University of Kansas

Aaron M Scurto

Cory Berkland

Michael S Detamore

Milind Singh

Mark Brandon Shiflett

Rajkumar Kore

Jenn-Tai Liang

William Gilbert

Processes for alkylating benzene are provided. In embodiments, the process comprises combining benzene, an olefin, and a catalyst composition under conditions to react benzene with the olefin to produce an alkylbenzene, the catalyst composition comprising components selected from the group consisting of an ionic liquid, an acid, and an aromatic; an acid, a base capable of forming an ionic liquid with the acid, and an aromatic; an ionic liquid and an acid; and an acid and a base capable of forming an ionic liquid with the acid. The ionic liquid does not comprise a metal halide and the catalyst composition is free of a metal halide and the aromatic, if present in the catalyst composition, is not the benzene being alkylated.

Processes for the preparation of alkylbenzenes

Haloalkane sulfonic acids and salts thereof are provided. In embodiments, a haloalkane sulfonic acid or salt thereof comprises an alkyl group, at least one sulfonic acid group, and one or more halogens selected from Cl, Br, I, and F, the haloalkane sulfonic acid having a total number of carbon atoms of from 2 to 9, and wherein if at least one F atom is present, the haloalkane sulfonic acid comprises at least one other halogen selected from Cl, Br, and I. Methods of making and using the haloalkane sulfonic acids/salts are also provided.

Haloalkane sulfonic acids, compositions thereof, and related methods

Provided herein are compositions and methods for degrading polymer systems. These compositions and methods can be used to effectively degrade a range of polymers commonly used in oil and gas operations, including polymers with carbon-carbon backbones such as polyacrylamides. Further, these compositions and methods can simultaneously degrade other organic molecules and pollutants associated with oil and gas operations. The compositions and methods described herein employ reactants that are more environmentally-friendly than conventional methods and components used in, for example, polymer breaking processes.

Enzymatic compositions for the degradation of polymers

Methods can prepare tissue engineering scaffolds that include a plurality of biocompatible microspheres linked together to form a three-dimensional matrix. The matrix can include a plurality of pores for growing cells. The biocompatible microspheres can include first and second sets of microspheres. The first set of microspheres can have a first characteristic, and a first predetermined spatial distribution with respect to the three-dimensional matrix. The second set of microspheres can have a second characteristic that is different from the first characteristic, and a second predetermined spatial distribution that is different from the first predetermined spatial distribution with respect to the three-dimensional matrix. The first and second characteristics can selected a composition, polymer, particle size, particle size distribution, type of bioactive agent, type of bioactive agent combination, bioactive agent concentration, amount of bioactive agent, rate of bioactive agent release, mechanical strength, flexibility, rigidity, color, radiotranslucency, radiopaqueness, or the like.

Method of preparing a tissue engineering scaffold comprising a plurality of microspheres linked together

A tissue engineering scaffold for growing cells can include a plurality of biocompatible microspheres linked together to form a three-dimensional matrix. The matrix can include a plurality of pores for growing cells. The biocompatible microspheres can include first and second sets of microspheres. The first set of microspheres can have a first characteristic, and a first predetermined spatial distribution with respect to the three-dimensional matrix. The second set of microspheres can have a second characteristic that is different from the first characteristic, and a second predetermined spatial distribution that is different from the first predetermined spatial distribution with respect to the three-dimensional matrix. The first and second characteristics can selected a composition, polymer, particle size, particle size distribution, type of bioactive agent, type of bioactive agent combination, bioactive agent concentration, amount of bioactive agent, rate of bioactive agent release, mechanical strength, flexibility, rigidity, color, radiotranslucency, radiopaqueness, or the like.

Growing community of inventors

Oskaloosa, KS, United States of America

Aaron M Scurto