Search

Etherification of 1-hexene with 1-propanol and 1-butanol representative of bioalcohols was performed in a liquid-phase continuous-flow process over a fixed bed of zeolite beta catalyst. Contact time and reaction temperature were optimized to maximize conversion and limit deactivation. The catalyst was stable for at least 14 h on stream. In the conversion of 1-hexene with 1-propanol, zeolite beta catalyst showed over 90 % selectivity for 2-propoxyhexane. In the conversion of 1-hexene and 1-butanol, 2-butoxyhexane was selectively formed. Dialkyl ether from the alcohol and dodecenes and hexanol from 1-hexene were the main side products. As 1-alkenes and terminal alcohols can be synthesized from biomass, this hydroalkoxylation process could be used for grading up green chemicals to high-boiling solvents and renewable ethers for the diesel pool. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a case study of a 64-year old patient who was admitted to the hospital due to an acute abdominal pain.

A dropping foot is the consequence of a variety of debilitating conditions and is oftentimes treated conservatively by general practitioners and other specialists. Typically, it is caused by peroneal nerve palsy secondary to compression or a hernia nucleosipulpei at the level L4-L5. Identifying the underlying pathology requires a neurological work-up oftentimes including ultrasound and electromyographic investigation. When a peroneal nerve compression is found, decompression can be achieved operatively. Should the underlying cause of the dropping foot have been treated adequately without an effect on the foot itself, then a posterior tibial tendon transfer may be considered. Generally, a posterior tibial tendon transfer has good outcomes for the treatment of dropping foot although it is partly dependent on the physiotherapy that accompanies it.