Abstract: Processes for refining dialkyl carbonate-containing compositions are described, wherein a composition comprising a dialkyl carbonate is provided; and the composition is subjected to a rectification wherein low-boiling impurities are removed, and a rectification wherein high-boiling impurities are removed; and subsequently to a deodorization wherein medium-boiling impurities are removed.

Abstract: Processes for refining dialkyl carbonate-containing compositions are described, wherein a composition comprising a dialkyl carbonate is provided; and the composition is subjected to a rectification wherein low-boiling impurities are removed, and a rectification wherein high-boiling impurities are removed; and subsequently to a deodorization wherein medium-boiling impurities are removed.

Abstract: A process for making technical di/triglyceride mixtures involving: (a) providing a vegetable oil; and (b) partially transesterifying the vegetable oil by reacting it with a component selected from the group consisting of a mixture of glycerol and a fatty acid corresponding to formula I: R1COOH  (I) wherein R1CO is an acyl group having from 6 to 10 carbon atoms, a mixture of glycerol and a methyl ester of the fatty acid of formula I, and a triglyceride based on the fatty acid of formula I.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the production of Guerbet alcohols by condensation of aliphatic alcohols in the presence of alkali metal or alkaline earth metal hydroxides as catalyst using the Guerbet reaction, in which the initial pressure in the reactor corresponds to the vapor pressure of the alcohol components used and, during the reaction, the pressure is continually reduced to the vapor pressure of the reaction mixture at the particular temperature.

Abstract: A process for the separation, by sedimentation, of at least one liquid organic component dispersed in a liquid containing mainly organic materials, this organic component and the remaining liquid exhibiting a difference in density. In order to reduce considerably the standing time, it is proposed that the liquid be passed before sedimentation through a fiber bed that the organic component and the remaining liquid have different surface tensions with respect to the fiber bed, that the temperature of the liquid and the concentration of the organic component to be separated are such that, in the equilibrium state, at least two liquid phases form, and that the rate of flow of the liquid through the fiber bed lies below a maximum value dependent on the surface tension of the organic component with respect of the fiber bed and on the difference in density and surface tension between the remaining liquid and the organic component.