Abstract: Solvent consumption in supercritical ethanol, propanol or butanol treatment of either refined pre-extracted lignin or comparatively impure lignin-rich solid residual from hydrothermally pretreated lignocellulosic biomass can be minimized by conducting the reaction at very high loading of lignin to solvent. Comparatively impure, crude lignin-rich solid residual can be directly converted by supercritical alcohol treatment to significantly diesel-soluble lignin oil without requirement for pre-extraction or pre-solubilization of lignin or for added reaction promoters such as catalysts, hydrogen donor co-solvents, acids, based or H2 gas. O:C ratio of product oil can readily be obtained using crude lignin residual in such a process at levels 0.20 or lower.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the oxidation of a primary or secondary alcohol, preferably to form an aldehyde or ketone, comprising the following steps: a) providing a catalyst composition comprising at least one compound containing a nitroxyl radical, at least one NO source, at least one carbon or mineral acid or an anhydride of a carbon or mineral acid; b) producing a reaction mixture by adding at least one primary or secondary alcohol and a gas comprising oxygen and optionally one or more than one solvent to the catalyst composition from step a) or step e); c) incubating the reaction mixture from step b) at a temperature of between 0 and 100° C. or at the boiling point of the solvent; d) simultaneously with or subsequent to step c): crystallizing the reaction product; and e) recovering the catalyst composition by removing the crystallized reaction product from the reaction mixture obtained in step d).

Abstract: Catalysts prepared from abundant, cost effective metals, such as cobalt, nickel, chromium, manganese, iron, and copper, and containing one or more neutrally charged ligands (e.g., monodentate, bidentate, and/or polydentate ligands) and methods of making and using thereof are described herein. Exemplary ligands include, but are not limited to, phosphine ligands, nitrogen-based ligands, sulfur-based ligands, and/or arsenic-based ligands. In some embodiments, the catalyst is a cobalt-based catalyst or a nickel-based catalyst. The catalysts described herein are stable and active at neutral pH and in a wide range of buffers that are both weak and strong proton acceptors. While its activity is slightly lower than state of the art cobalt-based water oxidation catalysts under some conditions, it is capable of sustaining electrolysis at high applied potentials without a significant degradation in catalytic current. This enhanced robustness gives it an advantage in industrial and large-scale water electrolysis schemes.

Abstract: Hydrocarbons may be formed from six carbon sugars. This process involves obtaining a quantity of a hexose sugar. The hexose sugar may be derived from biomass. The hexose sugar is reacted to form an alkali metal levulinate, an alkali metal valerate, an alkali metal 5-hydroxy pentanoate, or an alkali metal 5-alkoxy pentanoate. An anolyte is then prepared for use in a electrolytic cell. The anolyte contains the alkali metal levulinate, the alkali metal valerate, the alkali metal 5-hydroxy pentanoate, or the alkali metal 5-alkoxy pentanoate. The anolyte is then decarboxylated. This decarboxylating operates to decarboxylate the alkali metal levulinate, the alkali metal valerate, the alkali metal 5-hydroxy pentanoate, or the alkali metal 5-alkoxy pentanoate to form radicals, wherein the radicals react to form a hydrocarbon fuel compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transformation of lignoceliulosic biomass or cellulose that uses tungsten-oxide-based heterogeneous catalysts that are dispersed on an oxide-based substrate, preferably with a base of oxide(s) of aluminum and/or zirconium and/or titanium and/or niobium and containing an element in the particular metallic state. The use of these catalysts makes it possible to obtain directly upgradable products containing three carbon atoms, in particular hydroxyacetone and propylene glycol with high selectivity.

