Abstract: This invention relates to a new composition of matter which comprises hydroxybutenyl derivatives of cyclodextrins (HBenCD) or mixed ethers of cyclodextrins where at least one of the ether substituents is hydroxybutenyl (HBenRCD where R is an ether substituent other than hydroxybutenyl). This invention also relates to novel processes for the preparation of cyclodextrin ethers. This invention further relates to inclusion complexes formed between HBenCD or HBenRCD and guest molecules. Such inclusion complexes are useful in pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food applications. Furthermore, this invention relates to the incorporation of HBenCD or HBenRCD or their inclusion complexes in thermoplastic materials, textiles or membranes.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for the preparation of ascorbic acid using a simulated moving bed (SMB) reactor system to accomplish the simultaneous conversion of KLG or a derivative of KLG to ascorbic acid and the separation of reaction products. The SMB reactor contains a solid or mixture of solids effective for catalyzing the reaction of KLG or its derivative and for separating the reactions products by selective adsorption of at least one product. In a general embodiment, this process involves (1) feeding a solution of KLG or a derivative thereof in a first solvent and a desorbent which is miscible with the first solvent, to a simulated moving bed reactor; (2) reacting the KLG or the KLG derivative to form ascorbic acid; and (3) removing from the simulated moving bed reactor (i) a first liquid stream comprising a solution of ascorbic acid in the desorbent and the first solvent (ii) a second liquid stream comprising the first solvent and the desorbent.

Abstract: A process for producing high quality TPA suitable for PET feedstock material from recycled polyester. The process includes the steps of depolymerizing the polyester to form DMT; separating the DMT from secondary materials; and hydrolyzing the DMT to form TPA. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the recycled polyester is contacted with a component monomer or oligomer thereof to liquefy the polyester prior to depolymerizing the polyester.

Abstract: There is desribed a novel process for preparing interpolymers comprising ethylene and at least two monomer units selected from heteroatom substituted olefin monomer units derived from a compound of the formula XV wherein E and G represent the same or different heteroatoms selected from oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur, which are bound to a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbyl group, or a substituted hydrocarbyl group, or are joined by a linking group; and n is 0 or an integer from 1-20; or 2,3-dihydrofuran, or vinylcyclopropane, and interpolymers prepared thereby, including novel interpolymers having melting peak temperatures (Tm) equal to or greater than 50° C.

Abstract: The present invention describes the preparation of multifunctional imine-esters and their application as novel crosslinkers for surface coatings. The imine-esters are prepared by reacting a di- or tri-aldehyde with an &agr;-aminoester such as glycine ethyl ester hydrochloride. These novel crosslinkers may then be formulated with polyesters containing maleic anhydride residues to give enamel coating formulations. The enamels may be cured by a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition mechanism to give carbon-carbon bonds and cyclic structure. Coatings thus prepared have advantages of low toxicity, no formaldehyde evolution, and improved performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of trifluoromethanesulfonic acid anhydride by the steps of (1) forming a mixed anhydride comprising a trifluoromethanesulfonyl acyl residue and a carboxyl residue by contacting trifluoromethanesulfonic acid or a derivative thereof with a carboxyl compound selected from ketene, dialkyl ketenes, carboxylic acids, and derivatives of carboxylic acids and (2) subjecting the mixed anhydride to reactive distillation wherein the mixed anhydride undergoes disproportionation to produce triflic anhydride and a higher boiling carboxylic acid anhydride.

Abstract: A process for making a crosslinked branched polyester gel from at least two pregel compositions comprising: a) reacting precursor repeat units formed from (1) at least one polyol having three or more hydroxyl groups or esters thereof, (2) at least one aliphatic or aromatic polyfunctional acid or ester thereof, or a mixture thereof; and (3) optionally at least one long chain aliphatic carboxylic acid or ester thereof, or aromatic monocarboxylic acid or ester thereof, or mixture thereof, to substantial completion in separate reactors to produce in a first reactor a first composition comprising a pre-gel having carboxyl end groups and to produce in a second reactor a second composition comprising a pre-gel having hydroxyl end groups, b) combining the first and second compositions to form a mixture; and c) processing the mixture in an extruder, a continuous processor, or a container to convert the mixture into a crosslinked branched polyester gel.

Abstract: There are described solid procatalysts, catalyst systems incorporating the solid procatalysts, and the use of the catalyst systems in olefin polymerization and interpolymerization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to surfactantless latex compositions. More particularly, the present invention pertains to surfactantless latex compositions comprising sulfo-polyester polymers wherein the compositions have a continuous phase comprising water, diol, polyol or a mixture thereof. Still further, the present invention provides methods of making polymer blends comprising a condensation polymer and a latex polymer whereby the latex polymer is derived from a surfactantless latex composition comprising sulfo-polyester polymers. Polymer blends made by such methods are also provided.

