Abstract: The present invention relates to processes for the preparation of biofuel from biomass by fast hydropyrolysis or fast pyrolysis, using hydrogen generated by sorption enhanced steam reforming. The present invention also relates to fixed bed tandem catalytic-upgrading processes, and reactors and hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) catalysts useful in those processes.

Abstract: A distillation system including a retort and a distillation column. The retort includes an inlet end, an outlet end opposite the inlet end and including an outlet opening, a rotatable drum configured to heat a product therein and move the product between the inlet end and the outlet end. The distillation column is coupled to the outlet end of the retort and configured to receive the product therein upon exiting the outlet opening of the retort. The distillation column includes a solid particle trap section positioned above the outlet opening, a packing section positioned above the solid particle trap section and including screen at a bottom end thereof, a dust filter therein, and a first bubble tray section positioned above the packing section and including a first outlet feed for outflow of a first fluid product.

Abstract: Method (M) for the preparation of an end compound from an internal ketone, said method comprising: —synthesizing the internal ketone by a process (P) for the decarboxylative ketonization of a fatty acid, a fatty acid derivative or a mixture thereof in a liquid phase with a metal compound as catalyst in the substantial absence of added solvent, wherein the fatty acid, fatty acid derivative or mixture thereof is added in sequential steps, the first step taking place at a temperature sequentially at a temperature from 100° C. to 270° C., —causing the internal ketone to react in accordance with a single or multiple chemical reaction scheme involving at least one reagent other than the internal ketone, wherein at least one product of the chemical reaction scheme is the end compound that is not further caused to be chemically converted into another compound.

Abstract: A method for producing ketones includes a) providing a feedstock of biological origin having fatty acids and/or fatty acid derivatives having an average chain length of 24 C-atoms or less; b) subjecting the feedstock to a catalytic ketonization reaction in the presence of aK2O/TiO2-catalyst; and c) obtaining from the ketonization reaction a product stream having ketones, which ketones have a longer average hydrocarbon chain length than the average hydrocarbon chain length in the feedstock, wherein step b) is carried out directly on the feedstock and in the presence of the K2O/TiO2-catalyst as the sole catalyst applied in the ketonization reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for simultaneous production of components suitable for production of base oil and fuel components. In the method a feedstock comprising fatty acids and/or fatty acid esters is entered into a reaction zone and subjected to a ketonization reaction in the presence of a dual catalyst system. This system is configured to perform a ketonization reaction and a hydrotreatment reaction, under hydrogen pressure. Subsequently ketones are obtained.

Abstract: A process for removing at least one product from coal tar is described. The process involves extraction with an extraction agent or adsorption with an adsorbent. The extraction agent includes at least one of amphiphilic block copolymers, cyclodextrins, functionalized cyclodextrins, and cyclodextrin-functionalized polymers, and the adsorbent includes exfoliated graphite oxide, thermally exfoliated graphite oxide or intercalated graphite compounds.

Abstract: Processes for producing long chain secondary alcohols from fatty acids and fatty oils, wherein at least one fatty acid or a fatty acid mixture is contacted with a ketonization catalyst in a ketonization catalyst under ketonization conditions to provide a long chain ketone, and the long chain ketone is contacted with a selective ketone hydrogenation catalyst that lacks catalytic activity for alcohol dehydration to selectively hydrogenate the long chain ketone to provide the corresponding long chain secondary alcohol.

Abstract: A process for pyrolyzing a coal feed is described. A coal feed is pyrolyzed into a coal tar stream and a coke stream in a pyrolysis zone. The coal tar stream is separated into at least a pitch stream comprising aromatic hydrocarbons. The pitch stream is reacted in a reaction zone to add at least one functional group to an aromatic ring of the aromatic hydrocarbons in the pitch stream. The functionalized pitch stream is recycled to the pyrolysis zone.