Abstract: Hexafluoroacetone or a hydrate thereof is produced with a high yield by subjecting a 1-fluoro-4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2,3,5-trioxolanyl ether compound represented by the general formula: wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a benzyl group, which has been obtained by ozone oxidation of a heptafluoroisobutenyl ether compound, to a reduction reaction in the presence of a reducing agent selected from dialkyl sulfide containing an alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, diaryl sulfide, diaryl disulfide, and diaralkyl sulfide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transformation of lignocellulosic biomass or cellulose using heterogeneous catalysts that are based on tin oxide and/or antimony oxide, dispersed on a substrate and containing at least one element in the particular metal state. The use of these catalysts makes it possible to obtain directly upgradable products, in particular hydroxyacetone and propylene glycol with high selectivity.

Abstract: The invention provides a catalyst system for catalytic fast pyrolysis comprising a cerium-incorporated HZSM-5 zeolite (Catalyst 1), and methods of making and using the same. The invention also provides a process for reducing coke formation during catalytic fast pyrolysis of biomass using HZSM-5, wherein the process can include incorporating cerium into the HZSM-5 zeolite to produce Catalyst 1 prior to the catalytic fast pyrolysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a process for hydrogenation of ketones having at least a carbon-carbon double bond in the y,8-position to the keto group by hydrogen in the presence of at least one chiral iridium complex of formula (I), where R1 represents a group of formula (II) or (III) or (IV). It has been shown that this process leads to a strong increase in preferential formation of a single isomer. The process is particularly suitable for the hydrogenation of y,8-unsaturated ketones which can be used as flavours and fragrances or for the preparation of vitamin E and its derivatives or of flavours and fragrances.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a specific thiazolium salt used for producing an ?-hydroxy ketone compound, and a method for producing an ?-hydroxy ketone compound by carrying out a coupling reaction of an aldehyde compound in the presence of a base compound and the specific thiazolium salt.

Abstract: A method of hydrotreating liquefied biomass feedstock with diesel feedstock to produce alkanes is demonstrated that prevents damage to the reactor catalyst, reduces coke production, and converts nearly all of the polyols to alkanes. In order to mitigate the potential coking issue and to moderate the temperature of the catalyst bed while maintaining high conversion for sugar alcohol to hydrocarbon via a hydrotreating process, a diesel feedstock is fed over the reactor catalyst with multiple injections of polyol feedstock along the reactor.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods for oxidizing internal olefins to ketones. In various embodiments, each method comprising contacting an organic substrate, having an initial internal olefin, with a mixture of (a) a biscationic palladium salt; and (b) an oxidizing agent; dissolved or dispersed in a solvent system to form a reaction mixture, said solvent system comprising at least one C2-6 carbon nitrile and optionally at least one secondary alkyl amide, said method conducted under conditions sufficient to convert at least 50 mol % of the initial internal olefin to a ketone, said ketone positioned on a carbon of the initial internal olefin. The transformation occurs at room temperature and shows wide substrate scope. Applications to the oxidation of seed oil derivatives and a bioactive natural product are described.

Abstract: Hexafluoroacetone or a hydrate thereof is produced with a high yield by subjecting a 1-fluoro-4,4-bis(trifluoromethyl)-2,3,5-trioxolanyl ether compound represented by the general formula: wherein R is an alkyl group having 1 to 8 carbon atoms, an aryl group, or a benzyl group, which has been obtained by ozone oxidation of a heptafluoroisobutenyl ether compound, to a reduction reaction in the presence of a reducing agent selected from dialkyl sulfide containing an alkyl group having 3 or 4 carbon atoms, diaryl sulfide, diaryl disulfide, and diaralkyl sulfide.

