The present invention relates to a method for the purification of alkanes, especially methane, wherein an alkane comprising impurities, especially methane, is reacted with an active compound, optionally in the presence of sulfur trioxide, whereby the impurities are removed. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the active compound and sulfur trioxide in the purification of alkanes, especially methane.

An agent for initiating a radical addition reaction includes a persulfate and one or more transition metals, in elemental form or in an oxidized form, as well as a method for preparing a compound of formula (I)

##STR00001## in which X is selected from S, Se and O; by a radical addition reaction in the presence of such an agent.

The present invention relates to a method for the purification of alkanes, especially methane, wherein an alkane comprising impurities, especially methane, is reacted with an active compound, optionally in the presence of sulfur trioxide, whereby the impurities are removed. The present invention furthermore relates to the use of the active compound and sulfur trioxide in the purification of alkanes, especially methane.

A description is given of compositions comprising a) one or more substances selected from the group consisting of hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide donor substances, b) water, c) one or more polymers having thickening properties and d) one or more substances selected from the group consisting of hydroxypyridones and salts thereof. The compositions are notable more particularly for their advantageous shelf lives.

Compositions and methods for oxidizing organic contaminants while sequestering inhibitory forms of carbon. An oxidant capable of producing free radicals oxidizes organic contaminants. A metal oxide, metal hydroxide, or metal peroxide generates a soluble hydroxide concentration of about 1×10.sup.−4 M or greater to convert carbonic acid, bicarbonate ion, methane, elemental carbon, and other organic forms of carbon to carbonate ion. A metal having a carbonate with a lower solubility product constant than its hydroxide precipitates the carbonate ion as a metal carbonate, thereby eliminating soluble carbonate as a radical scavenger. Compositions and methods that additionally minimize metal solubilization and sequester solubilized metals are also disclosed.

Compositions and methods for oxidizing organic contaminants while sequestering inhibitory forms of carbon. An oxidant capable of producing free radicals oxidizes organic contaminants. A metal oxide, metal hydroxide, or metal peroxide generates a soluble hydroxide concentration of about 1×10.sup.−4 M or greater to convert carbonic acid, bicarbonate ion, methane, elemental carbon, and other organic forms of carbon to carbonate ion. A metal having a carbonate with a lower solubility product constant than its hydroxide precipitates the carbonate ion as a metal carbonate, thereby eliminating soluble carbonate as a radical scavenger. Compositions and methods that additionally minimize metal solubilization and sequester solubilized metals are also disclosed.

Method of delignification of plant material, said method comprising: providing said plant material comprising cellulose fibers and lignin; exposing said plant material requiring to a composition comprising: alkanesulfonic acid; and a peroxide, wherein said alkylsulfonic acid and peroxide are present in a molar ratio ranging from 1:1 to 15:1 and the time of exposure is sufficient to remove substantially all of the lignin present on said plant material. Compositions capable of achieving delignification are also disclosed

The invention provides a unique, efficient and cost-effective process for the recovery of acid from acid-rich solutions. The process of the invention utilizes a strong oxidizer, such as Caro's acid, to disintegrate or render insoluble organic or inorganic materials such as carbohydrates and complexes thereof contained in acid-rich solutions, to make efficient and simple the separation and recovery of the acid solution. The acid recovered thus obtained is free of organic matter, and containing nearly all of the acid originally contained in the acid-rich solution.

The invention provides a unique, efficient and cost-effective process for the recovery of acid from acid-rich solutions. The process of the invention utilizes a strong oxidizer, such as Caro's acid, to disintegrate or render insoluble organic or inorganic materials such as carbohydrates and complexes thereof contained in acid-rich solutions, to make efficient and simple the separation and recovery of the acid solution. The acid recovered thus obtained is free of organic matter, and containing nearly all of the acid originally contained in the acid-rich solution.

Provided is an unique, efficient and cost-effective process for the recovery of acid from acid-rich solutions. The process of the subject matter utilizes a strong oxidizer, such as Caro's acid, to disintegrate or render insoluble organic or inorganic materials such as carbohydrates and complexes thereof contained in acid-rich solutions, to make efficient and simple the separation and recovery of the acid solution. The acid recovered thus obtained is free of organic matter, and containing nearly all of the acid originally contained in the acid-rich solution.