Abstract: In a method for the production of o-alkyl phenols by conversion of phenol with an alkanol at elevated temperature in the gas phase in the presence of a metal catalyst, the conversion takes place in at least two stages wherein the alkanol/phenol molar ratio in each reaction stage is set to a value of approximately ?0.4; a clear increase in the selectivity for the o-alkyl phenol is obtained.

Abstract: A method for removing of metal ions from cresol or from mixtures of aromatic compounds containing cresol is disclosed, wherein the water content in the cresol mixture is adjusted to at least about 0.5 per cent by weight by the addition of water and the water-and-cresol mixture is subsequently passed over an acid ion exchanger. As a result of this process a metal ion content of less than 20 ppb per metal ion is achieved.

Abstract: Heavy oil derived from coal is diluted with organic solvent to a content of less than 10 weight percent of toluene-insoluble material. The mixture is then mixed with a non-aromatic solvent in a ratio of 1:3 to 5:1. With slow stirring of the heavy phase at a temperature of between 50.degree. and 200.degree. C., this mixture is separated into a pumpable TI-poor and a pumpable TI-rich fraction under the action of gravity, with a settling-surface load of up to 1 metric ton/m.sup.2 hour. No .beta.-resins are precipitated from these fluid fractions. No tacky, rubber-like sediment is formed from the TI-rich fraction. The fractions are distillatively separated from the solvents, which can be reused. The TI-poor fraction can be used, for example, as a carbon-black oil component or can be processed further to an impregnating agent for carbon shapes. Binders for carbon shapes or cokes are obtained from the TI-rich fraction.