Abstract: Processes for conversion of lignin to products such as phenolic compounds and biofuels prepared from such phenolic compounds are disclosed and described. A process for conversion of a lignin material to bio-fuels can include subjecting the lignin material to a base catalyzed depolymerization reaction to produce a partially depolymerized lignin. The partially depolymerized lignin can then be subjected to a stabilization/partial hydrodeoxygenation reaction to form a partially hydrodeoxygenated product. Following partial hydrodeoxygenation, the partially hydrodeoxygenated product can be reacted in a hydroprocessing step to form a bio-fuel. Each of these reaction steps can be performed in single or multiple steps, depending on the design of the process. The production of an intermediate partially hydrodeoxygenation product and subsequent reaction thereof can significantly reduce or eliminate reactor plugging and catalyst coking.

Abstract: Processes for conversion of lignin to liquid products such as bio-fuels and fuel additives are disclosed and described. A process for conversion of a lignin material to bio-fuels can include subjecting the lignin material to a base catalyzed depolymerization reaction to produce a partially depolymerized lignin. The partially depolymerized lignin can then be subjected to a stabilization/partial hydrodeoxygenation reaction to form a partially hydrodeoxygenated product. Following partial hydrodeoxygenation, the partially hydrodeoxygenated product can be reacted in a hydroprocessing step to form a bio-fuel. Each of these reaction steps can be performed in single or multiple steps, depending on the design of the process. The production of an intermediate partially hydrodeoxygenation product and subsequent reaction thereof can significantly reduce or eliminate reactor plugging and catalyst coking.

Abstract: Multifunctional liquid phase carriers (LPCs) and methods of using LPCs for the preparation of biopolymers are provided. The LPCs are highly symmetrical compounds that possess more than two points of attachment for biopolymer synthesis. The LPCs have the formula Sp(X1)n, where Sp is a highly symmetrical moiety such that all X1 groups are equivalent. X1 is a functional group that is suitable for biopolymer synthesis, including OH, SH, NH2, COOH and the like. Biopolymers that may be produced using the methods provided include oligonucleotides, peptides, protein nucleic acids (PNAs) and oligosaccharides. Analogs of the biopolymers may also be prepared using the methods.

Abstract: Multifunctional liquid phase carriers (LPCs) and methods of using LPCs for the preparation of biopolymers are provided. The LPCs are highly symmetrical compounds that possess more than two points of attachment for biopolymer synthesis. The LPCs have the formula Sp(X1)n, where Sp is a highly symmetrical moiety such that all X1 groups are equivalent. X1 is a functional group that is suitable for biopolymer synthesis, including OH, SH, NH2, COOH and the like. Biopolymers that may be produced using the methods provided include oligonucleotides, peptides, protein nucleic acids (PNAs) and oligosaccharides. Analogs of the biopolymers may also be prepared using the methods.

Abstract: The proposed method comprises passing the hydrodynamic flow of liquid hydrocarbons through a flow-through passage accomodating a baffle body providing for a local constriction of the flow; establishing the local flow constriction on at least one portion of the flow-through passage whose cross-sectional profile area is so selected as to maintain such a velocity of the flow on the portion of the passage that promotes the development of a hydrodynamic cavitation field past the baffle body having the degree of cavitation of at least one; processing the flow of a mixture of liquid hydrocarbons in the hydrodynamic cavitation field to initiate chemical transformations of liquid hydrocarbons resulting in a change in the qualitative and quantitative composition of the mixture of liquid hydrocarbons.

Abstract: A tin-containing composition is provided, the composition having a tin Auger line transition wherein the ratio of the area of the M.sub.5 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 424.5 eV.+-.1 eV, having a 6 eV FWHM, to the area of M.sub.4 N.sub.4,5 N.sub.4,5 transition peak at 430.5 eV.+-.1 eV is at least 10 to 1. Additional such tin-containing compositions, including catalyst compositions are also provided as are methods for converting feedstock alkanes containing from 1 to 4 carbon atoms to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons using such catalyst compositions.

Abstract: An oxidative coupling catalyst composition for converting methane to a higher hydrocarbon comprising a mixed oxide of: (a) a Group IIIB metal selected from the grouup consisting of yttrium, scandium and lanthanum; (b) a Group IIA metal selected from the group consisting of barium, calcium and strontium; and (c) a Group IVA metal selected from the group consisting of tin, lead and germanium and approximate ratio of 1:0.5-3:2-4, and an improved process employing same.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. In a first step, methane is contacted with elemental sulfur. In one embodiment, carbon disulfide and hydrogen sulfide are produced from this reaction of methane and sulfur, and this product is, in turn, reacted to form CH.sub.3 SH. In another embodiment, CH.sub.3 SH is formed directly in a one-step reaction of methane and sulfur. This CH.sub.3 SH is then contacted with a sufficient catalyst, such as a zeolite, especially ZSM-5, under conditions sufficient to produce hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms.

Abstract: There is provided a process for converting methane to higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. In a first step, methane is contacted with carbonyl sulfide in the presence of UV light under conditions sufficient to produce CH.sub.3 SH. This CH.sub.3 SH then contacted with a sufficient catalyst, such as a zeolite, especially ZSM-5, under conditions sufficient to produce hydrocarbons having two or more carbon atoms.