Pulsed Disc‐and‐Doughnut Column Performance

Abstract: A study of the hydrodynamic variables, drop size, continuous phase axial dispersion, and mass‐transfer coefficients of a pulsed annular disc‐and‐doughnut liquid extraction column are presented for three different systems. The results indicate that the characteristic velocity plot of Gayler et al. (1953) can be used to describe the variation of holdup with flow rate for a range of pulsation velocities. The existence of several different operating regimes, namely streamline, mixer‐settler, and emulsion regimes, was observed when the input energy was altered. Mass‐transfer data from 72.5 mm i.d. and 2.5 m i.d. columns were interpreted in terms of the differential axial‐dispersion model; the number of transfer units in a unit length of column is proposed as the basis for scale‐up of the mass‐transfer performance. By considering the free areas in the column, a method is proposed for the geometric scale‐up of pulsed disc‐and‐doughnut columns.     

Ring‐expansion of methylcyclopentane to cyclohexane and ring‐contraction of cyclohexane to methylcyclopentane on silica‐supported 12‐tungstophosphoric acid and stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric microporous silver 12‐tungstophosphate

Methylcyclopentane is ring‐expanded to cyclohexane and cyclohexane is ring‐contracted to methylcyclopentane on 12‐tungstophosphoric acid (HPW) supported on silica and on stoichiometric microporous silver 12‐tungstophosphate. The conversions of the two reactants increase with the loading of HPW on SiO₂ while achieving significantly higher values on silver 12‐tungstophosphate which pass through a maximum as the Ag/H⁺ preparative ratio increases. The ring‐expansion and ring‐contraction processes on the supported HPW and the microporous AgPW are catalyzed by the acidic protons in the solid acid and the residual protons in the silver salt. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Cobalt‐catalyzed amination of 1,3‐cyclohexanediol and 2,4‐pentanediol in supercritical ammonia

The onestep procedure of amination of bifunctional secondary alcohols to diamines has been investigated in a continuous fixedbed reactor. Application of supercritical NH₃ as a solvent and reactant suppressed catalyst deactivation and improved selectivities to amino alcohol intermediates, whereas selectivities to diamines remained poor (8–10%). The main reason for the low diamine selectivity of 1,3dihydroxy compounds is water elimination leading to undesired monofunctional products via ,unsaturated alcohol, ketone or amine intermediates. This side reaction does not occur with 1,4dihydroxy compounds which afford high aminol and diamine selectivities under similar conditions. Amination of secondary diols with ammonia was found to be faster, but less selective than that of the corresponding primary 1,3propanediol.     

Highly active and moisture‐insensitive solid catalysts – GaCl3 and InCl3 supported on montmorillonite‐K10 and Si‐MCM‐41 for benzylation of benzene

InCl₃ and GaCl₃ supported on montmorillonite‐K10 or on high silica mesoporous MCM‐41 show very high activity in the benzylation of benzene by benzyl chloride (at 80°C) with little or no effect in the presence of moisture in the catalyst or in the reaction mixture on their benzylation activity; the supported InCl₃ catalyst shows superior performance in the benzylation reaction in regard to both the activity and moisture insensitivity. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Simultaneous dehydrogenation and isomerization of η‐butane to isobutene over ZSM‐22 and zinc‐modified ZSM‐5 zeolites

Direct formation of isobutene from η‐butane was investigated over a zinc‐impregnated potassium‐ion‐exchanged ZSM‐5 dehydrogenation catalyst and an acidic shape‐selective ZSM‐22 skeletal isomerization catalyst. The experiments were performed in a fixed‐bed microreactor system operating at near‐atmospheric pressure. High selectivity to η‐butene was obtained over the zinc‐impregnated potassium‐ion‐exchanged ZSM‐5 dehydrogenation catalysts. The yield of isobutene increased after adding the acidic ZSM‐22 skeletal isomerization catalyst, although the selectivity to butene isomers slightly decreased because the skeletal isomerization of η‐butene was competing with other acid‐catalyzed reactions such as cracking and aromatization. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synergistic Extraction of Lanthanides(III) by Mixtures of N‐p‐Methoxybenzoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine and 1,10‐Phenanthroline

Abstract

We conducted a study on the equilibrium extraction behavior of the trivalent lanthanide ions (M³⁺), La, Pr, Eu, Ho, and Yb, from tartrate aqueous solutions into chloroform solutions containing N‐p‐methoxybenzoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine (Methoxy‐BPHA, HL) and 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen). The synergistic species extracted was found to be {ML₂(phen) (HL)}⁺(1/2)Tar^2?, where Tar^2? is tartrate ion. The extraction constants were calculated. The extraction separation behavior and extractability of lanthanides are discussed in comparison with the self‐adducted chelate, ML₃(HL)₂, which was extracted in the absence of phen, and synergistic extraction by mixtures of other extractants such as 2‐thenoyltrifluoroacetone, and neutral donors.     

