Disclosed are novel bridged bi-aromatic phenol ligands and transition metal compounds derived therefrom. Also disclosed are methods of making the ligands and transition metal compounds.

Nanoparticles for use in assay methods for detecting analytes in samples, which comprise a signal inducing agent, e.g. a transition-metal catalyst or a chemiluminophore, a chemiluminophore precursor, a soluble absorber, or a soluble absorber precursor. After binding to an analyte, the nanoparticle is dissociated by a chemical or physical trigger, e.g. an organic solvent or ultrasound, to release the signal inducing agent, which releases a detectable signal via a physical or chemical reaction. The nanoparticles comprising a chemiluminophore, a chemiluminophore precursor, a soluble absorber, or a soluble absorber precursor can also effect chemical reactions that serve as signal amplifiers.

A compound of the general formula (I) ##STR00001##
in which R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 are independently selected from C.sub.1-4-alkyl and C.sub.1-4-hydroxyalkyl; each R.sub.4 is independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-4-alkyl and C.sub.1-4-hydroxyalkyl; each R.sub.5 is independently selected from hydrogen, C.sub.1-4-alkyl and C.sub.1-4-hydroxyalkyl; m is 2, 3, 4 or 5; n is 2, 3, 4 or 5; and o is an integer from 0 to 10. A preferred compound of the formula (I) is 2-(2-tert-butylaminoethoxy)ethylamine. Absorbents comprising a compound of the formula (I) have rapid absorption of carbon dioxide from fluid streams and are also suitable for processes for the simultaneous removal of H.sub.2S and CO.sub.2, where given H.sub.2S limits have to be observed but complete removal of CO.sub.2 is not required.

Iron-based homogeneous catalysts, supported by pincer ligands, are employed in the catalytic dehydrocoupling of methanol to produce methyl formate and hydrogen. As both methanol and methyl formate are volatile materials, they can be readily separated from the catalyst by applying vacuum at room temperature. The hydrogen by-product of the reaction may be isolated and utilized as a feedstock in other chemical transformations.

Novel compositions of matter based on homopiperazine precursor materials and forming a homopiperazine-based ligand are disclosed, along with suitable techniques and materials for the synthesis and utilization thereof. In particular various synthetic schemes and techniques for applying the disclosed compositions of matter as a decontaminating agent. The decontaminating agents include homopiperazine-based ligand-metal complexes that are particularly effective at neutralizing toxicity of nerve agents, pesticides, and other toxic organophosphorus-based compounds. In preferred approaches, the homopiperazine-based ligand-metal complexes act as catalysts to facilitate substitution of a leaving group of the organophosphorus-based compound with a functional group that does not permit the organophosphorus-based compound to inactivate acetylcholinesterase upon introduction of the organophosphorus-based compound to a living organism such as insects and mammals. Advantageously, the catalytic homopiperazine-based ligand-metal complexes are formed using inexpensive, readily-available precursor materials, and may be utilized to neutralize toxins without relying on damaging caustic reactants or environmentally unfriendly organic solvents.

Iron-based homogeneous catalysts, supported by pincer ligands, are employed in the transfer hydrogenation of esters using C.sub.2-C.sub.12 alcohols as sacrificial hydrogen donors to produce corresponding alcohols from the esters. No external H.sub.2 pressure is required. The reaction can be carried out under ambient pressure.

Disclosed are novel bridged bi-aromatic phenol ligands and transition metal catalyst compounds derived therefrom. Also disclosed are methods of making the ligands and transition metal compounds, and polymerization processes utilizing the transition metal compounds for the production of olefin polymers.

A ligand based chromium catalyst and application in catalyzing ethylene oligomerization are disclosed. The chromium catalyst is formed by a chromium compound and an organic ligand containing P and/or N. The substituents on N and P of the ligand can be replaced, whereby selective ethylene trimerization and tetramerization can be realized so as to produce 1-hexene and 1-octene at the same time.

The invention relates to a process for the preparation of a deuterated ethanol from an acetic acid, an acetate, or an amide by reaction with D.sub.2 in the presence of a transition metal catalyst.

Novel compositions of matter based on homopiperazine precursor materials and forming a homopiperazine-based ligand are disclosed, along with suitable techniques and materials for the synthesis and utilization thereof. In particular various synthetic schemes and techniques for applying the disclosed compositions of matter as a decontaminating agent. The decontaminating agents include homopiperazine-based ligand-metal complexes that are particularly effective at neutralizing toxicity of nerve agents, pesticides, and other toxic organophosphorus-based compounds. In preferred approaches, the homopiperazine-based ligand-metal complexes act as catalysts to facilitate substitution of a leaving group of the organophosphorus-based compound with a functional group that does not permit the organophosphorus-based compound to inactivate acetylcholinesterase upon introduction of the organophosphorus-based compound to a living organism such as insects and mammals. Advantageously, the catalytic homopiperazine-based ligand-metal complexes are formed using inexpensive, readily-available precursor materials, and may be utilized to neutralize toxins without relying on damaging caustic reactants or environmentally unfriendly organic solvents.