A method is provided of preparing a compound of formula II:

##STR00001##

where: R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are independently selected from —CH.sub.2OR′, —CHO, —COOR′ and —H, provided that R.sub.1 and R.sub.2 are not both —H; and R′ is selected from —H and C.sub.1-6 hydrocarbyl groups,
from a compound of formula I:

##STR00002##

the compounds of formulas I and II being optionally in the form of a salt. The method comprises dehydrating the compound of formula I at: a pH in the range of from 0 to 6 or 8 to 11.5; and a temperature in the range of from 10 to 80° C. The method is particularly useful for synthesizing substituted furans from compounds derived from sugars.

Techniques regarding the synthesis of one or more polymers through one or more ring-opening polymerizations conducted within a flow reactor and facilitated by one or more anionic catalysts are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can comprise a method, which can comprise polymerizing, via a ring-opening polymerization within a flow reactor, a cyclic monomer in the presence of one or more anionic organocatalysts.

Techniques regarding the synthesis of one or more polymers through one or more ring-opening polymerizations conducted within a flow reactor and facilitated by one or more anionic catalysts are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can comprise a method, which can comprise polymerizing, via a ring-opening polymerization within a flow reactor, a cyclic monomer in the presence of one or more anionic organocatalysts.

Methods for preparation of a carbon membrane include providing a solution comprising a diacetyl biphenyl monomer and an alkylsulfonic acid. The solution is treated under such conditions that an aldol condensation reaction occurs so as to produce a porous polymer network. The porous polymer network is treated under such conditions that a Scholl reaction occurs.

A hardmask composition, a hardmask layer, and a method of forming patterns, the hardmask composition including a polymer and a solvent, wherein the polymer includes a structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 1:

##STR00001##

A hardmask composition, a hardmask layer, and a method of forming patterns, the hardmask composition including a polymer and a solvent, wherein the polymer includes a structural unit represented by Chemical Formula 1:

##STR00001##

Techniques regarding the synthesis of one or more polymers through one or more ring-opening polymerizations conducted within a flow reactor and facilitated by one or more anionic catalysts are provided. For example, one or more embodiments can comprise a method, which can comprise polymerizing, via a ring-opening polymerization within a flow reactor, a cyclic monomer in the presence of one or more anionic organocatalysts.

A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -L.sup.D-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by L.sup.P. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ≤5 kDa. L.sup.D and L.sup.P are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

A drug conjugate is provided herein. The conjugate comprises a protein based recognition-molecule (PBRM) and a polymeric carrier substituted with one or more -L.sup.D-D, the protein based recognition-molecule being connected to the polymeric carrier by L.sup.P. Each occurrence of D is independently a therapeutic agent having a molecular weight ≤5 kDa. L.sup.D and L.sup.P are linkers connecting the therapeutic agent and PBRM to the polymeric carrier respectively. Also disclosed are polymeric scaffolds useful for conjugating with a PBRM to form a polymer-drug-PBRM conjugate described herein, compositions comprising the conjugates, methods of their preparation, and methods of treating various disorders with the conjugates or their compositions.

A fluid dispenser device having at least one reservoir (20) that is suitable for containing fluid to be dispensed; a pump (1) that is mounted on the reservoir (20); and a dispenser head (2) including a dispenser orifice (3) via which the fluid is dispensed, which dispenser head is suitable for actuating said pump (1). At least a rigid and/or non-deformable portion of the dispenser device is made out of a material comprising an aliphatic polyketone.