Abstract: Methods of converting cellulose or related biorenewable carbohydrate materials into high-value chemical compounds. The methods provide a means of converting low-cost materials such as cellulose and biomass into high yields of compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, hydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Abstract: The present invention provides catalysts, methods, and reactor systems for converting oxygenated hydrocarbons to oxygenated compounds. The invention includes methods for producing cyclic ethers, monooxygenates, dioxygenates, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids, and alcohols from oxygenated hydrocarbons, such as carbohydrates, sugars, sugar alcohols, sugar degradation products, and the like, using catalysts containing palladium, molybdenum, tin, and tungsten. The oxygenated compounds produced are useful in the production of liquid fuels, chemicals, and other products.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the oxidation of a primary or secondary alcohol, preferably to form an aldehyde or ketone, comprising the following steps: a) providing a catalyst composition comprising at least one compound containing a nitroxyl radical, at least one NO source, at least one carbon or mineral acid or an anhydride of a carbon or mineral acid; b) producing a reaction mixture by adding at least one primary or secondary alcohol and a gas comprising oxygen and optionally one or more than one solvent to the catalyst composition from step a) or step e); c) incubating the reaction mixture from step b) at a temperature of between 0 and 100° C. or at the boiling point of the solvent; d) simultaneously with or subsequent to step c): crystallizing the reaction product; and e) recovering the catalyst composition by removing the crystallized reaction product from the reaction mixture obtained in step d).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transformation of lignocellulosic biomass or cellulose using heterogeneous catalysts that are based on tin oxide and/or antimony oxide, dispersed on a substrate and containing at least one element in the particular metal state. The use of these catalysts makes it possible to obtain directly upgradable products, in particular hydroxyacetone and propylene glycol with high selectivity.

Abstract: Allyl and propargyl ethers of the formula X—C(R1)(R2)—O—C(CH3)(R3)—OCH3 (I), wherein X is an ethynyl or vinyl group, R1 is methyl or ethyl, R2 is a saturated or unsaturated linear or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon residue and R3 is methyl or ethyl, a method for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of ?-ketoallenes, ?,?-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and ?,?-unsaturated ketones.

Abstract: Described is a method of making 2,4-diones via acid catalyzed or thermally induced ring-opening of a 4-hydroxy-6-substituted-2-pyrone to yield a 2,4-dione.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for transformation of lignoceliulosic biomass or cellulose that uses tungsten-oxide-based heterogeneous catalysts that are dispersed on an oxide-based substrate, preferably with a base of oxide(s) of aluminum and/or zirconium and/or titanium and/or niobium and containing an element in the particular metallic state. The use of these catalysts makes it possible to obtain directly upgradable products containing three carbon atoms, in particular hydroxyacetone and propylene glycol with high selectivity.

Abstract: In a method of recovering phenol and acetone from a feed stream containing bisphenol-A and isomers thereof, the feed stream is contacted with water and a source of hydroxyl ions under conditions effective to decompose at least part of said bisphenol-A and isomers thereof to phenol and acetone. The conditions include a temperature of about 150° C. to about 300° C., a pressure sufficient to keep the water substantially in the liquid phase at said temperature, and a molar ratio of hydroxyl ions to hydroxyphenyl groups in the residue stream from about 0.3:1 to about 0.9:1.

Abstract: Described is a method of making sorbic acid, pentadiene, or 3-penten-2-one. The method includes partially hydrogenating 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone (HMP) to yield 5,6-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one (4-DHMMP). Then, if 3-penten-2-one is desired, thermally decomposing the 4-DHMMP to yield 3-penten-2-one. If sorbic acid or pentadiene are desired, the 4-DHMMP is hydrogenated to yield 4-hydroxy-6-methyltetrahydro-2-pyrone (4-HMTHP). The 4-HMTHP is then dehydrated by contacting it with a solid acid catalyst to yield parasorbic acid (PSA). The PSA can then be ring-opened by contacting it with a solid acid catalyst. The reaction conditions of the ring-opening reaction can be controlled to yield sorbic acid and/or pentadiene.

