Abstract: This invention concerns a process for the copolymerization of formaldehyde with cyclic ethers, the process comprising combining in a hydrocarbon solvent a cyclic ether, a cationic initiator comprising an anion formed from tetraphenyl borate derivatives, and mixtures thereof, and a cation, and anhydrous formaldehyde. These initiators provide high activity, high cyclic ether incorporation rates, and stability while minimizing the production of by-products.

Abstract: This invention concerns modified fluorosulfonic acid compounds possessing a sulfonic acid fluoride, chloride or ester group or a sulfonic acid or a salt of a sulfonic acid group at one end and respectively a hydrolyzable or hydrolyzed silane group at the other end, said sulfonic group being adjacent a substantially fluorinated bidentate hydrocarbylene group which is in turn adjacent to a hydrocarbylenegroup linked to said hydrolyzable or hydrolyzed silane group. Self-condensation of the latter compounds provides novel siloxanes and polysiloxanes. This invention further concerns novel composites comprising a metal oxide network having incorporated therein a group having the formula: --O).sub.q Si(OH).sub.n-q R.sup.1.sub.m R.sup.2 R.sub.f SO.sub.3 Q, and compositions comprising a solid material having a reactive surface to which surface is attached at least one group having the formula: --O).sub.q Si(OH).sub.n-q R.sup.1.sub.m R.sup.2 R.sub.f SO.sub.3 Q.

Abstract: Disclosed is a process for copolymerization of formaldehyde with cyclic ethers in the presence of organic nitro compounds. The process enhances the selectivity for the cyclic copolymer.

Abstract: Films of a multiplicity of adjacent polymeric, amphiphilic monolayers, said film having second order optical nonlinearity which increases with the number of active monolayers are provided, as well as novel polymers from which said films are prepared.

Abstract: Novel organic glass compositions are disclosed which are poled to achieve nonlinear optical properties. Novel compounds useful for making said poled compositions are also disclosed; as are a method and a device for transforming electromagnetic radiation using a nonlinear optical element formed from said compositions; and certain intermediates for making novel compounds.

Abstract: Films of a multiplicity of adjacent polymeric, amphiphilic monolayers, said film having second order optical nonlinearity which increases with the number of active monolayers are provided, as well as novel polymers from which said films are prepared.

Abstract: A process for production of fluorinated sulfones from fluorinated organic sulfides by oxidation of the sulfides with an oxidizing reagent made from fluorine, water and acetonitrile. The sulfones are useful as second order nonlinear optical dyes.

Abstract: Light-transmitting optical fiber having a core of a deuterated acrylate polymer exhibits remarkably high transmission of light in the visible and at certain wavelengths in the near-infrared region of the spectrum.

Abstract: Light-transmitting optical fiber having a core of a .[.deuterated acrylate.]. polymer .Iadd.selected from the group consisting of a deuterated methacrylate homopolymer, a deuterated methacrylate copolymer and a deuterated methacrylate/acrylate copolymer which .Iaddend.exhibits remarkably high transmission of light in the visible and at certain wavelengths in the near-infrared region of the spectrum.