Hydrothermal deactivation of Ce‐ZSM‐5, Ce‐beta, Ce‐mordenite and Ce‐Y zeolite deNOx catalysts

The hydrothermal stability of Ce³⁺ zeolite catalysts used for selective catalytic reduction of NO _x was investigated. Aging of Ce‐ZSM‐5, Ce‐beta, Ce‐mordenite and Ce‐Y catalysts consisted of steaming in 10 or 12 vol% water at 600°C for 3–99 h. Ce‐ZSM‐5 (Si/Al ratios: Si/Al = 17.1, 22.6 and 146.6) and Ce‐mordenite (Si/Al = 6.4, IE = 77.2%) showed fast deactivation. Ce‐beta (Si/Al = 12, IE = 68.4%) and Ce‐Y (Si/Al = 2.8, IE = 122%) are significantly more stable zeolite catalysts, Ce‐beta being the most active of these two. Ce‐beta and Ce‐ZSM‐5 catalysts – both having high initial activities – were characterized with ²⁹Si‐NMR and ²⁷Al‐NMR. Especially Ce‐ZSM‐5 showed an increase of non‐framework Al, meaning that the zeolite suffered from dealumination. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Vapour phase O‐methylation of 2‐naphthol over the solid bases alkali‐loaded silica and Cs‐loaded MCM‐41

O‐alkylation of 2‐naphthol has been investigated in the vapour phase over alkali‐loaded fumed silica and Cs‐MCM‐41. Both SiO₂ and MCM‐41 had low C‐alkylation activities and no O‐alkylation activity. The introduction of alkali ions considerably increases 2‐naphthol conversion with 2‐methoxynaphthalene being the major product. The activity of the catalysts increases with alkali loading and the basicity of the metal (Cs > K > Na > Li). Very high conversion (∼99%) of 2‐naphthol and selectivity (>95%) for 2‐methoxynaphthalene are obtained over Cs‐loaded fumed silica and MCM‐41. A small amount of 1‐methyl‐2‐hydroxynaphthalene is also formed over the Li‐, Na‐ and K‐loaded silica. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Fenton‐ and Fenton‐Like AOPs for Wastewater Treatment: From Laboratory‐To‐Plant‐Scale Application

Abstract

Fenton‐and Fenton‐like AOPs systems have been utilized for the oxidative degradation of some chlorinated pollutants such as chloral hydrate or 1,1,1‐trichloroethane, and for the treatment of real industrial wastewaters. Both ferrous sulfate (FeSO₄ · 7 H₂O) and Mohr's salt (NH₄)₂Fe(SO₄)₂. 6 H₂O have been used as Fe²⁺ ion sources. With Mohr's salt (MS) the Fenton‐and Fenton‐like reaction has been successfully carried out under acidic (pH 3) and neutral (pH 7) reaction conditions. The new Fenton‐like system utilizes zero‐valent iron (Fe^o) instead of ferrous sulfate has been applied for the 1,1,1‐trichloroethane and chloral hydrate degradation. Similarly, the application of catechol‐ and hydroquinone‐driven Fenton reaction for the degradation of chloral hydrate under acidic and neutral pH is a new Fenton‐like AOPs approach. The photo‐Fenton‐like reactions such as Fe³⁺/hν, Fe²⁺/H₂O₂/hν, and ferrioxalate system have been also studied for the degradation of chloral hydrate. As an irradiation source a daily light or sun light have been used. In comparison with photoreactor experiments the best system was observed to be Fe³⁺/hν. In some experiments the influence of standing time prolongation after Fenton reaction on the final degradation efficiency due to hydrolysis of intermediates such as phosgene (CCl₂?O) has also been studied. The Fenton reaction was successfully utilized for the treatment of real industrial wastewaters, in two cases even in plant‐scale applications.     

Variable‐temperature IR spectroscopic studies of CO adsorbed on Na‐ZSM‐5 and Na‐Y zeolites

CO interacts with extraframework alkali metal cations (M⁺=) of zeolites to form both M⁺CO and M⁺OC species. By using variabletemperature FTIR spectroscopy, these Cbonded and Obonded species were found to be in a temperaturedependent equilibrium. For the same cation, the difference in interaction energy depends upon the zeolite framework. Thus, for the equilibrium process ZNa⁺=CO ZNa⁺OC, where Z represents the zeolite framework, H ⁰ was found to take the values 3.8 and 2.4 kJ mol^– for CO/NaZSM5 and CO/NaY, respectively. The Cbonded species show always the highest cation–CO interaction energy.     

