Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparing a compound having at least one ether group, at least one ester group, at least one amino group or at least one urethane group by a1) preparing 1,2-propanediol by means of a process wherein glycerol is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst, glycerol being reacted to at most 95% and a 1,2-propanediol phase obtained and a2) reacting the 1,2-propanediol phase with a compound having at least one active hydrogen atom, at least one epoxide group, at least one ester group or at least one isocyanate group. The present invention relates to the compounds which can be obtained using this process and the chemical products, emulsions, cosmetic formulations, plastics material compositions and drilling compositions prepared using the compound and the use and preparations thereof.

Abstract: Process for producing poly-?-olefins are described wherein the processes comprise: (a) providing a primary alcohol; and (b) polymerizing the primary alcohol in the presence of an acidic alumino layer silicate to form a poly-?-olefin. Water formed during the polymerization can be removed, optionally during the polymerization, and subsequent hydrogenation may be performed.

Abstract: Processes for preparing conjugated linoleic acid triglycerides are described which comprise: (a) providing a conjugated linoleic acid alkyl ester, wherein the alkyl group is linear or branched and has from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and (b) subjecting conjugated linoleic acid alkyl ester to transesterification with triacetin to provide a conjugated linoleic acid triglyceride.

Abstract: Processes for preparing conjugated linoleic acid triglycerides are described which comprise: (a) providing a conjugated linoleic acid alkyl ester, wherein the alkyl group is linear or branched and has from 1 to 5 carbon atoms; and (b) subjecting conjugated linoleic acid alkyl ester to transesterification with triacetin to provide a conjugated linoleic acid triglyceride.

Abstract: Process for producing poly-&agr;-olefins are described wherein the processes comprise: (a) providing a primary alcohol; and (b) polymerizing the primary alcohol in the presence of an acidic alumino layer silicate to form a poly-&agr;-olefin. Water formed during the polymerization can be removed, optionally during the polymerization, and subsequent hydrogenation may be performed.

Abstract: A process for making OH-terminated compounds involving: (a) combining at least one CH2OH-terminated diol and a titanium-containing catalyst to form a reaction mixture; (b) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from 110 to 160° C. to form a heated reaction mixture; (c) continuously adding dimethyl carbonate to the heated reaction mixture; (d) continuously distilling all methanol released from the heated reaction mixture; (e) heating the reaction mixture to a temperature of from 190 to 240° C. to form an OH-terminated product; (f) removing unreleased methanol and dimethyl carbonate from the reaction mixture under a pressure of less than 100 mbar; and (g) deactivating the titanium-containing catalyst by adding from 0.8 to 2 equivalents, based on the catalyst, of a 1 to 20% by weight aqueous solution of phosphoric acid to the reaction mixture, at a temperature of from 80 to 120° C.

Abstract: Ketone compounds are obtained by rearrangement of epoxides in the presence of iodide ions providing quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts, optionally in admixture with alkali metal or alkaline earth metal iodides, are used as the rearrangement catalysts.