Abstract: A process for substantially perbrominating diphenyl ether comprising the steps of: (A) adding the diphenyl ether to a mixture of: (i) a greater than 400 percent excess of the stoichiometric amount of bromine; and (ii) a catalytically effective amount of a Lewis acid catalyst; (B) heating said mixture to an elevated temperature during the addition; and (C) continuing the reaction at an elevated temperature after addition of the aromatic compound has been completed.

Abstract: Described are processes for preparing brominated diphenylalkane products which are far whiter than prior known brominated diphenylalkane products. The resultant white brominated diphenylalkane products also form a part of the present invention, as do formulations incorporating the white brominated diphenylalkane products, and articles prepared therefrom.

Abstract: A process for the bromination of polystyrenic homo- and co-polymers using bromine as the reaction medium, bromine chloride as the bromination reagent and a Lewis acid catalyst substantially improves product quality and permits controlling the reaction to achieve a desired level of bromination.

Abstract: 2,6-dibromo-4-cyanophenyl octanoates and other esters of 3,5-dibromo-4-hydroxybenzonitrile may be produced by reacting 4-hydroxybenzonitrile with bromine in the presence of an inert solvent and catalytic amounts of a basic heterocyclic aromatic compound or its hydrohalide, followed by removal of unreacted bromine and addition of octanoyl chloride or other acyl halide to the reaction mixture and recovery of the desired ester together with recyclable pyridine hydrohalide catalyst and solvent.

Abstract: Clear, high-density fluids suitable for use as well completion, packing, and perforation media comprise aqueous solutions of zinc bromide and calcium bromide having densities lying in the range of about 14.5 up to about 18.0 pounds per gallon and measured pH's lying in the range of about 3.5 up to about 6.0. Optionally, such fluids may also comprise calcium chloride and/or a soluble film-forming amine-based corrosion inhibitor. Such fluids under conditions of ordinary use exhibit low corrosion rates and have crystallization points lying well below the range of temperatures under which they are used.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved method for the in situ end point determination of the oxyethylation of phenols. In the present invention, the oxyethylation reactions occur in the presence of catalysts and at temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C. The reaction end point is monitored by continuous measurements of the electrical conductivity of the reaction mixture and the reaction is terminated when a preselected rate of change of conductance is attained.The method of the present invention may be used with complex phenolic systems wherein alkali metal hydroxides, quarternary ammonium salts, or alkali metal alkoxides are used as oxyethylation catalysts.

Abstract: Alkali and alkaline earth metal bromides may be prepared by reacting a basic compound of an alkali or alkaline earth metal with a reducing agent in the presence of water and thereafter adding thereto stepwise alternate incremental portions of bromine and the basic compound while maintaining the pH less than about 7.0.