Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional reusable catalyst and to a process for the preparation thereof on a single matrix of the support to perform multicomponent reaction in a single pot. The multifunctional catalysts of the invention are useful for the synthesis of chiral vicinal diols by tandem and/or simultaneous reactions involving Heck coupling, N-oxidation and AD reaction of olefins in presence of cinchona alkaloid compounds both as an native one and immobilized one in the said matrix support. This invention also relates to a process for preparing vicinal diols by asymmetric dihydroxylation of olefins in presence of cinchona alkaloid compounds employing reusable multifunctional catalysts as heterogeneous catalysts in place of soluble osmium catalysts.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of diols by a Lewis acid-catalysed aldehyde addition reaction on hydroxyalkynes followed by hydrogenation is described. The process provides a wide range of diols from simple, readily available starting materials. In particular the process is suitable for preparing chiral 1,4-diols suitable for the preparation of chiral phospholane ligands for use in asymmetric catalysis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of an amino compound, which is an esteramine or an amidoamine surfactant with improved biodegradability, as an adjuvant for agrochemically active compounds such as pesticides or fertilizers. The adjuvant has Formula (I) where R1 is an aliphatic group containing 7-22 carbon atoms; EO is an ethyleneoxy group; Y is 0 or NH; R2 and R3 is independently CH2CH2OH or an alkyl group with 1-5 carbon atoms, preferably 1-3 carbon atoms; n is a number between 0-10; x is a number 0-1 provided that when Y is O, then x is 1, and when Y is NH, then x is O; and m is a number 2-6, preferably 2-3, provided that when Y is NH, then m is 3-6, preferably 3; or an adduct obtained by reacting one mole of the compound with 1-5 moles of an alkylene oxide having 2-3 carbon atoms.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying an osmium oxide comprising an aromatic polyolefin having a group shown by the general formula [1]:

Abstract: A process for preparing 1,6-hexanediol from a carboxylic acid mixture comprising adipic acid, 6-hydroxycaproic acid and small amounts of 1,4-cyclohexanediols which is obtained as by-product in the oxidation of cyclohexane to cyclohexanone/cyclohexanol after water extraction of the reaction mixture followed by extraction with aqueous sodium hydroxide solution, by esterification of the acids and hydrogenation comprises a) liberating the carboxylic acids from the alkaline extract by addition of a mineral acid, b) fractionating the organic phase comprising carboxylic acids to give a distillate comprising the low molecular weight monocarboxylic acids and a residue comprising adipic acid and 6-hydroxycaproic acid, c) reacting the monocarboxylic an dicarboxylic acids present in the aqueous dicarboxylic acid mixture with a low molecular weight alcohol to give the corresponding carboxylic esters, d) freeing the esterification mixture obtained of excess alcohol and low boilers in a first distillation step, e) frac

Abstract: Process for the preparation of a highly linear alcohol composition is provided comprising the steps of: (a) reacting carbon monoxide with hydrogen under Fischer-Tropsch reaction conditions in the presence of a Fischer-Tropsch catalyst comprising cobalt; (b) separating from the product of step (a) at least one hydrocarbon fraction comprising between 10 and 50% by weight of olefins containing 6 or more carbon atoms; (c) contacting one or more of the hydrocarbon fractions obtained in step (b) with carbon monoxide and hydrogen under hydroformylation conditions in the presence of a hydroformylation catalyst based on a source of cobalt and one or more alkyl phosphines; and (d) recovering the alcohol composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a supported osmate useful as a reusable catalyst in the preparation of vicinal diols. The present invention also relates to a process for the preparation of supported osmates of the formula (S—NR3)2OsO4.nH2O wherein S is a support, R is an alkyl group, n is the number of water molecules and use thereof in the preparation of vicinal diols by asymmetric dihydroxylation (AD) of olefins in presence of cinchona alkaloid compounds.

Abstract: A process is provided which makes it possible to separate off cyclic acetals from wastewater streams to a substantial extent, by passing the wastewater stream over a heterogeneous acid catalyst.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a multifunctional reusable catalyst and to a process for the preparation thereof on a single matrix of the support to perform multicomponent reaction in a single pot. The multifunctional catalysts of the invention are useful for the synthesis of chiral vicinal diols by tandem and/or simultaneous reactions involving Heck coupling, N-oxidation and AD reaction of olefins in presence of cinchona alkaloid compounds both as an native one and immobilized one in the said matrix support. This invention also relates to a process for preparing vicinal diols by asymmetric dihydroxylation of olefins in presence of cinchona alkaloid compounds employing reusable multifunctional catalysts as heterogeneous catalysts in place of soluble osmium catalysts.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a process for the preparation of a novel heterogeneous osmate catalyst of the general formula (S—NR3)2OsO4.nH2O wherein S is a support, R is an alkyl group, n is the number of water molecules by reacting potassium osmate with supported quaternary ammonium species in an aqueous solvent.