Abstract: Methods of converting cellulose or related biorenewable carbohydrate materials into high-value chemical compounds. The methods provide a means of converting low-cost materials such as cellulose and biomass into high yields of compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, hydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Abstract: Methods of converting cellulose or related biorenewable carbohydrate materials into high-value chemical compounds. The methods provide a means of converting low-cost materials such as cellulose and biomass into high yields of compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, hydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Abstract: In a method of recovering phenol and acetone from a feed stream containing bisphenol-A and isomers thereof, the feed stream is contacted with water and a source of hydroxyl ions under conditions effective to decompose at least part of said bisphenol-A and isomers thereof to phenol and acetone. The conditions include a temperature of about 150° C. to about 300° C., a pressure sufficient to keep the water substantially in the liquid phase at said temperature, and a molar ratio of hydroxyl ions to hydroxyphenyl groups in the residue stream from about 0.3:1 to about 0.9:1.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods for generating propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols from biomass using hydrogen produced from the biomass. The methods involve reacting a portion of an aqueous stream of a biomass feedstock solution over a catalyst under aqueous phase reforming conditions to produce hydrogen, and then reacting the hydrogen and the aqueous feedstock solution over a catalyst to produce propylene glycol, ethylene glycol and the other polyols, diols, ketones, aldehydes, carboxylic acids and alcohols. The disclosed methods can be run at lower temperatures and pressures, and allows for the production of oxygenated hydrocarbons without the need for hydrogen from an external source.

Abstract: Described is a method of making 2,4-diones via acid catalyzed or thermally induced ring-opening of a 4-hydroxy-6-substituted-2-pyrone to yield a 2,4-dione.

Abstract: This invention relates to the 5-cis and 5-trans isomers of geranylgeranyl acetone, preferably such synthetic isomers, and pharmaceutical compositions containing such isomers. Other aspects of this invention relate to the use of geranylgeranyl acetone and its isomers in methods for inhibiting neural death, increasing neural activity, and increasing axon growth and cell viability. Geranylgeranyl acetone is a known anti-ulcer drug used commercially and in clinical situations. GGA has also been shown to exert cytoprotective effects on a variety of organs, such as the eye, brain, and heart.

Abstract: Described is a method of making sorbic acid, pentadiene, or 3-penten-2-one. The method includes partially hydrogenating 4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2-pyrone (HMP) to yield 5,6-dihydro-4-hydroxy-6-methyl-2H-pyran-2-one (4-DHMMP). Then, if 3-penten-2-one is desired, thermally decomposing the 4-DHMMP to yield 3-penten-2-one. If sorbic acid or pentadiene are desired, the 4-DHMMP is hydrogenated to yield 4-hydroxy-6-methyltetrahydro-2-pyrone (4-HMTHP). The 4-HMTHP is then dehydrated by contacting it with a solid acid catalyst to yield parasorbic acid (PSA). The PSA can then be ring-opened by contacting it with a solid acid catalyst. The reaction conditions of the ring-opening reaction can be controlled to yield sorbic acid and/or pentadiene.

Abstract: Allyl and propargyl ethers of the formula X—C(R1)(R2)—O—C(CH3)(R3)—OCH3 (I), wherein X is an ethynyl or vinyl group, R1 is methyl or ethyl, R2 is a saturated or unsaturated linear or cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbon residue and R3 is methyl or ethyl, a method for their preparation and their use in the manufacture of ?-ketoallenes, ?,?-unsaturated carbonyl compounds and ?,?-unsaturated ketones.

Abstract: A process for liquefying a cellulosic material to produce a liquefied product from cellulosic material is provided. Products obtained from such process and use of such products to prepare biofuels is also provided.

Abstract: A method for producing phenol and acetone in a multi-stage process at an elevated temperature from a cumene hydroperoxide mixture comprising cumene, the method comprising the steps of a) reacting the cumene hydroperoxide mixture with a 2-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid catalyst having a concentration of 0.1 to 1 mmol/L acid catalyst to form a second mixture comprising phenol, acetone and dicumyl peroxide in a first stage and decomposing the second mixture in a second stage to produce a third mixture comprising phenol and acetone.

