restrictions in the definitions, are disclosed as useful thickeners and/or dispersants in aqueous systems. The use of such materials as thickeners is also disclosed.

Abstract: Compounds of the formula R2.[(AO)n.R3]m, where R2 is a residue of a group having at least m active hydrogen atoms derived from hydroxyl and/or amino and/or amido groups, AO is alkyleneoxy, n is 2 to 200; R3 includes residue(s) of alkenyl succinic acids and optionally other acids, and m is 2 to 10, but when m is 2 there are other restrictions in the definitions, are disclosed as useful thickeners and/or dispersants in aqueous systems. The use of such materials as thickeners is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for preparing an optically active succinic acid compound involves hydrogenating an itaconic acid compound in the presence of a rhodium compound and a 2,2"-bis(1-(hydrocarbon residue-substituted) phosphine-substituted alkyl)-1,1"-biferrocene compound.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of propane-1,2,3-tricarboxylic acid, tetrahydrofurfurylacetic acid and the C.sub.1 - to C.sub.20 -alkyl or C.sub.7 - to C.sub.12 -aralkyl esters thereof, propane-1,2,3-trimethanol, 3-methyltetrahydrofuran, 3-(2'-hydroxyethyl)tetrahydrofuran, 4-hydroxymethyltetrahydropyran, 2-methyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone and/or 3-methyl-.gamma.-butyrolactone, comprises reacting citric acid or the C.sub.1 - to C.sub.20 -alkyl or C.sub.7 - to C.sub.12 -aralkyl esters thereof on hydrogenation catalysts in non-aqueous solvents at from 50.degree. to 400.degree. C. and at from 1 to 400 bar.

Abstract: A process for producing a carboxylic acid or an ester thereof represented by formula (I): ##STR1## wherein: R represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; R.sup.1 represents a lower alkyl group; CH.sub.2 COOR.sup.3, wherein R.sup.3 represents a hydrogen atom or a lower alkyl group; or NHR.sup.4, wherein R.sup.4 represents a formyl group, an acetyl group, a benzoyl group, or a chloroacetyl group, andR.sup.2 represents a hydrogen atom, a lower alkyl group, or a phenyl group,which comprises hydrogenating an unsaturated compound represented by formula (II): ##STR2## wherein R, R.sup.1, and R.sup.2 are as defined above, in the presence of a rhodium or ruthenium complex catalyst having, as a ligand, BICHEP which means 2,2'-bis(dicyclohexylphoshino)-6,6'-dimethyl-1,1'-biphenyl represented by formula (III): ##STR3## is disclosed.

Abstract: A process for forming thioglycolic acid by contacting in a reaction zone at elevated pressure of at least 250 psig a mixture of monochloroacetic acid and dichloroacetic acid with a molar excess of an alkali metal hydrosulfide to form the alkali metal salt of thioglycolic acid, acidifying said salt and removing the free thioglycolic acid. A preferred process further requires separating any formed thiodiglycolic acid from the resultant liquid phase materials and recycling said acid to the reaction zone.

Abstract: Hexene-1,6-dioates, readily hydrogenated into adipates (which in turn are conveniently hydrolyzed into adipic acid), are prepared by reacting carbon monoxide, an alcohol and at least one dichlorobutene, in the presence of a catalytically effective amount of palladium or a palladium compound and no more than two equivalents (relative to the dichlorobutene) of a tertiary amine reaction promoter; in an alternate embodiment, the tertiary amine and the dichlorobutene are first converted into a quaternary ammonium chloride intermediate.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for dimerizing lower alkyl acrylates or lower alkyl methacrylates utilizing a bis(ethylene) rhodium tetrafluoroborate catalyst.

Abstract: The dicarbonylation product of 1,4-dialkoxy substituted-2-butene is useful as intermediate in the production of adipic acid, hexamethylenediamine and 1,6-hexanediol. It is produced by carbonylating a solution of the dialkoxy substituted butene in a polar, aprotic non-basic solvent at 80.degree.-140.degree. C. in the presence of a catalyst comprising a halide of the transition metal.

Abstract: Process for the hydrogenation of functionally substituted acetylenic compounds employing catalyst comprising nickel boride on an inorganic oxide support is disclosed. Functionally-substituted acetylenic compounds are selectively reduced under mild reaction conditions to give functionally-substituted cis-olefinic compounds in high yield.

