Abstract: Sulfur-based foams are produced by heating to liquid state a sulfur formulation containing a minor amount of a gas-producing component in a first (molten) zone; passing the mixture maintained in liquid form to a second (mixing) zone where it is mixed with a foaming agent which in combination with the gas-produced compound releases gas, and the gas-containing mixture is passed from the second zone for use as a cellular construction material. Apparatus for carrying out the process is provided.

Abstract: A process is set forth for the production of ketones by the action of water and a hydrated molybdenum(VI)-oxygen compound upon an alkene feed. The reaction occurs in the range from 200.degree. to 400.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of citric acid which comprises contacting an unsaturated compound selected from 3-methylene-1,5-pentanediol and its esters with a nitric acid solution in an amount of 2 to 50 mols of nitric acid feed per mol of unsaturated compound feed, and at least 0.005 mol percent nitrogen dioxide based on nitric acid, at a temperature between -10.degree. and 120.degree. C., to thereby oxidize said unsaturated compound to citric acid. Preferably the contacting of the unsaturated compound so as to synthesize citric acid is carried out in the absence of any substantial amount of vanadium as the presence of vanadium catalysts has been found to effectively prevent the recovery of good yields of citric acid from the process.The citric acid synthesis preferably is carried out by an overall process wherein isobutene is reacted with two mols of formaldehyde to produce 3-methylene-1,5-pentanediol, which is then converted to citric acid by reaction with nitrogen dioxide/nitric acid.

Abstract: A process for separating mixtures of close boiling, high-molecular weight alkenes and alkanes which employs phenoxide-catalyzed alkyl displacement.

Abstract: An improved vanadium-phosphorus mixed oxide is prepared by a unique method employing an organic medium. The substantial intrinsic surface area and the microcrystalline structure of the new oxide result in advantageous activity and selectivity effects in the catalysed vapor phase oxidation of n-butane to maleic anhydride. These oxides are also useful for the production of acid anhydrides from suitable hydrocarbon feeds.

Abstract: In an improved method for the treatment of a permeable formation or zone adjacent to the bore of an oil well, the setting time of an acid-settable liquid is predictably delayed by use of a novel catalyst system. The method provides an effective means for controlling the reduction of the permeability of the formation or zone in a single stage treatment by dissolving the catalyst in the liquid and introducing the solution into the formation. The catalyst system comprises a mixture of a suitable acid-releasing compound and a base.

Abstract: Carboxylic acids are prepared from high-molecular-weight paraffins by vapor phase cracking at a temperature of at least about 500.degree.C and a residence time of from about 0.1 seconds to about 10 seconds in the presence of carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A process for producing hydroxyacetic acid which comprises contacting carbon monoxide with formaldehyde and a catalyst comprising hydrogen fluoride in a reaction zone at a temperature between 0.degree. and 100.degree. C and a pressure between 10 and 4000 psig. Oxydiacetic acid is also produced by this reaction. The ratio of hydroxyacetic acid to oxydiacetic acid is increased by adding water to the reaction mixture.

Abstract: A manufacture comprising a plurality of fibers partially embedded in a solidified plasticized sulfur matrix with one end of the fibers extending outward from the matrix to form a turf or carpet-like surface.

Abstract: 2,5-DIHYDROFURANS AND MALEIC ANHYDRIDE ARE POLYMERIZED TO PREPARE COPOLYMERS, HAVING A DIHYDROFURAN TO ANHYDRIDE MOL RATIO OF FROM 1:2 TO 1:3, USEFUL AS EPOXY RESIN CURING AGENTS.

Abstract: Carboxymethyloxysuccinate derivatives are new compounds whose water-soluble salts are effective sequestering agents (builders), especially in heavy-duty laundering compositions. The salts may be used in combination with anionic, nonionic, ampholytic and zwitterionic detergents. A process for the preparation of the acids and salts is provided.

Abstract: A process for the production of sulfur foam containing at least 50 weight percent sulfur, which comprises:A. heating sulfur in a first zone to a temperature above about 100.degree. C to obtain molten sulfur and reacting the molten sulfur with an organic protonic acid which is reactive with molten sulfur so as to incorporate the organic acid with sulfur to form a sulfur-organic acid adduct containing unreacted protonic acid groups;B. passing said sulfur adduct in liquid state out of said first zone and into a separate mixer; andC. mixing and reacting in said mixer a polyisocyanate with the unreacted acid groups of said sulfur adduct to thereby, upon removal of the polyisocyanate-acid group reaction product from the mixer, release gas and generate a foam.Preferably the sulfur adduct is formed by reacting sulfur with a plasticizer as well as the acid.

Abstract: 1,4-DIACYLOXY-2-BUTENE USEFUL AS A DIOL PRECURSOR IS PRODUCED BY REACTING BUTADIENE WITH AN ALKALI METAL SALT IN THE PRESENCE OF IODINE, IODINE MONOCHLORIDE OR IODINE TRICHLORIDE.

Abstract: A process for preparing alkyl maleic anhydrides which -comprises heating a lower alkenyl succinic anhydride in the -presence of a catalytic amount of a palladium salt in -combination with a weakly basic material under conditions -effective to isomerize the alkenyl succinic anhydride.

Abstract: A sulfur-based aggregate-asphalt composition prepared by a process comprising mixing aggregate with asphalt and a molten sulfur system, wherein the molten sulfur system is made by a method comprising heating a mixture of sulfur and a sulfur plasticizer. Dicyclopentadiene is a preferred material for plasticizing the sulfur. Preferably the sulfur system contains, in addition to the sulfur plasticizer, a fibrous filler such as glass fiber or asbestos, and an inorganic filler such as talc powder.

Abstract: A process for preparing a substituted or unsubstituted dihydrofuran from a substituted or unsubstituted butadiene monoxide which comprises contacting the butadiene monoxide with a catalyst comprising a hydrogen halide selected from the group consisting of hydrogen iodide or bromide and a Lewis acid.

Abstract: 3,3'-(3-Methylpentylene-1,5-dioxy) dipropionic acid and esters thereof useful as plasticizers.

Abstract: A process for preparing aromatic isocyanates from aryl-subsituted urethanes by transesterifying a urethane with a phenolic compound to form an N-aryl arylcarbamate, and thermally decomposing the N-aryl arylcarbamate to form the aromatic isocyanate.

Abstract: Tetraols of the formula ##EQU1## wherein R is hydrogen or hydroxy; R' is hydrogen or hydroxy and differs from R; n is an integer from 1 to about 6; and m is an integer from 0 to 6, are prepared by epoxidation of select unsaturated diols to form 1,2- epoxides, followed by hydroxylation of the epoxides.

Abstract: A process for preparing alkyl maleic anhydrides which comprises heating a lower alkenyl succinic anhydride in the presence of a catalytic amount of a platinum salt in combination with a weakly basic material under conditions effective to isomerize the alkenyl succinic anhydride.