Abstract: A process for producing alkylated aromatic compounds includes pyrolyzing a coal feed to produce a coke stream and a coal tar stream. The coal tar stream is hydrotreated and the resulting hydrotreated coal tar stream is cracked. A portion of the cracked coal tar stream is separated to obtain a fraction having an initial boiling point in the range of about 60° C. to about 180° C., and an aromatics-rich hydrocarbon stream is extracted by contacting the fraction with one or more solvents. The aromatics-rich hydrocarbon stream is contacted with an alkylating agent to produce an alkylated aromatic stream, or the aromatics-rich hydrocarbon stream is reacted with an aliphatic compound or methanol in the presence of a catalyst to produce a methylated aromatic stream. The alkylated aromatic stream, the methylated aromatic stream, or both are separated into at least a benzene stream, a toluene stream, and a xylenes stream.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing ketones or hydrocarbon base oil from fatty acids preferably derived from a biological origin or other renewable source. The process is directed at making an aliphatic ketone or a mixture of aliphatic ketones having 14 to 52 carbon atoms, comprising a ketonization reaction of a fatty acid in a vapor phase with a decarboxylation-coupling catalyst to provide ketones, which can be deoxygenated to give saturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof. Base oils and transportation fuels may be produced from the process herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for increasing hydrocarbon chain length. The method comprises providing a feedstock comprising fatty acids and/or fatty acid esters with hydrocarbon chain length below C23 into a reaction zone in which ketonisation is conducted in the presence of a hydrotreatment catalyst under hydrogen pressure. The obtained ketones have a hydrocarbon chain length of from C24 to C43. The present invention further provides a method for simultaneous production of base oil components and fuel components.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for simultaneous production of components suitable for production of base oil and fuel components. In the method a feedstock comprising fatty acids and/or fatty acid esters is entered into a reaction zone and subjected to a ketonisation reaction in the presence of a dual catalyst system. This system is configured to perform a ketonisation reaction and a hydrotreatment reaction, under hydrogen pressure. Subsequently ketones are obtained.

Abstract: Ketones, specifically Methyl ethyl ketone (“MEK”) and octanedione, may be formed from six carbon sugars. This process involves obtaining a quantity of a six carbon sugar and then reacting the sugar to form levulinic acid and formic acid. The levulinic acid and formic acid are then converted to an alkali metal levulinate and an alkali metal formate (such as, for example, sodium levulinate and sodium formate.) The alkali metal levulinate is placed in an anolyte along with hydrogen gas that is used in an electrolytic cell. The alkali metal levulinate within the anolyte is decarboxylated to form MEK radicals, wherein the MEK radicals react with hydrogen gas to form MEK, or MEK radicals react with each other to form octanedione. The alkali metal formate may also be decarboxylated in the cell, thereby forming hydrogen radicals that react with the MEK radicals to form MEK.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds that are produced during the ketonization of carboxylic acids to ketones. The ketonization of carboxylic acids produces a gaseous by-product stream containing carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. This gaseous by-product stream can be fed to a direct-fired furnace used to heat the ketonization reaction feed streams where the volatile organic compounds are destroyed by combustion in the furnace. The carbon dioxide stream further acts as a diluent for the fuel to the furnace.

Abstract: Ketones, specifically Methyl ethyl ketone (“MEK”) and octanedione, may be formed from six carbon sugars. This process involves obtaining a quantity of a six carbon sugar and then reacting the sugar to form levulinic acid and formic acid. The levulinic acid and formic acid are then converted to an alkali metal levulinate and an alkali metal formate (such as, for example, sodium levulinate and sodium formate.) The alkali metal levulinate is placed in an anolyte along with hydrogen gas that is used in an electrolytic cell. The alkali metal levulinate within the anolyte is decarboxylated to form MEK radicals, wherein the MEK radicals react with hydrogen gas to form MEK, or MEK radicals react with each other to form octanedione. The alkali metal formate may also be decarboxylated in the cell, thereby forming hydrogen radicals that react with the MEK radicals to form MEK.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods comprising reacting a first carboxylic acid or ester with a second carboxylic acid or ester in the presence of a metal oxide comprising Zr, Ce, Mn and O to produce at least one ketone.

