Methods of processing chemicals change their structure, and in particular increase their solubility and/or rate of dissolution, for intermediates and products made from the structurally changed materials. Many of the methods provide materials that can be more readily utilized in reactions or other processes to produce useful intermediates and products, e.g., energy, fuels, foods or materials. Chemicals that are treated using the processes described herein can be used to form highly concentrated solutions. Treatment can change the functionality of the chemical, and thus the polarity of the chemical, which may render the treated chemical soluble in solvents in which the untreated chemical is insoluble or only sparingly or partially soluble. Methods may in some cases increase the solubility of the chemical in water or aqueous media. The chemical may be, for example, a solid, liquid, or gel, or mixtures thereof.
