Researchers in UK develop new waste-recycling catalyst to increase biodiesel production

Researchers in UK develop new waste-recycling catalyst to increase biodiesel production

FOCUS Light unlocks a new pathway for nickel chemistry Princeton University scientists have utilized light to enable nickel-catalyzed carbon cross-cou...

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FOCUS Light unlocks a new pathway for nickel chemistry Princeton University scientists have utilized light to enable nickel-catalyzed carbon cross-coupling reactions, which are necessary for the synthesis of agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Upon light exposure, Ni (III) alkoxide is formed in the presence of an iridium (III) photocatalyst and induces C-O bonding, after which it returns to the original Ni (0) state upon gaining an electron from iridium (II). The technology boasted yields of 60–91%, as shown in aryl bromide trials with functional groups (eg esters, ketones, nitriles, sulfones, trifluoromethyls) and alcohols (eg alkene, benzyl, cyclopropyl, tert-butyl). Original Source: Chemical Engineering Progress, Sep 2015, 11,13 (Website: http:// www.aiche.org/cep) © American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2015.

Coal-to-liquids process gets cleaned up Penn State University researchers have developed an emission-free technology for converting coal into liquid fuels for jet and diesel engines. Hydrogen is extracted from syngas through water electrolysis during two hydrotreatment phases, and via steam gasification of coal during the solid-liquid extraction phase. Any CO2 by-products from various stages are fed into photobioreactors, which induce hydrodeoxygenation and hydrocracking to convert algal lipids into liquid fuels.

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PATENTS Metathesis process comprising the extraction of ethylene using a membrane: Arkema France France's Arkema France has been granted Patent No WO/2014/147337 (Publication date: 25 Sep 2014) for a metathesis method of two alpha-olefin compounds. The process includes using at least one membrane for ethylene extraction from the reaction medium. The membrane is impermeable to liquids but is permeable to gases. The reaction vessel is divided by the membrane into two zones, with the first fed with the catalysts and reactants, and the second is supplied with a gaseous stream passive relative to the membrane and the components of the reaction medium. Liquid-phase metathesis is commenced in the first zone and is conducted under a pressure slightly below that in the first zone. Alternately, gas flow purging may be used to stimulate migration of ethylene to the second zone. Original Source: Membrane Technology, Sep 2015, 15 (Website: http://www.membranetechnology.com), © Elsevier Ltd 2015.

Velocys prevails in IP infringement case

BOOKSHELF Zeolites in Sustainable Chemistry: Synthesis, Characterization and Catalytic Applications (Green Chemistry and Sustainable Technology Series) A compilation of contributions describing applications of zeolites as catalysts for biomass conversion and environmental protection. Included are chapters on novel routes for zeolite synthesis and new perspectives on characterization. F-S Xiao and X. Meng (eds), 1st edn, 2015, Springer, Berlin, ISBN-13: 978-3662473948, 485 pp.

Organometallics and Catalysis A succinct review of the essential concepts of organometallics as catalysts, it is enriched throughout by examples that demonstrate how understanding of organometallic chemistry has led to new applications in research and industry. M. Bochmann, 1st edn, 2015, Oxford University Press, London, ISBN-13: 978-0199668212, 444 pp.

Organic Synthesis using Biocatalysis

Researchers at the UK's Cardiff University have created a wasterecycling catalyst that can increase biodiesel generation. The new catalyst converts glycerol into methanol, which can be used as a starting reactant to generate more biodiesel. Glycerol is a waste by-product of vegetable oil-based biodiesel production. The utilization of recycled methanol could increase biodiesel yield by nearly 10%.

Velocys, described as a "smaller-scale gas-to-liquids'' company, announced a settlement with Johnson Matthey in the intellectual property infringement case Velocys filed in the US against Catacel Corp, which has since been purchased by Johnson Matthey. Velocys cited Catacel as a supplier of catalysts to CompactGTL's gas-to-liquids demonstration unit in Brazil. In Apr 2010, Velocys filed a suit against Catacel claiming infringement of several of Velocys' US patents. Under terms of the settlement, Johnson Matthey will pay Velocys an undisclosed amount in recognition of its intellectual property, while acknowledging the validity of Velocys' patent rights and committing to respect them. Velocys said both parties note the successful UK litigation against CompactGTL by Velocys and the finding of infringement of its patent claims relating to CompactGTL's UK pilot plant activities.

Original Source: CTBR Clean Technology Business Review, 14 Sep 2015 (Website: http://www.cleantechnology-business-review. com/), © CTBR 2015.

Original Source: PetroChemical News, 5 Oct 2015, 53 (38), 3 (Website: http://www. petrochemical-news.com), © William F. Bland Co.NB2015.

J. Hagen, 3rd edn, 2015, Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, ISBN-13: 978-3527331659, 544 pp.

Original Source: Chemical Engineering Progress, Sep 2015, 6,8-9 (Website: http:// www.aiche.org/cep/), © American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2015.

Researchers in UK develop new waste-recycling catalyst to increase biodiesel production

November 2015

Describes important biocatalytic reactions and application of biocatalysis for the synthesis of organic compounds in pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical areas. A. Goswami and J. D. Stewart (eds), 1st edn, 2015, Elsevier, ISBN-13: 978-0124115187, 438 pp.

Industrial catalysis: A Practical Approach A comprehensive review of industrial catalytic processes, the 3rd edition contains many new examples. Aimed at those who enjoy self-study, the text by the former Mannheim University Professor of Technical Chemistry highlights applications of catalysis in the bulk chemical industry.

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