Abstract: A process for producing cyclohexane by benzene hydrogenation using a hydrogen source that contains impurities, such as carbon monoxide and/or light hydrocarbons, wherein a supported catalyst reduces benzene to cyclohexane and carbon monoxide to methane and water. Alkenes, such as ethylene, are also reduced to their alkane counterparts. Under the disclosed operating conditions, the process proceeds without deactivation of the catalyst, and without the formation of a significant amount of cracking products, such as methylcyclopentane.

Abstract: Concentrated anionic liquid surfactant compositions containing mixtures of anionic and nonionic surfactants. The concentrated liquid surfactant compositions may be substantially isotropic, non-flammable and have relatively low viscosity.

Abstract: This invention is directed to detergent compositions which employ sulfonated linear alkylbenzenes as surfactants, wherein the sulfonated linear alkylbenzenes have a higher content of the sulfonated 2-phenyl alkylbenzene isomers than was previously available in sulfonated phenyl alkylbenzene surfactants of the prior art. Cleaning compositions according to the invention are more effective as cleaning agents over their counterparts of prior art which contain sulfonated linear alkylbenzenes having lower contents of the 2-phenyl alkylbenzene isomers, owing to an unexpected increase in tolerance of water hardness minerals normally associated with precipitation of the active detergent agent. Solid sulfonate salts of alkylbenzenes are also provided, including dry formulations containing same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising organic anhydrides having a reduced tendency to discolor with time, even when held at elevated temperatures for extended times. The compositions are produced by mixing at least one acid halide and various derivatives of hydroxy carboxylic acids with an anhydride to form a homogenous solution. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the compositions.

Abstract: Inclusion of a branched alcohol in the catalytic hydrogenation reaction involving an aliphatic nitro compound dramatically increases the efficiency of the conversion of nitro groups into amino groups. This discovery is of particular value in the production of polyalkyleneamines via nitration of a polyalkene, such as a polybutene, and its subsequent reduction. The polyalkyleneamines so produced are useful as dispersant additives for motor oils and fuels.

Abstract: A process for preparing alkali silicate—polyisocyanate composites without catalyst separation. The process involves blending a catalyst and a polyisocyanate to form a first component, and blending an alkali silicate and water to form a second component. The first and second components are then mixed together to form a reactive mixture that reacts to form a hardened composite. The progression of the reaction proceeds without excessive foaming, high exotherms, or the release of an offensive odor. Sodium silicate—polyisocyanate composites prepared according to the above process, and a process for using the alkali silicate—polyisocyanate composites to consolidate and seal various types of formations in mining, tunneling, and other construction projects are also disclosed. Any void volume which is capable of receiving a flowable precursor of a composite formulation according to the invention prior to its cure is suitable for treatment according to the present invention.

Abstract: A method for removing diethylhydroxylamine (DEHA) from butadiene streams that does not leave an excessive amount of residual contaminates in the isolated butadiene stream. The DEHA is removed from the butadiene streams by ion exchange resins, which efficiently remove DEHA from the butadiene streams without causing the accumulation of an excessive amount of residual contaminants. To prevent polymerization of the butadiene upon removal of the DEHA, tert-butylcatechol (TBC) may be added to the butadiene stream before or after DEHA removal. Fresh or spent ion exchange resins may be used. After removal from the butadiene stream, the isolated DEHA can then be easily concentrated, and disposed or recycled. A method for removing DEHA from hydrocarbon streams is also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition useful as a paint remover, including alkylene carbonate such as propylene carbonate or ethylene carbonate, and an alcohol such as benzyl alcohol. Also, a process for removing paint, comprising: applying a composition containing alkylene carbonate and an alcohol to a painted surface for a time and under conditions effective to reduce adhesion between the top coats and the primer or undercoat of the paint. In another aspect, this paint remover includes dialkyl carbonate and an alcohol, optionally containing a glycol ether. In another aspect, the process includes applying a composition containing dialkyl carbonate and an alcohol. This paint remover may include a thickener, a surfactant, or a corrosion inhibitor.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions containing aqueous solutions of alkylene carbonates which have been stabilized by the presence of an effective hydrolysis-inhibiting amount of an added chemical substance. By the present invention, aqueous solutions of alkylene carbonates previously unsuitable for long-term transportation and storage are rendered stable.

Abstract: Provided are catalyst systems which produce flexible polyurethane polyester foams that are color stable, are lower in odor, and uses less catalysts than current most commonly practiced technology. The use of lower amounts of catalysts with low vapor pressure reduces worker exposure to alkaline corrosive materials, reduces pollution through less pounds of volatile organic chemicals (VOC's) and is less expensive.

