Abstract: A method of preparing tetrabromobenzoate compounds from tetrabromophthalic anhydride by reacting tetrabromophthalic anhydride with alcohol in the presence of a decarboxylation catalyst. The reaction may be carried out in an excess of alcohol, or with a near stoichiometric amount of alcohol by performing the reaction in an inert solvent.

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 block copolymer of polyalkylene and halogenated polystyrene comprises the formula:S'--A--(A--S').sub.min which m is 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4, A is a saturated polyalkylene, and S' is a nuclear brominated polystyrene having from about 0.5 to about 5 bromines per styrene unit. The polystyrene blocks are substantially free of halogen other than bromine and chlorine, and the polyalkylene is substantially free of halogen. The compositions retain the elastomeric properties of the non-halogenated form of the compounds while having significantly reduced flammability.

Abstract: 4,4'-dibromodiphenyl ether may be obtained in high yield and purity by the uncatalyzed "neat" bromination of diphenyl oxide, followed by methanol digestion.

Abstract: Bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl) tetrabromophthalate produced by the reaction of tetrabromophthalic anhydride with 2-ethyl-1-hexanol in the presence of titanium isopropoxide catalyst may be purified by contacting the reaction mixture with sodium carbonate decahydrate with agitation for a time and at a temperature sufficient to enhance product quality, followed by isolation of bis(2-ethyl-1-hexyl) tetrabromophthalate.

Abstract: A process for the perbromination of phenol and diphenyl ether by brominating the corresponding compound in bromine as the sole reaction medium using metal and metal-containing catalysts at an elevated initial reaction temperature of at least about 35.degree. C., preferably at least about 45.degree. C., substantially enhances reaction productivity without adversely affecting product yield or quality.

Abstract: A process for isolating crude pentabromophenol containing occluded bromine and hydrogen bromide as impurities comprising the steps of contacting the crude pentabromophenol with a strong acid such as hydrobromic acid, sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid and phosphoric acid; heating the mixture in order to remove excess bromine; and recovering of the pentabromophenol, whereby formation of carbonyl-group-containing impurities during isolation is minimized.

Abstract: The compounds bis(2,3-dibromopropyl carbonate) of tetrabromobisphenol A and bis(2,3-dibromopropyl carbonate) of tetrachlorobisphenol A are effective fire retardants and impart enhanced fire-retardant properties to normally-combustible polymers by incorporation therein of a fire-retardant amount of one of said compounds or a mixture thereof. The fire retardancy of such polymer composition is further enhanced by incorporation therein of an additional flame-retardant material, e.g., an arsenic, antimony, or bismuth compound, preferably antimony oxide. Such polymer compositions of enhanced fire-retardancy incorporating a compound of the invention.

Abstract: A block copolymer of polyalkylene and halogenated polystyrene comprises the formula:S'--A--(A--S').sub.min which m is 0, 1, 3 or 4, A is a saturated polyalkylene, and S' is a nuclear brominated polystyrene having from about 0.5 to about 5 bromines per styrene unit. The polystyrene blocks are substantially free of halogen other than bromine and chlorine, and the polyalkylene is substantially free of halogen. The compositions retain the elastomeric properties of the non-halogenated form of the compounds while having significantly reduced flammability.