The present invention is directed to an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process for the production of chemical target compounds from cellulosic material. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for conducting the process according to the inventive process.

In one aspect, methods of depolymerization are described herein comprising providing a synthetic polymer including a hydroxylated aliphatic backbone or hydroxylated backbone segments, and homolytically activing OH bonds of the hydroxyl groups. Homolytic activation induces the formation of alkoxy radical intermediates followed by CC bond ?-scission events breaking the polymer backbone into depolymerization products. In some embodiments, depolymerization products comprise alkyl radical intermediates reduced by hydrogen atom transfer. Moreover, in some embodiments, the depolymerization products are further reacted into difunctionalized products or comprise functionalities derived from the polymer structure. The difunctionalized products can subsequently be employed in polymerization processes for the production of additional synthetic polymers.

In one aspect, methods of depolymerization are described herein comprising providing a synthetic polymer including a hydroxylated aliphatic backbone or hydroxylated backbone segments, and homolytically activing OH bonds of the hydroxyl groups. Homolytic activation induces the formation of alkoxy radical intermediates followed by CC bond ?-scission events breaking the polymer backbone into depolymerization products. In some embodiments, depolymerization products comprise alkyl radical intermediates reduced by hydrogen atom transfer. Moreover, in some embodiments, the depolymerization products are further reacted into difunctionalized products or comprise functionalities derived from the polymer structure. The difunctionalized products can subsequently be employed in polymerization processes for the production of additional synthetic polymers.

The present invention is directed to an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process for the production of chemical target compounds from cellulosic material. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for conducting the process according to the inventive process.

The present invention is directed to an energy-efficient and environmentally friendly process for the production of chemical target compounds from cellulosic material. In a further aspect, the present invention is directed to a system for conducting the process according to the inventive process.

A method of generating a desired gas is provided. The method includes introducing a matrix comprising media containing a parent compound and an inert media into an effusion tube comprising a first zone and a second zone. The first zone includes a micro-porous metal tube, and a closed end. The second zone includes a non-porous metal tube, and an open end. Heating the effusion tube, produces a desired gas.

A method of generating a desired gas is provided. The method includes introducing a matrix comprising media containing a parent compound and an inert media into an effusion tube comprising a first zone and a second zone. The first zone includes a micro-porous metal tube, and a closed end. The second zone includes a non-porous metal tube, and an open end. Heating the effusion tube, produces a desired gas.

A process for making a tertiary aminoalcohol compound is disclosed. The process comprises using an excess amount of a carbonyl compound in a condensation step between the carbonyl compound and a nitroalkane in the presence of a catalytic amount of a tertiary aminoalcohol compound, and conducting a hydrogenation/alkylation step to produce the tertiary aminoalcohol. The tertiary aminoalcohol compound used to catalyze the condensation step is preferably the same tertiary aminoalcohol compound produced in the hydrogenation/alkylation step. The process uses fewer steps than conventional processes.

A process for making a tertiary aminoalcohol compound is disclosed. The process comprises using an excess amount of a carbonyl compound in a condensation step between the carbonyl compound and a nitroalkane in the presence of a catalytic amount of a tertiary aminoalcohol compound, and conducting a hydrogenation/alkylation step to produce the tertiary aminoalcohol. The tertiary aminoalcohol compound used to catalyze the condensation step is preferably the same tertiary aminoalcohol compound produced in the hydrogenation/alkylation step. The process uses fewer steps than conventional processes.

A process for making a tertiary aminoalcohol compound is disclosed. The process comprises using an excess amount of a carbonyl compound in a condensation step between the carbonyl compound and a nitroalkane in the presence of a catalytic amount of a tertiary aminoalcohol compound, and conducting a hydrogenation/alkylation step to produce the tertiary aminoalcohol. The tertiary aminoalcohol compound used to catalyze the condensation step is preferably the same tertiary aminoalcohol compound produced in the hydrogenation/alkylation step. The process uses fewer steps than conventional processes.