Research targets

The above-mentioned research targets generally address the good mass and heat transfer properties achieved by micro channel processing, in particular referring to fast mixing and good heat transfer. 

The (C Me ) Sm(THF) metal vapor product provided the first opportunity ta see if Smdl) complexes (y =3.5—3.8 Ufi) could be characterized by H NMR spectroscopy (24). Fortunately, the paramagnetism doesn t cause large shifting and broadening of the resonances and hence samarium provides the only Ln(III)/Ln(II) couple in which both partners are NMR accessible. Once the existence and identity of (C Mej- SmdHF) was known, a solution synthesis was developed from KC Me and Sml THF) (44). This system is the preferred preparative route and also provides another soluble organosamarium(II) complex, [(C Me )Sm(THF)2(u-I)]2, under appropriate conditions. This is another xample of how solution studies subsequently catch up to the research targets often identified first in metal vapor reactions. 

Adsorption of small biomolecules such as amino acids, vitamins, and oligopeptides on mesoporous materials is also an important research target, because it certainly satisfies certain demands in material extraction, drug delivery, and pollutant removal. Vinu and coworkers recently reported systematic research on the adsorption of L-histidine on mesoporous materials [187,188]. Figure 4.22 compares the adsorption... 

A large number of synthetic reactions via C-H bond activation have been reported in the last 10 years. In near future, applications to natural products and functional materials will be the next research targets, together with the development of new synthetic reactions. 

Transition metal-mediated C-C bond formation through reaction of C02 with acetylenes and dienes can serve as a useful method for the construction of various carbon skeletons, such as linear and cyclic carboxylic acids, and esters and lactams. Enantioselective incorporation of C02 can also be achieved, especially when combined with sterically controlled formation of cyclic carbo- or heterocyclic skeletons. In perspective of the future in this area, development of more efficient and more selective catalytic systems for incorporation or transformation of C02 into useful fine chemicals and polymer materials will continue to be an important and attractive research target. 

The preparation of solids with covalently attached POM complexes is a serious and worthwhile research target because these materials might be expected to be rather stable to POM leaching in solutions. Many new materials of this type have been reported in the literature [16,49,74,137-143] however, catalytic studies on covalently boimd POMs still remain a rare event. In 1992, Judeinstein reported the first POM-polymer hybrid where a lacunary Keggin POM cluster was covalently linked to polystyrene or polymethacrylate backbone through Si-0 bonds [137]. This approach has been further developed by several research groups. 

Though limited, the geochemistry presented herein serves to show the broad compositional differences (Fig. 2a) between the ophiolitic, normal-type MORB (Fig. 2b) and the volcanic arc-related granitoids (Fig. 2c). Current geochemical research, targeted towards the location of potential VMS mineralization, will expand and improve this area of investigation. 

At the synthetic level, stereochemical problems are far from being exhausted. A common research target today is that of the so-called tailor-made polymers, that is, polymers suited to specific uses electronic (semi- and superconductors). 

Recently, Monsanto has developed a carbonylation route(50) to prepare adipic acid from butenes. The process is based on dicarbonylation of 1, 4-dimethoxy- -butene with a palladium catalyst containing chloride ligands. This approach could achieve commercial potential if an economically viable 1,4-disubstituted -butene synthesis can be developed. A direct butene carbonylation rout to adipic acid is a desirable research target. 

Most of the top 25 companies are involved in discovery research targeted at the synthesis of new chemicals with new chemical structures, new modes of action and low rates of application that can be protected by international patents and that will give the inventing company an advantage over its competitors. Other generic manufacturers also invest in research but this is more applied in terms of manufacturing opportunities and formulation advances. 

An attractive research target is the design of heteropoly catalysts complexed with organometallics. The use of heteropoly catalysts in combination with noble metals is also promising. Research in these directions has attracted much attention recently. 

The aim of this chapter is to present the state of the art of the industrial production of major acyclic and cyclic carbonates (Figure 7.1a and b, respectively), and to introduce recent developments in areas of research targeting carbon dioxide (C02)-based routes. 

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