Abstract: Methods of converting cellulose or related biorenewable carbohydrate materials into high-value chemical compounds. The methods provide a means of converting low-cost materials such as cellulose and biomass into high yields of compounds such as ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, glycerin, methanol, hydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde and dihydroxyacetone.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for the treatment of glomerulonephritis. In one embodiment, the invention provides a compound of formula (I) R-L-CO—X??(I) (wherein R is a C10-24 unsaturated hydrocarbon group optionally interrupted by one or more heteroatoms or groups of heteroatoms selected from S, O, N, SO, SO2, said hydrocarbon group comprising at least 4 non-conjugated double bonds; L is a linking group forming a bridge of 1 to 5 atoms between the R group and the carbonyl CO; and X is an electron withdrawing group) or a salt thereof for use in the treatment of glomerulonephritis.

Abstract: This invention offers 6,8,10-undecatrien-3-one or 6,8,10-undecatrien-4-one which are represented by the following formula (1) [in the formula, either one of A and B stands for carbonyl group and the other stands for methylene group, and the wavy line signifies cis-form, trans-form, or a mixture of cis- and trans-form at an optional ratio] and which can reproduce an odor rich in naturality and freshness.

Abstract: This invention offers 6,8,10-undecatrien-3-one or 6,8,10-undecatrien-4-one which are represented by the following formula (1) [in the formula, either one of A and B stands for carbonyl group and the other stands for methylene group, and the wavy line signifies cis-form, trans-form, or a mixture of cis- and trans-form at an optional ratio] and which can reproduce an odor rich in naturality and freshness.

Abstract: There is provided a process for producing 3,3,3-trifluoropropionyl chloride, which is characterized in that 3,3,3-trifluoropropionaldehyde is chlorinated by a chlorinating agent selected from the group consisting of chlorine (Cl2), sulfuryl chloride (SO2Cl2) and organic N-chloro compounds.

Abstract: A method for producing phenol and acetone in a multi-stage process at an elevated temperature from a cumene hydroperoxide mixture comprising cumene, the method comprising the steps of a) reacting the cumene hydroperoxide mixture with a 2-hydroxybenzenesulfonic acid catalyst having a concentration of 0.1 to 1 mmol/L acid catalyst to form a second mixture comprising phenol, acetone and dicumyl peroxide in a first stage and decomposing the second mixture in a second stage to produce a third mixture comprising phenol and acetone.

Abstract: This invention provides a practical synthesis route for 4,5-dihydroxypentane-2,3-dione (DPD), an unstable small molecule which is proposed to be the source of universal signaling agents for quorum sensing in bacteria. The synthesis route includes new intermediates and allows preparation of isotopically-labeled DPD and ent-DPD. The method provides sufficient quantities of DPD for study of spontaneous binding of borate to DPD, the signal for the marine bacteria V. harveyi.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the cleavage of dialkoxyalkanes to give corresponding aldehydes or ketones, where the cleavage is carried out in the presence of at least one ionic liquid of the general formula K+A?.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catalyst, which has enough catalytic activity as a transition metal particle catalyst including platinum family and the like, is easily separable from products, is reusable and is easily prepared. To prepare the transition metal cluster catalyst of the present invention, an insoluble complex is prepared by forming a complex between a polymer with nitrogen-containing group, such as pyridinium and ammonium group in the principal chain, and a later transition metal compound; and then reducing the complex with a reductant. The transition metal forms clusters, which are stabilized by the polymers. Namely, the present invention is a transition metal cluster catalyst, wherein transition metal clusters are supported by a polymer, which is obtained by reduction reaction of a complex of a transition metal and a polymer with nitrogen-containing group.

Abstract: It is an object of the present invention to provide a specific process that enables a dialkyl carbonate and a diol to be produced on an industrial scale of not less than 2 ton/hr and not less than 1.3 ton/hr respectively with high selectivity and high productivity stably for a prolonged period of time through a reactive distillation system of taking a cyclic carbonate and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol as starting materials, continuously feeding the starting materials into a continuous multi-stage distillation column in which a catalyst is present, and carrying out reaction and distillation simultaneously in the column. Although there have been many proposals regarding processes for the production of the dialkyl carbonate and the diol through the reactive distillation method, these have all been on a small scale and short operating time laboratory level, and there have been no disclosures whatsoever on a specific process or apparatus enabling mass production on an industrial scale.

