Synthesis of silanes with more than three silicon atoms are disclosed (i.e., (Si.sub.nH.sub.(2n+2) with n=4-100). More particularly, the disclosed synthesis methods tune and optimize the isomer ratio by selection of process parameters such as temperature, residence time, and the relative amount of starting compounds, as well as selection of proper catalyst. The disclosed synthesis methods allow facile preparation of silanes containing more than three silicon atoms and particularly, the silanes containing preferably one major isomer. The pure isomers and isomer enriched mixtures are prepared by catalytic transformation of silane (SiH.sub.4), disilane (Si.sub.2H.sub.6), trisilane (Si.sub.3H.sub.8), and mixtures thereof.

Synthesis of silanes with more than three silicon atoms are disclosed (i.e., (Si.sub.nH.sub.(2n+2) with n=4100). More particularly, the disclosed synthesis methods tune and optimize the isomer ratio by selection of process parameters such as temperature, residence time, and the relative amount of starting compounds, as well as selection of proper catalyst. The disclosed synthesis methods allow facile preparation of silanes containing more than three silicon atoms and particularly, the silanes containing preferably one major isomer. The pure isomers and isomer enriched mixtures are prepared by catalytic transformation of silane (SiH.sub.4), disilane (Si.sub.2H.sub.6), trisilane (Si.sub.3H.sub.8), and mixtures thereof.

A process for making methyl esters in high yields is provided. The process comprises contacting aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes and methanol with an iron catalyst, to catalyze the dehydrogenative coupling between aliphatic or aromatic aldehydes and methanol. The reaction is highly selective (<99.9%) toward the formation of methyl esters over homoesters and alcohols and operates at temperatures of less than 100 C. for 2-8 hours.

The present disclosure provides that a catalyst exhibits excellent catalytic activity in both a hydrogenation involving a hydrogen-storing body containing an aromatic compound, and a dehydrogenation involving a hydrogen-supplying body containing a hydrogen derivative of the aromatic compound, wherein the catalyst contains a nanocrystalline composite having two or more accumulated flake-like nanocrystalline pieces in a connected state, the flake-like nanocrystalline pieces each having a main surface and an end surface, and in that the nanocrystalline composite is configured such that, when two adjacent nanocrystalline pieces are viewed, an end surface of at least one of the nanocrystalline pieces is connected.

Catalyst compositions for the conversion of aldehyde compounds and primary alcohol compounds to olefins are disclosed herein. Reactions include oxidative dehydroxymethylation processes and oxidative dehydroformylation methods, which are beneficially conducted in the presence of a sacrificial acceptor of H.sub.2 gas, such as N,N-dimethylacrylamide.

The present invention relates to an anti-coking catalyst having a physical property of reducing coke formation, which comprises a solid acid catalyst containing gadolinium (Gd) on the surface, a preparation method thereof, and a use thereof. The preparation method includes a first step of determining the amount of gadolinium (Gd) or a Gd-providing precursor to be used relative to the total weight of the solid acid catalyst, which reducing the coking of a specific solid acid catalyst below a specific level under a specific reaction condition; and a second step of preparing a Gd-containing solid acid catalyst using the amount determined in the first step. The catalyst according to the present invention is a catalyst in which an appropriate weight ratio of gadolinium is supported on the surface of a pure solid acid substance or solid acid substance on which a specific metal is supported. Therefore, the production of coke on the catalyst surface is inhibited while maintaining the activity of the solid acid catalyst in a hydrocarbon conversion reaction, and as a result, the catalyst of the present invention exhibits an effect of improving its lifespan.

The present invention relates in part to the unexpected discovery of novel complexes capable of catalyzing the selective dehydrogenative coupling of olefins. The invention further relates to the use of these complexes for the selective coupling of olefins.

Precatalysts of formula I and IV, and processes for the functionalization of SP2-carbons using the same are described herein. The precatalysts comprise a fluoroborate salt protected intramolecular frustrated lewis pair (FLP). The precatalysts are bench stable with improved stability towards moisture and/or air. The precatalysts can be used to generate in situ the corresponding FLP catalyst.

Precatalysts of formula I and IV, and processes for the functionalization of SP2-carbons using the same are described herein. The precatalysts comprise a fluoroborate salt protected intramolecular frustrated lewis pair (FLP). The precatalysts are bench stable with improved stability towards moisture and/or air. The precatalysts can be used to generate in situ the corresponding FLP catalyst.

The subject of the invention is a process for the hydrogenation of hydrogen carbonate in an aqueous reaction system, where the process ensures that the hydrogen carbonate, hydrogen and catalyst come into contact with each other while carbon dioxide is present in the gas space. In this phase of the process, formate is produced. The subject of the invention is also a process for the catalytic decomposition of formate in an aqueous reaction system and the hydrogenation of hydrogen carbonate produced in the same reaction system according to the invention, where the reactants and the reaction products are formed in a reversible reaction cycle using the reaction system according to the invention, and this reaction cycle is repeated in the required number of times. In the mentioned formate mg decomposition process, the formate and the catalyst come into contact, so that hydrogen gas and hydrogen carbonate free of COX by-products are produced as the product of the reaction. Further subject of the invention is a hydrogen storage system based on the method according to the invention, preferably a hydrogen accumulator. Further subject of the invention is a hydrogen storage system according to the invention, preferably the use of a hydrogen accumulator for the storage of hydrogen required for the operation of a fuel cell (or other equipment requiring H2) and, where appropriate, for its release in as needed.