A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.

A method for forming a blend of ethers from a blend of alcohols includes a step of reacting a hydrocarbon-containing gas with an oxygen-containing gas to form first product blend. The first product blend includes a blend of partially oxygenated compounds. The blend of partially oxygenated compounds is provided to a reactive distillation station where it is converted a second product blend. The second product blend typically includes a mixture of ethers. An apparatus implementing the method is also provided.

The present invention is directed to a new class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and processes for making them. In some embodiments of the present invention, the end groups of the multi-arm PIB copolymer is a conjugated diene, whereas the other component is a multi-functional dienophile. The components of the TPE of the present invention are chemically connected via the well-known Diels-Alder reaction which is thermally reversible (by the retro-Diels-Alder reaction) at moderately elevated temperatures. The reversibility of the Diels-Alder retro-Diels-Alder reactions allows the recovery of the original components of the TPE and thus its recyclability and also gives the TPE the ability to be reshaped or reformed.

The present invention is directed to a new class of thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) and processes for making them. In some embodiments of the present invention, the end groups of the multi-arm PIB copolymer is a conjugated diene, whereas the other component is a multi-functional dienophile. The components of the TPE of the present invention are chemically connected via the well-known Diels-Alder reaction which is thermally reversible (by the retro-Diels-Alder reaction) at moderately elevated temperatures. The reversibility of the Diels-Alder retro-Diels-Alder reactions allows the recovery of the original components of the TPE and thus its recyclability and also gives the TPE the ability to be reshaped or reformed.

A process for producing acrylic acid from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce acrylic acid.

A process for producing acrylic acid from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce acrylic acid.

A process for producing acrylic acid from carbonaceous materials such as biomass. The carbonaceous material, such as biomass, is gasified to produce synthesis gas. The synthesis gas then is subjected to a plurality of reactions to produce acrylic acid.

A process for dehydrating methanol to dimethyl ether product in the presence of a solid Brønsted acid catalyst which is an aluminosilicate zeolite or a heteropolyacid and a promoter which is (i) a ketone of formula R.sup.1COR.sup.2 (Formula I) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are each a C.sub.1-C.sub.11 alkyl group and furthermore R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the carbonyl carbon atom to which they are bonded may form a cyclic ketone; or (ii) a ketal derivative of a ketone of Formula I; and the molar ratio of promoter to methanol is maintained at 0.5 or less.

A process for dehydrating methanol to dimethyl ether product in the presence of a solid Brønsted acid catalyst which is an aluminosilicate zeolite or a heteropolyacid and a promoter which is (i) a ketone of formula R.sup.1COR.sup.2 (Formula I) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are each a C.sub.1-C.sub.11 alkyl group and furthermore R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the carbonyl carbon atom to which they are bonded may form a cyclic ketone; or (ii) a ketal derivative of a ketone of Formula I; and the molar ratio of promoter to methanol is maintained at 0.5 or less.

A process for dehydrating methanol to dimethyl ether product in the presence of a solid Brønsted acid catalyst which is an aluminosilicate zeolite or a heteropolyacid and a promoter which is (i) a ketone of formula R.sup.1COR.sup.2 (Formula I) in which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 are identical or different and are each a C.sub.1-C.sub.11 alkyl group and furthermore R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 together with the carbonyl carbon atom to which they are bonded may form a cyclic ketone; or (ii) a ketal derivative of a ketone of Formula I; and the molar ratio of promoter to methanol is maintained at 0.5 or less.