Abstract: Process for synthesizing a chemical, in particular an agriculturally or pharmaceutically active compound, including: a first step comprising reacting a carboxylic acid halide with a vinyl ether to prepare a halogenated precursor of an alkenone; a second step comprising eliminating hydrogen halide from such precursor to form an alkenone, preferably by thermolysis under specific conditions; and a third step which uses the formed alkenone as a building block to synthesize the chemical. First step may be done in a liquid reaction medium comprising an alkenone or a halogenated alkenone precursor, or in a liquid reaction medium in turbulent state, specifically by creation of gas bubbles of the carboxylic acid halide herein. Second step may include a flash thermolysis, vacuum thermolysis, thermolysis under stripping with inert gas, and/or a thermolysis at a temperature from >90° C. to 120° C. Third step preferably comprises reacting the alkenone with a nitrogen-containing compound.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for producing ketones or hydrocarbon base oil from fatty acids preferably derived from a biological origin or other renewable source. The process is directed at making an aliphatic ketone or a mixture of aliphatic ketones having 14 to 52 carbon atoms, comprising a ketonization reaction of a fatty acid in a vapor phase with a decarboxylation-coupling catalyst to provide ketones, which can be deoxygenated to give saturated hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons, and mixtures thereof. Base oils and transportation fuels may be produced from the process herein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for reducing the emission of volatile organic compounds that are produced during the ketonization of carboxylic acids to ketones. The ketonization of carboxylic acids produces a gaseous by-product stream containing carbon dioxide and volatile organic compounds. This gaseous by-product stream can be fed to a direct-fired furnace used to heat the ketonization reaction feed streams where the volatile organic compounds are destroyed by combustion in the furnace. The carbon dioxide stream further acts as a diluent for the fuel to the furnace.

Abstract: Methods for producing organic products that may include the steps of providing a feed stream comprising a first organic salt and a second organic salt to a reactor; reacting the feed stream at a first temperature to convert at least some of the first organic salt to the organic products, wherein reacting the feed stream results in a first product stream comprising the organic products and second organic salt; separating at least a portion of the organic products from the first product stream resulting in a first reduced product stream comprising second organic salt; and reacting the first reduced product stream at a second temperature to convert the second organic salt to a second organic products.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the formation of acetone from acetic acid. The process is conducted at an elevated temperature of above 225° C. by contacting a feed stream containing acetic acid, and an optional carrier gas, with a catalyst. The catalyst comprises a support that is favorable for the production of acetone. The support may comprise titania, zirconia, ceria, silica, iron oxide, and carbon, but preferably is titania, zirconia, and ceria.

Abstract: Ketones may be produced in high yields from glycerides of short chain fatty acids by reaction with a carboxylic acid. The reaction is conducted in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective for ketonization of decanoate with the carboxylic acid to produce free ketones. Reaction of a glyceride comprising at least one ester of decanoic acid with a carboxylic acid selected from acetic acid and/or propionic acid produces 2-undecanone and/or 3-dodecanone, respectively. Catalysts of the formula FemCenAlpOx, wherein m is between about 0.2 to about 0.6, n is about 0.2, p is between about 0.6 to about 0.2, and x is greater than 0, produce significantly higher yields of the ketones than other known metal oxides.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing aldehydes and ketones from easily accessible primary and secondary alcohols by oxidation with atmospheric oxygen or pure oxygen using a catalyst system which consists of a derivative of a free nitroxyl radical.

Abstract: A method for converting levulinic acid to methyl vinyl ketone is described. The method includes the steps of reacting an aqueous solution of levulinic acid, over an acid catalyst, at a temperature of from room temperature to about 1100 K. Methyl vinyl ketone is thereby formed.

