Abstract: A high-performance anti-reflective coating which highly absorbs a given light, e.g., deep ultraviolet rays, tenaciously adheres to substrates upon coating formation, is satisfactory in covering, and eliminates the influence of standing waves in the production of integrated circuits; novel light-absorbing polymers for forming the anti-reflective coating; and a process for producing the polymers. One of the polymers is produced by esterifying a copolymer comprising carboxylic anhydride groups and/or dicarboxylic acid groups such as maleic acid as basic recurring units with a hydroxylated aromatic chromophore. The unreacted carboxylic acid groups or acid anhydride groups remaining in the esterified light-absorbing polymer may be amidated and/or imidized with an aminated aromatic compound.

Abstract: The present invention provides a jet ink composition and a method of jet printing onto non-porous substrates such as glass, metal, ceramics, and plastics images which have improved adhesion. The jet ink composition, which has short dry times, comprises an organic solvent, colorant, and a hydroxyaromatic resin with its hydroxyaromatic units being linked by a linkage other than alkylene ether linkage. The hydroxyaromatic units of the hydroxyaromatic resin are linked by, for example, an alkylene linkage. An example of a suitable hydroxyaromatic unit is a phenol. An example of the organic solvent is ethanol. The jet ink composition provides short dry times on non-porous substrates. In some embodiments of the ink composition, the image adhesion can be further improved by the use of an adhesion promoter such as a silane, a dendrimer, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A process of controlling the molecular weight and dispersity of poly(p-ethylphenol) and poly(m-cresol) synthesized enzymatically by varying the composition of the reaction medium. Polymers with low dispersities and molecular weights from 1000 to 3000 are synthesized in reversed micelles and biphasic systems. In comparison, reactions in bulk solvents resulted in a narrow range of molecular weights (281 to 675 with poly(p-ethylphenol) in a DMF/water system and 1,400 to 25,000 with poly(m-cresol) in an ethanol/water system). Poly(p-ethylphenol) was functionalized at hydroxyl positions with palmitoyl, cinnamoyl, and biotin groups.

Abstract: A 1,3-propanediol-based aromatic polyester such as polytrimethylene terephthalate is modified by reaction with a hindered phenolic acid or ester to provide an endcapped polyester which has improved resistance to generation of acrolein when heated in air.

Abstract: A process of controlling the molecular weight and dispersity of poly(p-ethylphenol) and poly(n-cresol) synthesized enzymatically by varying the composition of the reaction medium. Polymers with low dispersities and molecular weights from 1000 to 3000 are synthesized in reversed micelles and biphasic systems. In comparison, reactions in bulk solvents resulted in a narrow range of molecular weights (281 to 675 with poly(p-ethylphenol) in a DMF/water system and 1,400 to 25,000 with poly(m-cresol) in an ethanol/water system). Poly(p-ethylphenol) was functionalized at hydroxyl positions with palmitoyl, cinnamoyl, and biotin groups.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of very low molecular weight polyphenylene ether resin, typically within the intrinsic viscosity range of about 0.08 dl/g to about 0.16 dl/g as measured in chloroform at 25° C. The method preferably comprises 2,6-dimethylphenol as a monovalent phenol species.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a phenol resin, in particular a phenol resin for resists suitable for forming resist patterns. The phenol resin of the present invention is obtained by reacting at least two components, i.e., a compound (A) such as 4-hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethylphenol and a polymerizable phenol compound such as parahydroxystyrene or a polymer (B), which is a polymer of the polymerizable phenol compound, in a ratio of 1 to 50 moles of the compound (A) to 100 moles of the polymerizable phenol compound or 100 moles of structural unit of the polymerizable phenol compound contained in the polymer (B) in the presence of an acid and having a molecular weight of 2,000 to 20,000. Such a phenol resin provides good pattern shape, heat resistance, resolution, and sensitivity in resists for lithography.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel process for the manufacture of very low molecular weight polyphenylene ether resin, typically within the intrinsic viscosity range of about 0.08 dl/g to about 0.16 dl/g as measured in chloroform at 25° C. The method preferably comprises 2,6-dimethylphenol as a monovalent phenol species. The invention also relates to the polyphenylene ether resin made by the process as well as blends and articles containing the polyphenylene ether resin made by the process.