Abstract: The freezing point of an aqueous system is lowered by adding to the system a freezing point lowering quantity of at least one and preferably two or more water soluble salts of dicarboxylic acids having at least three carbon atoms, specifically a dicarboxylic acid selected from the group which consists of adipic, glutaric, succinic and malonic acids, the salt being a sodium, potassium, ammonium or organoamine salt.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the production of higher homologues of aliphatic carboxylic acids by reaction of said acids with carbon monoxide and hydrogen in the presence of one or more palladium-containing catalysts in combination with a Group VB tertiary donor ligand and in the presence of an iodide or bromide promoter.

Abstract: Process industrially and economically useful for preparing difunctional aliphatic organic compounds of formulaX-(CH.sub.2).sub.n -Yin which n=6,7, X=--COOH, --COOR, Y=--CN, --COOH, --CONH.sub.2, --CH.sub.2 --NH.sub.2 --COOR wherein R is a linear or branched alkyl containing 1-6 carbon atoms.The process starts from a ketone of the formula ##STR1## in which n=2,3 and R.sub.1 =--CN, --COOH. The ketone (I) is changed to the corresponding hydroperoxide by means of H.sub.2 O.sub.2, the hydroperoxide is catalytically split by means of a catalyst Fe.sup.++ /Cu.sup.++ to give an unsaturated acid of the formulaHOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.3 --CH.dbd.CH--(CH.sub.2).sub.2 -R.sub.1and this is catalytically hydrogenated to the compoundHOOC--(CH.sub.2).sub.n -R.sub.1When R.sub.1 is different from Y, R.sub.1 is changed to Y through known methods.

Abstract: Conjugated diolefins (e.g., 1,3-butadiene) are carbonylated by the palladium-catalyzed addition of carbon monoxide and an alcohol of the formula ROH (e.g., benzyl alcohol) whereby polycarboxylic esters are formed in which the pair of double bonds of the conjugated diolefin has been transformed into a moiety having the formula: ##STR1## In the process, the olefin, carbon monoxide, and alcohol are reacted in the presence of a palladium(II) salt, a copper(II) salt, and a base, at certain concentrations and at a pressure and temperature sufficient to effect the carbonylation. The resulting unsaturated diester can be hydrolyzed and hydrogenated or vice versa to obtain the corresponding linear diacid (e.g., adipic acid).

Abstract: Aliphatic unsaturated material or compounds are hydrogenated. Specifically, unsaturated dinitrile, e.g., 5-methyl-4-nonenedinitrile, 2,4-dimethyl-4-octenedinitrile, 2,4-dimethyl-3-octenedinitrile, 2,4,6-trimethyl-3-heptenedinitrile, 5-methylenenonanedinitrile, 2-methyl-4-methyleneoctanedinitrile and 2,6-dimethyl-4-methyleneheptanedinitrile, in a mixture resulting from reaction of isobutylene and acrylonitrile are hydrogenated in presence of a palladium hydrogenation catalyst disposed on an active alumina support also having disposed thereon an adjuvant selected from cerium, thorium, manganese, praseodymium, neodymium and samarium. A specific combination of adjuvants namely cerium together with lanthanum was found to improve the hydrogenation at low levels of cerium.Other aliphatic compounds which can be hydrogenated according to the invention include among others ethylene, 1,3-butadiene, cinnamic acid, 5-methyl-4-nonenedicarboxylic acid, diethyl 5-methylene-nonanedicarboxylate, etc.

Abstract: Process for the homogeneous catalytic hydrogenation of olefins, capable of existing as enantiomorphs upon hydrogenation of the olefinic bond, which yields on hydrogenation an optically active mixture. The process comprises the hydrogenation of the olefin in the presence of an optically active coordinated metal hydrogenation catalyst, in which the metal is selected from the group consisting of rhodium, iridium, ruthenium, osmium, palladium and platinum.This process is a generalized process for any asymmetric hydrogenation of olefins in which one optical enantiomorph is desired. It is also a generalized process for the selective hydrogenation of olefins in the presence of other reactive groups which are easily hydrogenated. It is especially useful for the preparation of natural products which possess optical activity, such as amino acids, and for products such as flavors, fragrances which may require optical activity for their utilitization.