Abstract: A process for upgrading an organic acid includes neutralizing the organic acid to form a salt and thermally decomposing the resulting salt to form an energy densified product. In certain embodiments, the organic acid is levulinic acid. The process may further include upgrading the energy densified product by conversion to alcohol and subsequent dehydration.

Abstract: The present invention concerns photopolymerisable systems comprising reactive oligomers and/or monomers having ethylenically unsaturated groups and at least one phenylglyoxalic ester that, by photochemical decomposition, generates fragments having low migratability and low odor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel carbon nanoparticles, especially to carbon nanoparticles which comprise or consist of carbon nanotubes and have been modified by means of acyl groups, to a novel process with which these modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes, are obtainable, and to the use of the modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: A process for the production of a ketone having a carbon number between about 20 and about 40 comprising contacting fatty acids containing from about 10 to about 21 carbons atoms with a hydrotalcite catalyst under conditions effective to decarboxylate said acids. More particularly said decarboxylation conditions comprise: a temperature in the range between about 300° C. and about 400° C.; a pressure in the range between about 0.01 and about 5 bar; and a weight hourly space velocity (WHSV) of from about 0.1 to about 10 hr?1.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel photoinitiators of formula (I) wherein A is —O—, —CH2?, CH(CH3)— or —C(CH3)2?, and R is methyl or trimethylsilyl, and R may in addition be hydrogen when A is simultaneously the group —C(CH3)2?. The invention relates also to compositions comprising (A) at least one ethylenically unsaturated compound, (B) a photoinitiator of formula (I), (C) optionally further binders or additives, (D) optionally further photoinitiators or co-initiators. Compositions comprising (A) an ethylenically unsaturated compound that contains at least one aminoacrylate, (B) a photoinitiator of formula (II) or (III), (C) optionally further binders or additives, (D) optionally further photoinitiators or co-initiators.

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: The present invention is directed to reaction products prepared from at least one Michael addition donor material including two or more active methylene hydrogens; and at least one material capable of reacting with a Michael addition donor, the material having one Michael addition acceptor and at least one functional group selected from the group consisting of hydroxy, hydroxyalkyl, vinyl ether, amino, aminoalkyl, carboxy, carboxyalkyl, cyano, and cyanoalkyl groups; or reaction products prepared from (a) at least one Michael addition donor material comprising at least one Michael Addition donor group selected from the group consisting of cyano functional groups and phosphono functional groups; and (b) at least one material capable of reacting with the at least one Michael addition donor group, the material having at least one Michael addition acceptor, wherein the above reaction products are capable of forming free radicals upon exposure to actinic radiation; as well as compositions, and processes for making

Abstract: Alkylthio substituted aldehydes, ketones, esters and sulfones are prepared by reacting ?,?-unsaturated carbonyl and sulfonyl compounds with a sodium or potassium thiolate in the presence of a alkane carboxylic acid and water.

Abstract: Mixed ketones are prepared from a mixture of carboxylic acids in a process with high selectivity by using an improved catalyst. The catalyst contains zirconium dioxide or zirconium dioxide and titanium dioxide, and a Group 1 or 2 metal silicate or phosphate salt. The new catalyst is more selective toward the formation of the mixed ketone, as opposed to a symmetrical ketone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel carbon nanoparticles, especially to carbon nanoparticles which comprise or consist of carbon nanotubes and have been modified by means of acyl groups, to a novel process with which these modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes, are obtainable, and to the use of the modified carbon nanoparticles, especially carbon nanoparticles comprising or consisting of carbon nanotubes.