Abstract: Process for producing highly stretchable, amorphous anisotropic melt-forming polymers consisting essentially of recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, an aromatic diacid, at least a portion of which comprises 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and an aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4′-biphenol; which comprises incorporating into such polymers recurring units derived from resorcinol, wherein each of said recurring units is present in the polymer in specified amounts.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel polymeric coating materials for direct digital imaging by laser. More specifically the novel coating materials are thermally reactive near infrared absorption polymers designed for use with near infrared laser imaging devices. This invention further extends to the preparation and methods of use of the novel materials. The invention is particularly useful in the preparation of lithographic printing plates for computer-to-plate and digital-offset-press technologies. The invention extends to photoresist applications, to rapid prototyping of printed circuit boards and to chemical sensor development.

Abstract: A novel polyalkyl ether/polyaryl ether sulfone or ketone copolymer and a specific polyether ester copolymer are useful for producing a medical material to be used to contact the blood; and methods for producing the medical material comprising said polyalkyl ether/polyaryl ether sulfone or ketone copolymer or a specific polyether ester copolymer.

Abstract: Polyaromatic compound made by polymerizing one or more aromatic monomers, least one of the one or more aromatic monomers having the following structure: ##STR1## wherein X is selected from the group consisting of OH and NH.sub.2, Y is selected from the group consisting of a halogen, a halogen-containing group, a boron-containing group, a phosphorus-containing group, a carboxyl group, a hydroxyacid group, a carboxyacid group, an amino group, an amino acid group, an amide group, an ester group, a hydroxyl group and a sulfonic acid group, R is an alkyl, phenyl, naphthyl, hydroxyphenyl, hydroxy naphthyl or hydroxy (.alpha., .beta., .gamma.) alkyl group, and n is an integer from 0 to 12. The (R).sub.n --Y group is preferably either ortho or para to X and more preferably is para to X.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid crystalline polyester resin for extrusion molding having a solder heat resistant temperature of 250.degree. C. or more, wherein the ratio ((viscosity 2b)/(viscosity 1b)) of the melt viscosity (viscosity 1b) under a shearing speed of 1000/sec at the flow initiation temperature and the melt viscosity (viscosity 2b) under the same shearing speed at a temperature 20.degree. C. higher than the flow initiation temperature is from 0.10 to 0.70. The extrusion molding material of the above-described liquid crystalline polyester resin has excellent heat resistance, and can provide an extrusion molded article, especially a film having excellent appearance.

Abstract: Process for producing highly stretchable, amorphous anisotropic melt-forming polymers having recurring units derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, at least one aromatic diacid and an aromatic diol and/or hydroxyamine component, at least a portion of which is 4,4'-biphenol, which comprises incorporating into such polymers recurring units derived from resorcinol and at least one additional monomer that provides the resulting polymer with selected meta linkages, wherein each of said recurring units is present in the polymer in specified amounts.

Abstract: A preparation process of phenol aralkyl resin from phenol compound and aralkyl compound by controlling the temperature of reaction mass in the range of 70 to 240.degree. C. and simultaneously controlling the temperature of vapor phase potion and vapor-liquid interface portion of manufacturing equipment so as to keep the wall surface of the vapor phase portion and vapor-liquid interface portion in a wet state. The invention can prevent scale adhesion to the interior of manufacturing equipment, remarkably reduce the number of washing and scale removing procedures on the manufacturing equipment, and enable efficient manufacture of phenol aralkyl resin. When the phenol aralkyl resin obtained is used for a molding material, molded articles having excellent heat resistance and high reliability can be provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel polymeric coating materials for direct digital imaging by laser. More specifically the novel coating materials are thermally reactive near infrared absorption polymers designed for use with near infrared laser imaging devices. This invention further extends to the preparation and methods of use of the novel materials. The invention is particularly useful in the preparation of lithographic printing plates for computer-to-plate and digital-offset-press technologies. The invention extends to photoresist applications, to rapid prototyping of printed circuit boards and to chemical sensor development.

