Abstract: The present invention relates to a microorganism capable of producing a terpene of choice. The microorganism expresses a heterologous pathway for the formation of isoprene units and, preferably, a heterologous terpene synthase. In this way, high amounts of terpene can be isolated from the medium of the microorganism.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is supplied to one or more reaction zone(s) containing catalytic material operating under reaction conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons; the reaction zone(s) being operated with an inverse temperature profile.

Abstract: In a process for converting methane to aromatic hydrocarbons, a feed containing methane is supplied to one or more reaction zone(s) containing catalytic material operating under reaction conditions effective to convert at least a portion of the methane to aromatic hydrocarbons; the reaction zone(s) being operated with an inverse temperature profile.

Abstract: A heat transfer fluid composition and process employing composite mixtures of terpenes and silicones useful for heat transfer processes in a temperature range down to ?200° F., where the fluid heat transfer composition retains its liquid phase over the entire temperature range.

Abstract: Novel synthases and the corresponding nucleic acids encoding such synthases are disclosed herein. Such synthases possess an active site pocket that includes key amino acid residues that are modified to generate desired terpenoid reaction intermediates and products. Synthase modifications are designed based on, e.g., the three-dimensional coordinates of tobacco 5-epi-aristolochene synthase, with or without a substrate bound in the active site.

Abstract: A fluid heat transfer medium and process employing composite mixtures of monocyclic and bicyclic terpenes useful for heat transfer processes in a temperature range down to approximately -165.degree. F., where the fluid heat transfer medium maintains its liquid phase.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of camphene by the rearrangement of .alpha.-pineneA process for the preparation of camphene by the rearrangement of .alpha.-pinene in the presence of a titanium oxide hydrate catalyst under the action of heat, wherein .alpha.-pinene is refluxed until the content of .alpha.-pinene in the reaction mixture is still at least 3% by weight, and the rearrangement is then brought to completion in a secondary reaction at a temperature below 160.degree. C.By carrying out the process in this way--refluxing to a relatively high residual content of .alpha.-pinene and performing a secondary reaction at a lower temperature--the formation of polymeric by-products is reduced. This process moreover increases the yield of camphene in that recycled tricyclene, concentrated in the distillation of the crude product, is partially rearranged to camphene or the formation of more tricyclene is reduced.

Abstract: This invention is to provide a novel process for the isomerization of a cycloolefin having an endo form to a cycloolefin having an exo form. The resulting isomer mixture has a novel composition, and a random copolymer produced from the above compositionally novel isomer mixture and ethylene has an excellent heat resistance and mechanical strength.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for providing fuels from biomass such as seed oils or plant fruits. Generally the process utilizes a metal catalyzed conversion to step to provide fuel mixtures with compositions that may be varied depending on conditions of temperature, pressure and time of reaction. Mixtures of hydrocarbons produced from limonene feedstocks include alicyclic, alkyl and aromatic species. Monocyclic aromatic compounds may be obtained in high yields depending on the reaction conditions employed.

Abstract: A process for isomerizing limonene to terpinolene in the presence of an acidic catalyst and in the presence of a buffer.

Abstract: d-3-Menthene of high optical purity is obtained by the selective isomerization/hydrogenation of d-isolimonene in the presence of minor amounts of a palladium catalyst at temperatures up to 200.degree. C. and pressures of preferably about 100-500 psig.