Nickel-based catalysts comprising silicon modified nickel (nickel silicate) are provided, as are methods for using the catalysts to i) convert methane to CO and H.sub.2 (e.g. for use in synthetic chemical compound production); or to ii) convert methane to oxygenated hydrocarbons e.g. one or more of methanol, acetone, formaldehyde, and dimethyl ether. The catalysts are bifunctional and comprise both Ni metallic catalytic sites and acidic nickel-silicon catalytic sites, and the conversions are performed under moderate reaction conditions.

Provided are methods of producing carbonyl compounds (e.g., carbonyl containing compounds) and catalysts for producing carbonyl compounds. Also provided are methods of making polymers from carbonyl compounds and polymers formed from carbonyl compounds. A method may produce carbonyl compounds, such as, for example ,-disubstituted carbonyl compounds (e.g., ,-disubstituted -lactones). The polymers may be produced from ,-disubstituted -lactones, which may be produced by a method described herein.

Provided are methods of producing carbonyl compounds (e.g., carbonyl containing compounds) and catalysts for producing carbonyl compounds. Also provided are methods of making polymers from carbonyl compounds and polymers formed from carbonyl compounds. A method may produce carbonyl compounds, such as, for example ,-disubstituted carbonyl compounds (e.g., ,-disubstituted -lactones). The polymers may be produced from ,-disubstituted -lactones, which may be produced by a method described herein.

The present invention relates to a new chemical synthesis, intermediates and catalysts useful for the preparation of the neprilysin (NEP) inhibitor sacubitril, inter alia via nitro 5 compounds. It further relates to new intermediate compounds and their use for said new chemical synthesis route, as well as a new catalyst ligand.

The present invention relates to a new chemical synthesis, intermediates and catalysts useful for the preparation of the neprilysin (NEP) inhibitor sacubitril, inter alia via nitro 5 compounds. It further relates to new intermediate compounds and their use for said new chemical synthesis route, as well as a new catalyst ligand.

Provided is a process for preparing methacrolein which maximizes capture of methanol. Also provided are processes for producing methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate.

Provided is a process for preparing methacrolein which maximizes capture of methanol. Also provided are processes for producing methacrylic acid and methyl methacrylate.

A composition or material, in particular a catalytically active composition or material, a process for producing the composition or material, a composition or material obtained or obtainable by the process, and uses of the composition or material. The composition or material includes a permanently polarized hydroxyapatite and a brushite and/or a brushite-like material.

A composition or material, in particular a catalytically active composition or material, a process for producing the composition or material, a composition or material obtained or obtainable by the process, and uses of the composition or material. The composition or material includes a permanently polarized hydroxyapatite and a brushite and/or a brushite-like material.

The regio-selective functionalization of a dialkyl benzene compound ##STR00001##
wherein the ratio of the compound functionalized at position (a) to the compound functionalized at the position (b) is at least 70:30, more particularly at least 80:20, still more particularly at least 85:15, and still more particularly at least 90:10, characterised in that the substituent R is an isobutyl group.