Abstract: This invention provides a practical synthesis route for 4,5-dihydroxypentane-2,3-dione (DPD), an unstable small molecule which is proposed to be the source of universal signaling agents for quorum sensing in bacteria. The synthesis route includes new intermediates and allows preparation of isotopically-labeled DPD and ent-DPD. The method provides sufficient quantities of DPD for study of spontaneous binding of borate to DPD, the signal for the marine bacteria V.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the cleavage of dialkoxyalkanes to give corresponding aldehydes or ketones, where the cleavage is carried out in the presence of at least one ionic liquid of the general formula K+A?.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for producing ?-methylstyrene, acetone, and phenol wherein the amount of ?-methylstyrene produced may be controlled by selectively converting a portion of the cumene hydroperoxide to dimethyl phenyl carbinol, the hydrated form of ?-methylstyrene. The dimethyl phenyl carbinol thus produced will lead to increased production of ?-methylstyrene upon dehydration in the acid cleavage unit of the phenol plant. By controlling the fraction of the cumene hydroperoxide reduced to dimethyl phenyl carbinol, the amount of ?-methylstyrene produced in the plant can be continuously set to meet the demand of the market for ?-methylstyrene. Also disclosed is a non-acidic catalyst for reduction of cumene hydroperoxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for the preparation of hexafluoroacetone characterized by bringing hexafluoro-1,2-epoxypropane into contact with at least one catalyst selected from the group consisting of titanium oxide catalysts and fluorinated titanium oxide catalysts to isomerize hexafluoro-1,2-epoxypropane; and a process for the preparation of hexafluoroacetone hydrate characterized by absorbing the hexafluoroacetone prepared by the above process into water to produce crude hexafluoroacetone hydrate, neutralizing the crude hexafluoroacetone hydrate with an alkali, and distilling the resulting mixture. According to the invention, high-purity hexafluoroacetone can be obtained by isomerization of hexafluoro-1,2-epoxypropane with little formation of by-products, and substantially acid-free high-purity hexafluoroacetone hydrate can also be obtained.

Abstract: Intermediate compounds which can be used in the preparation of phytone and Vitamin E, a process for the preparation thereof, and a process for the preparation of phytone and Vitamin E from these intermediate compounds.

Abstract: A new method for preparing lithium phosphate catalysts is disclosed. The method comprises precipitating a lithium phosphate from a mixture comprising a first aqueous solution which contains lithium and sodium ions and a second aqueous solution which contains phosphate and borate ions. The resultant lithium phosphate catalyst has increased activity and selectivity in the isomerization of an alkylene oxide to the corresponding allylic alcohol.

Abstract: The present invention claims a process and an apparatus for the work-up by distillation of cleavage product mixtures produced in the cleavage of alkylaryl hydroperoxides. Usually, in the work-up by distillation of cleavage product mixtures which are produced in the cleavage of alkylaryl hydroperoxides, the cleavage product mixture is divided into three main fractions, for which at least two distillation columns are used. The use of two distillation columns has the disadvantage that the capital costs, and also the energy costs, in these conventional processes are relatively high. By means of the inventive process for the work-up by distillation of cleavage product mixtures, the equipment requirements and the energy consumption can be markedly reduced in comparison with customary plants, since the cleavage product mixture can be resolved into the three main fractions in only one apparatus.

Abstract: A cumene process of producing phenol and acetone comprises the joint oxidation of aldehydes and dimethylbenzene alcohol by aqueous hydrogen peroxide solutions in presence of 16 wt % to 94 wt % of cumene hydroperoxide by contacting of mutually insoluble phases of the organic products from a cumene oxidation stage and hydrogen peroxide containing water with optional addition of acidic catalysts in a conversion reactor for the purpose of conversion of aldehydes into organic acids and dimethylbenzene alcohol into cumene hydroperoxide and therefore significantly simplifying the process of fractionation of organic conversion products into high quality product phenol and product acetone.