Redox and photo‐redox properties of isolated Mo5+ ions in MoH‐ZSM‐5 and MoH‐beta zeolites: in situ ESR study

Redox and photo‐redox properties of isolated Mo⁵⁺ ions stabilized in H‐ZSM‐5 and H‐beta zeolites are studied by in situ ESR in flowing O₂, NO, H₂, and C₃H₆. Upon oxidation of pre‐reduced samples at 20 °C, NO demonstrates a higher oxidative ability, as compared with O₂. Interaction of Mo⁵⁺ ions with propene at 20 °C results in formation of a chemisorption complex with enhanced reactivity of Mo(V) toward NO. Illumination of the Mo⁵⁺/HZSM‐5 sample with UV‐visible light causes measurable acceleration of Mo(V) oxidation by NO at 20 °C. Therefore, photochemical activation of the oxidation step could be realized, in principle, for Mo/zeolite catalysts. At 500 °C in the reaction mixture NO + H₂, the step of the catalytic site reduction is fast, and the dynamic equilibrium of the redox reaction Mo(VI) ↔ Mo(V) for MoH‐ZSM‐5 and MoH‐beta seems to be strongly shifted to Mo⁵⁺. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Synergistic Extraction of Lanthanides(III) with N‐p‐Methoxybenzoyl‐N‐Phenylhydroxylamine and Neutral Nitrogen Donors

Abstract

We investigated the extraction equilibrium behavior of a series of trivalent lanthanide ions, (M³⁺), La, Pr, Eu, Ho, and Yb, from tartrate aqueous solutions using a chloroform solution containing N‐p‐methoxybenzoyl‐N‐phenylhydroxylamine (Methoxy‐BPHA or HL) combined with an adductant, 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) or 2,2′‐bipyridyl (bipy). The synergistic species extracted were found to be {ML₂(phen)(HL)}⁺(1/2)Tar^2? and {ML₂(bipy)(HL)₂}⁺(1/2)Tar^2?, where Tar^2? is the tartrate ion. The stoichiometry, the extraction constants, and the separation factors of these systems were determined. We discuss the extractability and the separation factors in comparison with self‐adduct chelates, ML₃(HL)_2,(o), which were formed in the absence of phen or bipy.     

Stereoselective Formation of 1,4‐Anhydro‐2‐C‐carboxytetritols in the Degradation of 1,5‐Anhydroribitol and 1,5‐Anhydroxylitol with Oxygen in Aqueous Alkali

Abstract

In addition to other acid products, degradation of 1,5‐anhydroribitol (5) and 1,5‐anhydroxylitol (6) with oxygen in 1.25 M NaOH produced diastereomeric 1,4‐anhydro‐2‐C‐carboxy‐D‐erythritol (7) and 1,4‐anhydro‐2‐C‐carboxy‐D‐threitol (8) and their enantiomers as major products. However, the ratio of the diastereomers differed for the two reactants. Thus, their formation could not proceed solely by benzilic acid‐type rearrangements through α‐dicarbonyl intermediates as typically proposed for formation of alkyl C‐carboxyfuranosides from alkyl glycopyranosides in similar reactions. The α‐dicarbonyl species that can form from 5 and 6 are identical. Potential mechanisms to account for stereoselective formation of 7 and 8 are presented.     

Comparison of the catalytic properties of Al‐ZSM‐22 and Fe‐ZSM‐22 in the skeletal isomerization of 1‐butene

The catalytic activities of Al‐ZSM‐22 (Al in the framework) and Fe‐ZSM‐22 (Fe in the framework) were compared in the skeletal isomerization of 1‐butene to isobutene. The catalysts synthesized in the laboratory were characterized by means of XRD, FTIR spectroscopy, SEM and surface area measurements. The activity of the zeolites was investigated using a fixed‐bed microreactor system. Al‐ZSM‐22 demonstrated higher activity in 1‐butene transformation compared to Fe‐ZSM‐22, while the selectivity to isobutene, on the other hand, was higher over Fe‐ZSM‐22. Coke formation was monitored using a microbalance and the results showed that the weight gain of Fe‐ZSM‐22 was slightly higher compared to Al‐ZSM‐22. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Acid‐Base and Organic‐Water Distribution Equilibria for Symmetrically‐Substituted P,P′‐Dialkyl Alkylenebisphosphonic Acids