Abstract: A process for enhancing biodegradability of a shaped article, includes the steps of providing a dimensionally stable shaped article; and contacting said article with a degradability triggering agent selected from the group consisting of chemical agents, enzymatic agents and biological agents selected from the group consisting of microbes and fungi. In a preferred embodiment the shaped article is an agricultural film that includes a cellulose ester having a degree of substitution greater than about 1.5.

Abstract: Coated articles having improved chemical resistance comprising an article formed from a moldable polymer coated on at least one surface with a coating composition comprising at least one vinyl ether oligomer compound, and at least one photoinitiator are disclosed. Coatings which also contain at least one acrylate compound and/or at least one epoxy compound are also disclosed. The articles are preferably made from polyesters. Methods for coating such articles are also disclosed.

Abstract: In a process for producing a reactor grade polyester, a poly(1,4-cyclohexylenedimethylene 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylate) has a reduced amount of isomerization of the trans-isomer to the cis-isomer of 1,4-dimethylcyclohexanedicarboxylate and an increased polymerization rate by the addition of a phosphorus-containing compound to the reaction process. In step (a) of the process, a diacid comprising at least 80 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid or an ester derivative of the diacid comprising at least 80 mole percent 1,4-dimethylcyclohexanedicarboxylate is reacted with a glycol comprising at least 80 mole percent 1,4-cyclohexanedimethanol at a temperature sufficient to effect esterification for the diacid or transesterification for the ester derivative. In step (b), the product of step (a) is subjected to temperatures and pressures in the presence of a suitable catalyst to effect polycondensation.

Abstract: A process is provided for single screw extrusion of a composition or masterbatch comprising a polymer and an antistatic agent wherein the feed zone temperature is maintained below 385° F. in order to allow processability of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to oxygen scavenging compositions comprising an oxidation catalyst and at least one polyether selected from the group consisting of unsubstituted poly(alkylene glycol)s having alkylene chains of 1 to 3 carbon atoms, substituted or unsubstituted poly(alkylene glycol)s having alkylene chains of at least 4 carbon atoms, copolymers of poly(alkylene glycol)s, blends containing poly(alkylene glycol)s and mixtures thereof. The invention further relates to polymers containing said oxygen scavenging compounds and articles made therefrom.

Abstract: A method for restoring lost activity and selectivity of fresh cesium-promoted catalysts which comprises heating the catalyst at an elevated temperature in the presence of a sweep gas immediately prior to using the catalyst. The catalysts are particularly useful for the selective epoxidation of olefins to their corresponding olefin epoxides. Also described is a method for inhibiting or preventing deactivation of fresh Cs-promoted catalysts.

Abstract: EpB polyether alcohols were prepared by reacting 3,4-epoxy-1-butene with water or an alcohol such as methanol, butanol or ethylene glycol. Polyether alcohols thus prepared were found to have utility as reactive diluents for oxidatively curable coatings. In addition to this application, 3,4-epoxy-1-butene oligomers can also function as a resin, a chain extender, a monomer, and an additive for various oxidatively curable coating systems including alkyds, unsaturated polyesters, (meth)acrylate functional resins, urethanes, and latexes.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved process for the preparation of 4,5-diamino-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole and acid addition salts thereof such as the addition salt from sulfuric acid. The process comprises a novel combination of steps beginning with an alkyl(alkoxymethylene)cyanoacetate and 2-hydroxyethylhydrazine and the formation of intermediate compounds 5-amino-4-alkoxycarbonyl-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole (I), 5-amino-4-carboxyl-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole (II), 5-amino-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)pyrazole (III), 5-amino-1-(2′-hydroxyethyl)4-nitrosopyrazole (IV).

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for the preparation of aryl carboxylate esters by the reaction of a phenol reactant with a carboxylic acid in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) and trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA).

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for making a high molecular weight pre-gel for a cross-linked branched polyester comprising: a) reacting polyester precursor repeat units via condensation polymerization in a continuous or semi-continuous, or batch reactor stage to form a low molecular weight pre-gel; and b) further reacting the low molecular weight pre-gel via condensation polymerization in a continuous thin-film reactive vacuum processing stage to form a high molecular weight pre-gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to polyester/polyamide blend compositions for forming an article having low haze and reduced gas permeability compared to the polyester alone. More specifically, the invention relates to blends of semi-crystalline polyesters such as PET with low molecular weight polyamides and to the containers and packages for food, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and personal care products that can be fabricated from these blends.