Abstract: Functionalized allylic olefins are condensed by metathesis using the catalyst 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene ruthenium benzylidene [Ru*].

Abstract: Commercially feasible methods for synthesizing various epothilones precursors needed for the preparation of final epothilones are provided, including techniques for the synthesis of epothilone segment A and C precursors. Segment C precursors are prepared using starting nitriles, which can alternately be oxidized to ketones and converted, or reacted to form the diol with subsequent conversion to the segment. Segment A precursors are prepared by reacting a starting enone with a chiral catalyst to give an intermediate alcohol in high enantomeric excess, followed by conversion of the alcohol to the desired Segment A precursor.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the preparation of polyols having 3 or 4 hydroxyl groups, from an aldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of water, followed by hydrogenation of the aldolisation product in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst at an elevated temperature. The aledhyde is obtained by an aldolisation reaction of an aldehyde having at least two &agr;-hydrogen atoms and a formula according to R1CH2CHO, wherein R1 is selected from a group comprising hydrogen, alkyl groups having 1-7 carbon atoms which can have cycloalkyl substituents, cycloalkyl groups, aryl groups and aralkyl groups with 1-7 carbon atoms is the alkyl chain, with formaldehyde in the presence of water in an amount of 20-70 wt %, preferably 40-60 wt % and in the presence of an anion exchange resin. The hydrogenation is preferably carried out in the presence of water.

Abstract: The present invention concerns new organic silicon networks, their production process and use in silica-containing rubber compounds and vulcanizates manufactured from them.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of mannitol for direct compression having a content of the &bgr;-modification of greater than 90%.

Abstract: The present invention relates to versatile linkers for tethering a molecule to a solid support, e.g., for tethering a monomer, oligomer or polymer to a solid support, which are stable to a wide range of reaction conditions, but can be cleaved under well-defined conditions, thereby liberating the molecule from the solid support. Preferably, the linkers are used to tether to the solid support unprotected, partially-protected or fully-protected monosaccharides or oligosaccharides, or unprotected, partially-protected or fully-protected glycoconjugates. The linkers of the present invention may be used to tether to solid supports building blocks useful in the assembly of libraries of other types of small molecules. The present invention also relates to a molecule or plurality of molecules tethered to the solid support via a linker or linkers of the present invention. The present invention also relates to processes for synthesizing molecules, e.g.

Abstract: A process for making OH-terminated compounds involving: (a) combining at least one CH2OH-terminated diol and a titanium-containing catalyst to form a reaction mixture; (b) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from 110 to 160° C. to form a heated reaction mixture; (c) continuously adding dimethyl carbonate to the heated reaction mixture; (d) continuously distilling all methanol released from the heated reaction mixture; (e) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from 190 to 240° C. to form an OH-terminated product; (f) removing unreleased methanol and dimethyl carbonate from the reaction mixture under a pressure of less than 100 mbar; and (g) deactivating the titanium-containing catalyst by adding from 0.8 to 2 equivalents, based on the catalyst, of a 1 to 20% by weight aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the reaction mixture, at a temperature of from 80 to 120° C.

Abstract: A new polypropylene terephthalate composition is provided. The polypropylene terephthalate is comprised of 1,3-propanediol and terephthalate. The 1,3-propanediol is produced by the bioconversion of a fermentatble carbon source, preferable glucose. The resulting polypropylene terephthalate is distinguished from petrochemically produced polymer on the basis of dual carbon-isotopic fingerprinting which indicates both the source and the age of the carbon.

Abstract: A process for preparing a 1,3-diol by hydrogenating a feed having a 3-hydroxyaldehyde in the presence of a catalyst and a hydrogen source, wherein syngas is used as hydrogen source, and the catalyst is a heterogeneous catalyst having copper on a support.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for preparing a substantially pure mixture of cyclododecanediol isomers. The isomers include 1,4-cyclododecanediol, 1,5-cyclododecanediol, and 1,6-cyclododecanediol. Also disclosed is a method for using a substantially pure mixture of cyclododecanediol isomers, which include the preparation of diamines; esters; diesters, such as diacetates and diacrylates; bis-phenol cyclododecane; and cyclododecanediol-based polyester polymers and polyester polyols.