Abstract: Mixed ketones are prepared from a mixture of carboxylic acids in a process with high selectivity by using an improved catalyst. The catalyst contains zirconium dioxide or zirconium dioxide and titanium dioxide, and a Group 1 or 2 metal silicate or phosphate salt. The new catalyst is more selective toward the formation of the mixed ketone, as opposed to a symmetrical ketone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for producing marine ostracod crustacean luciferin or a derivative thereof represented by a general formula (4), characterized by reacting a compound represented by a general formula (2) with a compound represented by a general formula (3): wherein R1, R2, R3, R5, Y1 and Z1 are the same as defined in the specification.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the preparation of compounds of formula (II). The invention also provides novel compounds of formula (II) and their use in medical, scientific and/or biological applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of organic synthesis and more particularly to a new process for the dimerisation of alkyl glyoxals, said process being promoted by an alkaline salt of the hydroxymethanesulfinic acid and is performed at a pH comprised between 3.5 and 9.5.

Abstract: A method of preparing prostanoid cross-conjugated dienones, via a tandem conjugate addition-Peterson olefination reaction route is described. Such compounds may be useful in medicine and other fields.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a process for the preparation of unsaturated ketones or aldehydes by pyrolysis of a lactone, in the presence of a reducing agent such as molecular hydrogen or a carboxylic acid, and in the presence of a catalyst, optionally supported, comprising at least one metal selected from the group consisting of Y, Ti, Cd, Mn, Zn, Sc and Zr.

Abstract: The invention relates to ?-hydroxy ketones of formula I or IIa; or mixtures of compounds of formula I and II; or mixtures of compounds of formulae Ia and IIa

Abstract: A method of producing a halogen alkenone ether by attaching carboxylic acid halogenides or carboxylic acid anhydrides to a vinyl ether. According to the invention the method is carried out in the presence of an onium salt of a carbonic acid which can be regenerated. The resulting product is obtained in high yields. Alternatively, pyridine which is substituted by one, two or three C1–C3 alkyl groups or other onium salts can be used.

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 relates to a process for the preparation of ?-chloroketones from readily available alkyl esters by the reaction of a sulfoxonium ylide on said alkyl esters to generate a keto sulfoxonium ylide that is in turn treated with anhydrous HCl.

Abstract: A subject of the present invention is a process for preparation of fluorinated ketones corresponding to general formula (I) R1—CO—R2 in which R1 and R2 are as defined in claim 1, characterized in that it consists of reacting two carboxylic acids of Formula (II), R1—COOH and Formula (III), R2—COOH, in the gaseous phase and in the presence of a catalyst comprising at least one oxide of an element chosen from the rare earths, thorium, titanium and aluminum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing ketones by reacting boric acid derivates with carbocylic acid anhydrides in the presence of a transition metal catalyst. The carboxylic acid anhydrides can either be used in isolated form or produced from carboxylic acids in a reaction mixture. This method enables the simple embodiment of a multitude of functionalised ketones in a single reaction step.

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: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a carbonyl compound of the general formula (1) R1R2C═O  (1), in which a &bgr;-hydroxycarboxylic acid or its salt of the general formula (2) R1R2C(OH)—CR3R4—COOM  (2) is cleaved in the presence of a Brönstedt base which is selected from hydroxides, alkanolates, oxides, amides and hydrides of the alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, and in the presence of a hydroxyl-free solvent, R1, R2, R3, R4 and M having the meanings from claim 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for preparing cyclobutanone by oxidizing cyclobutanol with an alkali metal hypochlorite or alkaline earth metal hypochlorite in the presence of an acid.

Abstract: A process for preparing cyclopentanone by reacting adipic esters of the formula R1OOC—(CH2)4—COOR2  I where R1 and R2 are each alkyl having from 1 to 12 carbon atoms, cycloalkyl having 5 or 6 carbon atoms, aralkyl or aryl and R2 may additionally be hydrogen, in the presence of oxidic catalysts comprises reacting adipic esters of the formula I having less than 5% by weight of by-products other than adipic esters in the gas phase in the presence of water, a carrier gas and a) from 0.01 to 10% by weight of at least one metal oxide selected from the first or second main group of the periodic table or from the group of the rare earth metals on titanium dioxide or zirconium dioxide as catalyst support, or b) from 0.01 to 50% by weight of at least one metal oxide selected from the second main group of the periodic table on zink oxide as catalyst support.