Carbocationic as well as radical mechanisms which result in the oligomerization of methane are currently under study at the Institute. New methods for the preparation of functionalized derivatives of methane, such as methyl alcohol, acetic acid, trimethoxymethane are being developed. Methyl alcohol and related derivatives are explored as advantageous fuels for direct oxidation fuel cells. Isomerization and alkylation of saturated hydrocarbons to provide high octane gasoline is of great importance in the petroleum industry. The Loker Institute has developed an environmentally friendly process for the manufacture of isooctane, the major component of high octane gasoline.
Studies are also underway to improve the combustion of diesel fuels.
In addition, we are studying new ways of hydrocracking of coal, shale oil and other 'heavy petroleum sources and residues' via superacidic catalysts to form gasoline range hydrocarbons. The second major area of the Institute's interest is in polymer chemistry and materials. We are preparing new hydrocarbon and electroactive polymers via cationic, anionic and condensation routes and work is currently underway on silicon polymers and silicon derivatives of hydrocarbon polymers. The preparation of narrow molecular weight distribution stereoregular polymers by anionic living polymerization is an area of active research. Synthesis of new polymers with unique architecture leads to materials with novel properties, especially in the electrooptics area.