Abstract: A method for preparing carbonates includes reacting an alkylene oxide with carbon dioxide in the presence of a catalyst and a non-protic solvent. The method further includes having the boiling point of the solvent greater than about 70 ° C., and removing the solvent from the reaction product. The solvent used in the various forms of the present invention can be glyme, diglyme, tetraglyme, cumene, toluene, tetrahydofuran, cyclohexanone, ethylbenzene, aromatic hydrocarbons, or ethers. The catalyst used can be a tetraalkyl ammonium halide, such as tetraethyl ammonium bromide. The alkylene oxide that can be used in the invention can include Bisphenol A, Bisphenol B, Bisphenol F, alkylene oxides that have alkyl substituent groups, alkylene oxides that have aryl substituent groups, and alkylene oxides that contain both alkyl and aryl substituent groups. An essentially solvent free carbonate can be prepared by flash removal of the solvent.

Abstract: This invention concerns a composition containing a dimerized or trimerized fatty acid amide of a primary alkanolamine that remains clear of suspended solids during storage, making mixtures containing the additive particularly useful to the metalworking industry. The amide may be formed by the condensation of a primary alkanolamine and a dimerized or trimerized fatty acid. When added to an amide of a primary alkanolamine and fatty acid containing a single carboxylic acid group, these molecules are able to prevent crystallization of the amide mixture.

Abstract: A composition comprising an organic carbonate such as propylene carbonate and O,O-diethyl-O-(2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl)phosphorothioate, S-[1,2-bis(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl]O,O-dimethylphosphorodithioate, or 6,7,8,9,10, 10-hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin-3-oxide, and methods thereof.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of &ggr;-hydroxy ethers from cyclic organic carbonates and active-hydrogen-containing compounds in one form includes the steps of contacting an active-hydrogen-containing compound and a cyclic organic carbonate compound containing a six-membered ring, and a catalyst, running the reaction at a suitable temperature, and isolating the &ggr;-hydroxy ether as a mixture that can be purified or used directly as produced in the reaction.

Abstract: Provided herein are moist towelettes useful for cleansing, among other things, hard surfaces and human skin. The moist towelettes of the invention comprise a towelette portion which is moistened with a liquid composition of matter wherein the liquid composition includes an alkylene carbonate as one of its components. According to one preferred form of the invention, the liquid composition from which the towelettes are made moist are alcohol-free. In another embodiment, a substantial portion of the alcohol in a given formulation is replaced with an alkylene carbonate component. Preferred alkylene carbonate components include propylene carbonate, butylene carbonate, and glycerine carbonate.

Abstract: Provided herein are polyurethane foams which may be prepared by spray techniques. The foams of the invention are prepared using conventional isocyanates and a novel Mannich condensate polyol having a hydroxy number in the range of 250-340 and a viscosity of 3500 cps or less, and wherein the Mannich condensate polyol is derived from nonylphenol, formaldehyde, an alkanolamine, and propylene oxide as the sole alkoxylating agent. Polyurethane foams prepared according to the invention possess superior physical properties over sprayed polyurethane foams prepared using Mannich condensate polyols which are made using mixtures of propylene oxide and ethylene oxide.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions of matter useful in de-inking secondary fibers. A composition according to the invention includes an aqueous solution of an anionic form of a styrene-methacrylic acid copolymer. When a surfactant is used in combination with the copolymers herein described in a de-inking operation, a synergy is observed in that the combination of copolymer and surfactant combination together yield a recycled fiber product having higher brightness level and a lower effective residual ink concentration than recycled fibers produced using either the copolymer or surfactant alone in the same operation.

Abstract: Provided herein are processes for the dehydrogenation of hydrocarbons using new supported catalysts. A process according to the invention employs new catalysts that possess a unique pore size distribution which provides a favorable balance of selectivity, activity, and thermal stability. A process according to the invention includes regeneration of the new catalysts. Detergent range paraffins may be converted to monoolefins using the new catalysts with fewer unwanted by-products being formed during the dehydrogenation.

Abstract: Identified herein are inhibitors which may be added to the boiling pot portion of a distillation apparatus prior to or during the distillation of an alkylene carbonate. The inhibitors retard the occurrence of undesirable reactions of the alkylene carbonate with itself and impurities present in the pot, and hence greatly reduce or minimize the formation of undesirable by-products which otherwise tend to reduce overall yields of alkylene carbonate recovered by the distillation process. Higher distillation temperatures at higher pressures over the prior art are possible without attendant losses of significant amounts of recovered alkylene carbonate, which confers heretofore unseen flexibility in alkylene carbonate distillation.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions of matter useful in de-inking secondary fibers. A composition according to the invention includes an aqueous solution of an anionic form of a styrene-methacrylic acid copolymer. When a surfactant is used in combination with the copolymers herein described in a de-inking operation, a synergy is observed in that the combination of copolymer and surfactant combination together yield a recycled fiber product having higher brightness level and a lower effective residual ink concentration than recycled fibers produced using either the copolymer or surfactant alone in the same operation.