Abstract: The invention provides coating compositions comprising a reactive component (a) which is substantially free of any heteratoms and is a not a crystalline solid at room temperature and which comprises from (i) 12 to 72 carbon atoms, and (ii) at least two functional groups, and (b) a crosslinking agent comprising a plurality of functional groups (iii) reactive with the functional groups (ii) of compound (a), wherein functional groups (ii) and (iii) are selected such that reaction there between produces a thermally irreversible chemical linkage. The coating compositions of the invention provide improved solids, chip resistance, flexibility and/or scratch & mar resistance while maintaining desirable and/or improved performance characteristics with regard to environmental etch, relative humidity, QCT, chip resistance, thermoshock resistance, cold crack resistance, adhesion and the like.

Abstract: A method for reducing a malonate having the formula R1R2C(CO2R3)(CO2R4) to a diol having the formula R1R2C(CH2OH)2 comprising treating said malonate with sodium aluminum hydride.

Abstract: A process for producing glycerin is comprised of the steps of: (1) contacting a fat with water at a temperature and pressure sufficient to produce hydrolyzed fat and a sweet water stream comprised of water, fat and glycerin; (2) introducing the sweet water stream into a vertical constant temperature zone and heating the sweet water stream to a temperature of at least 200° C.; (3) allowing sweet water stream of step (2) to separate into a top layer comprised of fat and a bottom layer comprised of glycerin and water while maintaining a temperature of the two layers of at least about 200° C. for a period of time sufficient to deactivate the prions; (4) separating the glycerin from the water.

Abstract: A process for preparing optically active secondary alcohols of the general formula (3), [wherein R1 is linear lower alkyl, an aromatic ring group, or the like; A is CH2NR2R3 or the like; n is an integer of 0 to 2; and * represents an asymmetric carbon atom] by asymmetrically hydrogenating a ketone compound of the general formula (1) having nitrogenous or oxygen functional group at any of the a-, &bgr;- and &ggr;-positions, with selectivity among functional groups by the use of a ruthenium/optically active bidentate phosphine/diamine complex as the catalyst in the presence of hydrogen alone or together with a base. The optically active secondary alcohols obtained by the process are useful as drugs and intermediates for the preparation of drugs.

Abstract: Functionalized allylic olefins are condensed by metathesis using the catalyst 1,3-dimesityl-4,5-dihydroimidazol-2-ylidene ruthenium benzylidene [Ru*].

Abstract: The invention provides a test fluid for detecting coating flaws in a coated web and a method for testing a web coating system. The test fluid includes, water, a polyol, a surfactant, a radiant energy activated tracer compound and an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of an alkylene glycol and a dialkylene glycol. The test fluid is used to identify deficiencies in the web coating system so that adjustments to the web coating system may be made before assembling the coating system in an ink jet printer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering a polyamine compound and/or a polyol compound useful for starting materials of polyurethane resin in an industrially advantageous manner by first dissolving the polyurethane resin such as polyurethane foams discharged in a large amount as industrial wastes in a solubilizing agent containing a polyamine compound, a low molecular glycol or an amino alcohol, hydrolyzing the resulting solution with liquid water at 200 to 320° C., then recovering the polyamino compound and/or polyol compound thus formed.

Abstract: A method for continuously producing a dialkyl carbonate and a diol, comprising: (1) continuously feeding a cyclic carbonate and an aliphatic monohydric alcohol to a continuous multi-stage distillation column, and continuously effecting a transesterification between the cyclic carbonate and the aliphatic monohydric alcohol in the presence of a transesterification catalyst in the distillation column, while continuously withdrawing a low boiling point mixture in a gaseous form containing the produced dialkyl carbonate and the unreacted aliphatic monohydric alcohol from an upper portion of the distillation column and continuously withdrawing a high boiling point mixture in a liquid form containing the produced diol and the unreacted cyclic carbonate from a lower portion of the distillation column, and (2) continuously feeding the high boiling point mixture withdrawn from the lower portion of the distillation column to a continuous etherification reactor, to thereby effect a continuous etherification reaction betw

Abstract: The invention is directed to a process for preparing a polyether polyol by the polyaddition of an alkylene oxide on to a starter compound containing active hydrogen atoms under basic catalysis in the presence of phosphonium cations.

Abstract: An improved process for the preparation of cis-1,3-diols is described where a beta hydroxy ketone is treated with a trialkylborane or dialkylalkoxyborane or a mixture of a trialkylborane and a dialkylalkoxyborane followed by recovery and reuse of the alkylborane species to convert additional beta hydroxy ketone to the cis-1,3-diol.

Abstract: D-mannitol having a specific surface area of not less than about 1 m2/g is disclosed. The D-mannitol shows improved compressibility and is useful as an excipient.

