Abstract: Compounds of the formula R--?C(O)O(CH.sub.2).sub.1-5 !.sub.0-1 --C(O)NH(CH.sub.2).sub.2-5 --N(R.sup.2)--(CH.sub.2).sub.2-5 --OC(O)R.sup.1 wherein R and R.sup.1 are each C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkyl or alkenyl and R.sup.2 is C.sub.1 -C.sub.3 alkyl or hydroxyalkyl, benzyl, or --C.sub.2 H.sub.4 OC(O)R.sup.4 wherein R.sup.4 is C.sub.8 -C.sub.22 alkyl or alkenyl, and acid salts and derivatives of such compounds quaternized with methyl, ethyl or benzyl, exhibit useful fabric softening and static reduction properties, as well as biodegradability.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for making substantially solvent free quaternary ammonium compounds using fatty acids, amines and quaternizing agents without side reactions that would produce esters of fatty acids. A relatively small amount of a water-alcohol solvent is used in the quaternizing reaction after which a fatty acid is added and the solvent removed by sparging and/or vacuum.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a single solvent extraction reagent which greatly simplifies the recovery of platinum, palladium and gold from base metal-containing solutions. The recovery of platinum, palladium and gold from acidic feed solutions which contain chloride ion is accomplished by first using a substituted 8-hydroxyquinoline reagent or a derivative thereof for extraction wherein a chelate is formed between the reagent and the precious metals. The chelated product is sufficiently stable to allow any base metals or complexes thereof to be scrubbed from the organic phase. The precious metal values are then recovered from the reagent by stripping with acidified thiourea solution.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process for preparing a quaternary ammonium compound which comprises the reaction product of (a) a tertiary amine; (b) an alkylating agent characterized by the presence of a first member selected from the group consisting of hydroxyl and thiol radicals and a second member, a halogen atom, disposed on adjacent carbon atoms; and (c) an epoxy compound acting as an entraining reactant.

Abstract: Method for preparation of dispersible, water-soluble polygalactomannans and polygalactomannan derivatives by crosslinking with borate ions, in which the polygalactomannan-containing endosperm of legumes is allowed to soak in an aqueous alkaline solution of a material containing borate ions in which the concentration of the borate ions, expressed as borax, is between 0.001 and 0.09 wt % and the hydroxyl ion concentration, expressed as NaOH, is between 0.2 and 10 wt % of the polygalactomannan and after taking up the solution, the cell structure of the splits is mechanically destroyed using high shear forces in a flaking, crushing or extruder process and then the product of the process is dried and ground in known fashion.