Abstract

P,P′‐dialkyl alkylenebisphosphonic acids are powerful metal extraction reagents. The acid dissociation constants for a homologous series of aqueous‐insoluble P,P′‐di‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)‐propyl and aqueous‐soluble P,P′‐diethyl methylene‐, ethylene‐ and propylene‐ bisphosphonic acids were determined in a 70∶30 w/w methanol‐water solvent by potentiometric titration and ³¹P NMR spectrometry. The values obtained for the diethyl‐substituted acids were compared with those determined in water and used to assess the effect of the medium on the aqueous acid dissociation constants of the lipophilic series of P,P′‐di‐3‐(trimethylsilyl)propyl alkylenebisphosphonic acids. The dependence of the organic/aqueous distribution equilibrium on the aqueous acid concentration was also investigated using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. The acid dissociation and organic/aqueous distribution properties of the substituted alkylenebisphosphonic acids are discussed in terms of their influence on metal ion extraction.     

Comparison of Hydrometallurgical Parameters of N,N‐Dialkylamides and of Tri‐n‐Butylphosphate

Straight‐chain N,N‐dihexyloctanamide (DHOA) and branched‐chain N,N‐di(2‐ethylhexyl)isobutyramide (D2EHIBA) have been identified as promising alternatives to tri‐n‐butylphosphate (TBP) for the reprocessing of spent uranium based fuels, and selective extraction of ²³³U from irradiated thorium fuels, respectively. The present work deals with the effects of different hydrodynamic parameters such as viscosity, density, and interfacial tension (IFT) on the phase‐separation time (PST) under uranium and thorium loading conditions. The IFT values have been determined under varying experimental conditions such as the aqueous nitric acid concentration, n‐dodecane purity, ligand concentration, and thorium/uranium loading conditions. These studies have suggested that the quality of n‐dodecane affects the IFT values of different solutions. The IFT values of D2EHIBA changed marginally (23.3 ± 0.9 mNm^?1) against THOREX feed solution for the wide range of D2EHIBA concentration (0.1–1.0 M). However, IFT, viscosity, and PST values increased with uranium loading of 1.1 M DHOA. These studies suggested that a lower phase‐disengagement rate with increased uranium loading was mainly due to the increased viscosity of the loaded 1.1 M DHOA solution.     

Proton‐poor, gallium‐ and indium‐loaded zeolite dehydrogenation catalysts

The catalytic (propane dehydrocyclization) and reduction behaviors of near 1:1 cation (Ga, In)/framework‐Al MFI zeolites were examined under conditions where the materials were initially either in fully protonated or zero−protonated states. Reductions at appropriate temperatures proceeded up to ∼100% exchange of protons for reduced univalent cations. Further aqueous exchange of alkali (K⁺>) or alkaline earth (Ba²⁺) cations increased the selectivity for dehydrogenation reactions at little or no sacrifice in overall activity. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Quasi‐Homogeneous and Pseudospin Modes of Zirconium‐Wire Combustion in Air

A novel experimental technique is proposed for examining the transition mechanism from quasihomogeneous to heterogeneous combustion — burning of a variablepitch spring. Depending on the pitch of aircombustible zirconium springs, two combustion modes are possible. Quasihomogeneous (layerbylayer) combustion is observed in the case of smallpitch springs; as the spring pitch increases, quasihomogeneous combustion transforms into heterogeneous (pseudospin) combustion. Conditions for the occurrence of various combustion modes, depending on the spring diameter and pitch, are studied.     

Propane Aromatization over HZSM‐5 and Ga/HZSM‐5 Catalysts

The selective transformation of light alkanes to aromatics that are more valuable and versatile feedstocks for the chemical industry is one of the major challenges of catalytic chemistry. The complexity of the aromatization chemistry makes it difficult to unravel reaction mechanisms and, mechanistic information is largely developed from observed product distributions. This article reviews the current mechanistic understanding for the conversion of propane to aromatic compounds over HZSM‐5 and Ga/HZSM‐5 catalysts based on experimental as well as theoretical studies.

Following a general discussion of acidity and confinement effects in these systems, this review focuses on understanding specific reactions occurring on Brønsted acid sites in HZSM‐5. Mechanistic details available from Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations, as well as kinetic modeling efforts for various complex hydrocarbon systems are critically reviewed. A detailed, tabulated review of the literature compares the catalytic performance of gallium modified ZSM‐5 catalysts and subsequently the promotional effect of gallium as an additive is critically discussed in terms of the nature of the active sites, as well as the new reaction pathways introduced by gallium addition.