Abstract: There are provided: (I) a thermoplastic resin (X-1) obtained by a process comprising the step of reacting: (1) a polyphenylene ether resin (A) with (2) a specific polyorganosiloxane (B), (II) a thermoplastic resin (X-2) obtained by a process comprising the step of reacting: (1) a polyphenylene ether resin (A), with (2) a specific polyorganosiloxane (B) and (3) a coupling agent (C), (III) a process for producing the thermoplastic resin (X-1), which comprises the step of reacting: (1) a polyphenylene ether resin (A) with (2) a specific polyorganosiloxane (B), (IV) a process for producing the thermoplastic resin (X-2), which comprises the step of reacting: (1) a polyphenylene ether resin (A) with (2) a specific polyorganosiloxane (B) and (3) a coupling agent (C), and (V) a thermoplastic resin composition (Z-1) comprising: (i) the above-mentioned thermoplastic resin (X-1) or (X-2) and (ii) a thermoplastic resin (D).

Abstract: A process for preparing an 1,3-alkanediol through carbonylation of an epoxide derivative includes the steps of (a) reacting an epoxide derivative with alcohol and carbon monoxide in a solvent at a temperature from about 30 to about 150° C.

Abstract: A process for preparing 1,3-diols having 6 or more carbon atoms comprises a) provision of at least one alkanal having at least three carbon atoms; b) thermal treatment of the alkanal in the absence of a basic catalyst; c) hydrogenation of the aldol addition product formed in step b); and d) isolation of the 1,3-diol obtained. The process of the present invention makes it possible to prepare 1,3-diols simply and inexpensively.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recovering a polyamine compound and/or a polyol compound useful for starting materials of polyurethane resin in an industrially advantageous manner by first dissolving the polyurethane resin such as polyurethane foams discharged in a large amount as industrial wastes in a solubilizing agent containing a polyamine compound, a low molecular glycol or an amino alcohol, hydrolyzing the resulting solution with liquid water at 200 to 320° C., then recovering the polyamino compound and/or polyol compound thus formed.

Abstract: High purity 1,3-butylene glycol obtained from acetaldol by a liquid phase hydrogen reduction method, by adding a base to crude 1,3-butylene glycol free of high-boiling material, heat-treating the mixture and then distilling off 1,3-butylene glycol; and distilling off low-boiling materials from 1,3-butylene glycol. In high performance liquid chromatography analysis under specified conditions, each peak eluted in a relative retention time range of 4.0 to 5.5, taking a relative retention time of 1,3-butylene as 1.0, has an absorbance of 0.02 or less at a measuring wavelength of 210 nm. This has no odor and shows less change with time.

Abstract: A process for catalyzing asymmetric dihydroxylations of olefins employs an Os(VI) complex as a catalytic intermediate in the formation of chiral vicinal diol products. The process requires a chiral bidentate ligand that favors diol formation in the “second cycle” of asymmetric dihydroxylation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a process for producing 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol. According to the process, a reaction mixture is formed, containing 2-ethylhexanal and formaldehyde, into which an hydroxide compound is fed, whereby 2-ethylhexanal and formaldehyde are reacted to to produce 2-butyl-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol. According to the invention, the hydroxide compound is incrementally fed into the reaction mixture. Preferably the hydroxide compound is fed at least at two input rates, in such a way that the heat production of the reaction between 2-ethylhexanal and formaldehyde immediately after each increase of the input rate of the hydroxide compound, is at least almost the same. The invention allows for the production of BEPD in a controlled and safe manner, with excellent yields.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent sorbitol, characterized in that it exhibits a hygroscopicity value, determined according to a test A, of less than 2%, preferably of less than 1.7%, and a specific surface, determined according to the BET method, at least equal to 2 m2/g, preferably at least equal to 2.2 m2/g, and also relates to its process of preparation. The invention also relates to compositions intended in particular for the food and pharmaceutical fields and to the use of the said pulverulent sorbitol in the preparation of tablets exhibiting a <<smooth in the mouth>> texture.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for the isolation of polyols, such as 1,3-propanediol, from a fermentation broth. Specifically, the invention discloses a process of adding base to the fermentation broth to raise the pH to a suitable level for reduction of impurity formation during isolation of the polyol.

