Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a countercurrent process for the continuous esterification of C1-22 (fatty) acids with C1-10 monoalkanols, C2-5 di- or trialkanols or mixtures thereof in the liquid phase in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts in a preliminary reactor (1) and in a reaction column (3), characterized in that the reaction column (3) is preceded by the preliminary reactor (1) and a separation unit (2) for the purpose of reducing the viscosity of the reaction mixture and removing the water of reaction from the system via a separation unit (2) to displace the reaction equilibrium before the reaction column (3). A further aspect of the invention concerns feeding nitrogen in at the lowermost plate of the reaction column (3) in order to increase the vapor load in the lower part of the reaction column.

Abstract: A process for reducing the odor of an oil. The oil being treated is first distilled by a carrier vapor or carrier gas distillation to form a distilled oil. The distilled oil is then contacted with a polymeric adsorbent; whereby the odor of the oil is reduced. The polymeric adsorbent is regenerated. The polymeric adsorbent can be a cross-linked polymer with an internal surface area of from 900 to 1500 m2/gram.

Abstract: Processes for producing branched compounds are described wherein a carbonyl compound is condensed in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of acids and bases, to form an ?,?-unsaturated condensation product; and the ?,?-unsaturated condensation product is hydrogenated.

Abstract: A process for reducing the odor of an oil. The oil being treated is first distilled by a carrier vapor or carrier gas distillation to form a distilled oil. The distilled oil is then contacted with a polymeric adsorbent; whereby the odor of the oil is reduced. The polymeric adsorbent is regenerated. The polymeric adsorbent can be a cross-linked polymer with an internal surface area of from 900 to 1500 m2/gram.

Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a countercurrent process for the continuous esterification of C1-22 (fatty) acids with C1-10 monoalkanols, C2-5 di- or trialkanols or mixtures thereof in the liquid phase in the presence of heterogeneous catalysts in a preliminary reactor (1) and in a reaction column (3), characterized in that the reaction column (3) is preceded by the preliminary reactor (1) and a separation unit (2) for the purpose of reducing the viscosity of the reaction mixture and removing the water of reaction from the system via a separation unit (2) to displace the reaction equilibrium before the reaction column (3). A further aspect of the invention concerns feeding nitrogen in at the lowermost plate of the reaction column (3) in order to increase the vapour load in the lower part of the reaction column.

Abstract: Guerbet alcohols of the formula (I) CH3(CH2)nCHR1CH2OH??(I) wherein R1 is a linear alkyl radical having n-1 carbon atoms and n is a number of from 5 to 11 are produced by a process which comprises contacting a fatty alcohol of the formula (II) R2OH??(II) wherein R2 is a linear alkyl radical having from 6 to 12 carbon atoms with a carbonyl compound and an alkall metal hydroxide. The use of heavy metal catalysts usually associated with the production of Guerbet alcohols is avoided thereby reducing the potential for heavy metal pollution of the environment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing Guerbet alcohols of formula (I), CH3(CH2)nCHR1CH2OH, wherein R1 represents a linear alkyl radical having n−1 carbon atoms, and n represents 3 to 9 carbon atoms. Fatty alcohols of formula (II), R2OH, wherein R2 represents linear alkyl radicals having 6 to 12 carbon atoms, are condensed in the presence of carbonyl compounds and alkali hydroxides.

Abstract: Processes for producing branched compounds are described wherein a carbonyl compound is condensed in the presence of a catalyst selected from the group consisting of acids and bases, to form an &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated condensation product; and the &agr;,&bgr;-unsaturated condensation product is hydrogenated.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of higher dialkyl carbonates corresponding to formula (I):(R.sup.1 O)(R.sup.2 O)CO (I)which R.sup.1 and R.sup.2 may be the same or different and represent a linear or branched, saturated or unsaturated and/or alkoxylated alkyl group, by transesterification of lower dialkyl carbonates with higher alcohols in the presence of a catalyst. The process is characterized in that the transesterification is carried out in a column equipped with packings or internals through which the reactants flow in countercurrent to one another. Predominantly symmetrical dialkyl carbonates are obtained.