Hydrocarbon Reactions Highly dispersed palladium on alumina catalysts are capable of hydrogenating acetylene in the presence of ethylene. Acetylene oligomerization in this system is found to be a function of catalyst support basicity, and basic catalysts are being characterized . Methane dimerization to ethylene can be catalyzed at high temperatures. Stereoselective reactions to synthesize phenomena from acetylenic precursors are studied, as well as the application of fractals to characterize surface roughness effects on catalysis. Base Catalysis Aldol condensations are catalyzed by basic catalysts.
Sugars result from formaldehyde, mesityl oxide from acetone self-condensations.
Hydrotalcite and zeolite catalysts show promise for developing practical reactions. Spherical activated carbon adsorbents allow for adsorption processes that prevent atmospheric pollution by products. Reactive Catalysts Catalytic materials that also adsorb and react with toxic species show great promise for protection against lethal smokes in fires. The materials and their applications are being prepared and evaluated. Protein Engineering and Structural Biology , W. J. Whelan, et al.