Abstract: A process for preparing 1,4-butanediol and, if desired, &ggr;-butyrolactone and THF by oxidizing butane or benzene to form a product stream including maleic anhydride, absorbing maleic anhydride from the product stream with a high-boiling inert solvent in an absorption stage to give a liquid absorption product, esterifying the liquid absorption product with a C1-C5 esterifying alcohol in an esterification stage to form an esterification product comprising the corresponding diester and high-boiling inert solvent, then hydrogenating the esterification product to give a hydrogenation product which comprises the products of value, 1,4-butanediol and, if desired, &ggr;-butyrolactone and tetrahydrofuran and the esterifying alcohol and which is separated by distillation into the products of value and the esterifying alcohol, and recycling the esterifying alcohol to the esterification zone, which comprises separating the esterification product into the diester and the inert solvent by distillation under reduced press

Abstract: The invention relates to a pulverulent sorbitol, characterized in that it exhibits a hygroscopicity value, determined according to a test A, of less than 2%, preferably of less than 1.7%, and a specific surface, determined according to the BET method, at least equal to 2 m2/g, preferably at least equal to 2.2 m2/g, and also relates to its process of preparation.

Abstract: The invention concerns modified maltitol crystals of particular forms, one pyramidal, the other prismatic. It further concerns crystalline compositions containing them and processes for their preparation.

Abstract: A method is provided for co-producing dialkyl carbonate and alkanediol by reacting alkylene carbonate with alkanol in the presence of an amorphous aluminosilicate catalyst containing alkali metal, alkaline earth metal, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A method of producing a highly pure trimethylolpropane from a crude trimethylolpropane obtained by a reaction of n-butyl aldehyde and formaldehyde in the presence of a basic catalyst in a two-stage process of an aldol condensation and a crossed Cannizzaro reaction. Since a high-boiling component and an inorganic salt are removed in advance from the crude trimethylolpropane, hardly removable impurities such as condensation products in the crude trimethylolpropane are changed in the subsequent heat treatment under acidic conditions to components easily removable by distillation. By distilling the heat-treated crude trimethylolpropane, a highly pure trimethylolpropane with a low content of remaining formaldehyde and a low coloring degree is easily obtained.

Abstract: A process for producing a polyol by reacting an aliphatic aldehyde with formaldehyde in the presence of a basic catalyst, which comprises a step of concentration which comprises removing water and unreacted formaldehyde from a reaction liquid by distillation; a step of extraction which comprises extracting the polyol from a concentrated reaction liquid with an extracting reagent; a step of washing with water which comprises washing an extract liquid with water and separating the liquid into an oil layer containing the polyol and an aqueous layer; wherein by useing an specific aliphatic aldehyde as the extracting agent and recovering the extracting reagent from the oil layer containing the polyol after adjusting pH of the oil layer, a high purity polyhydric alcohol can be obtained at a high yield with suppressed formation of byproducts such as acetal compounds and aldol compounds.

Abstract: A process for preparing higher oxo alcohols from mixtures of isomeric olefins having from 5 to 24 carbon atoms by two-stage hydroformylation in the presence of a cobalt catalyst or rhodium catalyst at elevated temperature and at elevated pressure, which comprises selectively hydrogenating the first hydroformylation stage reaction mixture, separating the hydrogenation mixture in a distillation into crude alcohol and low-boilers predominantly consisting of olefins, passing these low-boilers to the second hydroformylation stage, again selectively hydrogenating the second hydroformylation stage reaction mixture, separating the hydrogenation mixture in one distillation into crude alcohol and low-boilers, working up the crude alcohol by distillation to pure alcohol and taking off at least some of the low-boilers to discharge saturated hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A D-mannitol derivative selected from the group consisting of a compound of formula pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof and where applicable or appropriate pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are the same or different and may each independently be selected from among alkyl and aryl (i.e. aromatic including aromatic like) groups. The D-mannitol derivatives may be used as HIV aspartyl protease inhibitors.

Abstract: Hexanediol is prepared by hydrogenating dialkyl adipates or mixtures which contain a dialkyl adipate as the essential component and organic halogen compounds as impurities, by a process in which, before the hydrogenation, the dialkyl adipates or the mixtures containing dialkyl adipates are passed at from 50 to 250° C. and from 1 to 100 bar over copper catalysts which have a copper content, calculated as CuO, of from 0.5 to 80% by weight, a surface area of from 5 to 1500 m2/g, a porosity of from 0.05 to 1.5 cm3/g and a copper surface area of from 0.1 to 20 m2/g, in order to remove the organic halogen compounds.

Abstract: A two-stage process for producing 1,3-propanediol by first hydrogenating at a temperature of 30° C. to 80° C. in the presence of an oxide-supported metal hydrogenation catalyst. Second, the resulting reaction solution is hydrogenated at a temperature of 80° C. to 180° C. to a 3-hydroxypropanal conversion of substantially 100% in the presence of an activated carbon-supported metal hydrogenation catalyst.