The use of a metal complex containing a ruthenium ion or an osmium ion, and a tridentate aminodicarbene ligand, the tridentate aminodicarbene ligand having one secondary amino group and two specific heterocyclic carbene groups sandwiching the amino group, enables hydrogenation reduction of carbonyl compounds, such as ketones, carboxylic acid esters, lactones, carboxylic acid amides, and lactams, and imine compounds under relatively mild conditions to produce corresponding alcohols, amines, and the like in a high yield with high catalytic efficiency. The metal complex is obtained by a method comprising steps of reacting a specific metal compound with a specific aminodicarbene precursor and subsequently reacting a specific compound. Reduction of a carbonyl compound or an imine compound in the presence of this metal complex using a hydrogen donor makes it possible to reduce the carbonyl compound or imine compound by hydrogenation.

Continuous processes for making ethylene glycol form aldohexose-yielding carbohydrates are disclosed which enhance the selectivity to ethylene glycol.

Continuous processes for making ethylene glycol form aldohexose-yielding carbohydrates are disclosed which enhance the selectivity to ethylene glycol.

The present invention relates to a method of producing linear fatty acids comprising 7 to 28 carbon atoms or esters thereof using a combined biotechnological and chemical method. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of producing dodecanoic acid (i.e. lauric acid), via higher alkanones, preferably 6-undecanone.

The present invention relates to a method of producing linear fatty acids comprising 7 to 28 carbon atoms or esters thereof using a combined biotechnological and chemical method. In particular, the present invention relates to a method of producing dodecanoic acid (i.e. lauric acid), via higher alkanones, preferably 6-undecanone.

A method of reducing a C—O bond to the corresponding C—H bond in a substrate, which could be a benzylic alcohol, allylic alcohol, ester or an ether bond beta to a hydroxyl group or alpha to a carbonyl group using a recyclable metal catalyst system. The recyclable catalyst system is also applicable to reducing a C═O bond to the corresponding C—OH bond and then C—H bond. These methodologies can be linked in one-pot to selective oxidation and depolymerizations of aromatic polyols such as lignin.

A method of reducing a C—O bond to the corresponding C—H bond in a substrate, which could be a benzylic alcohol, allylic alcohol, ester or an ether bond beta to a hydroxyl group or alpha to a carbonyl group using a recyclable metal catalyst system. The recyclable catalyst system is also applicable to reducing a C═O bond to the corresponding C—OH bond and then C—H bond. These methodologies can be linked in one-pot to selective oxidation and depolymerizations of aromatic polyols such as lignin.

Catalyst for hydrogenation of 1,3-cyclobutanediketone compound is provided, which includes a support and VIIIB group transition metal loaded thereon. The support includes a first oxide powder with a surface wrapped by a second oxide. The first oxide includes silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, or a combination thereof. The second oxide has a composition of M.sub.xAl.sub.(1-x)O.sub.(3-x)/2, M is alkaline earth metal, and x is from 0.3 to 0.7.

Catalyst for hydrogenation of 1,3-cyclobutanediketone compound is provided, which includes a support and VIIIB group transition metal loaded thereon. The support includes a first oxide powder with a surface wrapped by a second oxide. The first oxide includes silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, or a combination thereof. The second oxide has a composition of M.sub.xAl.sub.(1-x)O.sub.(3-x)/2, M is alkaline earth metal, and x is from 0.3 to 0.7.

Catalyst for hydrogenation of 1,3-cyclobutanediketone compound is provided, which includes a support and VIIIB group transition metal loaded thereon. The support includes a first oxide powder with a surface wrapped by a second oxide. The first oxide includes silicon oxide, aluminum oxide, zirconium oxide, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, or a combination thereof. The second oxide has a composition of M.sub.xAl.sub.(1-x)O.sub.(3-x)/2, M is alkaline earth metal, and x is from 0.3 to 0.7.