Abstract: A novel polymer comprising oligo-p-phenylene units and having formula (A.sub.k B).sub.n is disclosed, wherein A and B have the following chemical structure: ##STR1## Y are identical or different and are each (E)--CR.sup.9 .dbd.CR.sup.10 --, --C.dbd.C-- or --CHR.sup.11 --CHR.sup.12 ;R.sup.1, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, R.sup.7, R.sup.8, R.sup.9, R.sup.10, R.sup.11, R.sup.12 are, independently of one another, identical or different in the individual structural elements and are each H, a straight-chain or branched alkyl group having from 1 to 22 carbon atoms, or an aryl or aryloxy group, or Br, Cl, F, CN or alkyloxycarbonyl having from 2 to 23 carbon atoms;k is from 1 to 25,n is from 1 to 200.The polymer of the present invention may be used as an electroluminescence material.

Abstract: A potassium catalyst is used in combination with a cobalt catalyst to increase the reaction rate and/or reduce the reaction temperature of a melt polymerization process for producing an anisotropic melt-phase forming polymer derived from p-hydroxybenzoic acid, 6-hydroxy-2-naphthoic acid, aromatic hydroxycarboxylic acid, aromatic diol, at least a portion of which is resorcinol and at least one aromatic dicarboxylic acid, compared to a like process wherein either catalyst is used alone.

Abstract: A process of controlling the molecular weight and dispersity of poly(p-ethylphenol) and poly(m-cresol) synthesized enzymatically by varying the composition of the reaction medium. Polymers with low dispersities and molecular weights from 1000 to 3000 are synthesized in reversed micelles and biphasic systems. In comparison, reactions in bulk solvents resulted in a narrow range of molecular weights (281 to 675 with poly(p-ethylphenol) in a DMF/water system and 1,400 to 25,000 with poly(m-cresol) in an ethanol/water system). Poly(p-ethylphenol) was functionalized at hydroxyl positions with palmitoyl, cinnamoyl, and biotin groups.

Abstract: A process for making a crystallizable aromatic polymer comprises polycondensing difunctional monomers in the presence of a base and adding to the reaction mixture a nucleating agent. The nucleating agent comprises a nucleophilic group and a group of formula --A--X, where X is a metal cation and A is an anion. It is selected to give an increase in the peak crystallization temperature of the nucleated polymer compared to the unnucleated polymer.

Abstract: The improved phenol derivatives having a phenolic structure as part of the molecular backbone are produced by reacting condensed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, either individually or in combination with unsaturated cyclic aliphatic hydrocarbons, with phenols in the presence of Friedel-Crafts catalysts and have softening points of no more than 150.degree. C., number average molecular weights of 250-800 and phenolic hydroxyl equivalents of 140-850 g/eq. These phenol derivatives are useful either as starting materials for the manufacture of heat-resistant thermosetting resins or as modifiers thereof. They can be produced by reacting the indicated components in the presence of Friedel-Crafts catalysts, typically a mixture of hydrogen fluoride and boron trifluoride, at temperature of 0-350.degree. C.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising tannin containing hydroxyl groups which has been (a) chemically modified by reaction of at least one of said hydroxyl groups with at least one member selected from the group consisting of an esterification agent (e.g. acetic anhydride), etherification agent (e.g. dichloromethane or quaternary organic amine such as N-(3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride) to form the corresponding ester, or ether, through said hydroxyl group, and (b) derivatized. The chemically modified tannin is derivatized by reaction with aldehyhde (e.g. formaldehyde), or aldehyde and at least one member selected from the group consisting of ammonia and organic amine containing at least one primary or secondary nitrogen (e.g. cyclohexyl amine); said derivatized tannin being water soluble or dispersable at a pH below 7 and water insoluble at a pH above 7.

Abstract: A thermoplastic resin composition comprising an aromatic polycarbonate resin and an aromatic polysulfone resin and having the specific melt viscosity ratio between the two resins in the composition. This composition is excellent in heat resistance and gives a molded article of especially high temperature of deflection under load.

Abstract: Emulsion-polymerization of electrically conductive polyaniline salts is disclosed. The process comprises combining water, a water-solubilizing organic solvent, an organic acid that is soluble in the organic solvent, an aniline monomer, and a radical initiator. An organic phase forms which contains the polyaniline salt of the organic acid wherein the organic phase is separable from an aqueous phase. The polyaniline salt so formed is soluble in organic carrier solvents at a concentration of 25 w/w % or greater.

Abstract: Phenols are reacted with hydrogen peroxide in a solution comprising an organic solvent compatible with water, water, a peroxidase and a dispersing agent to obtain spherical polyphenol particles.

Abstract: A cyclic phenol sulfide represented by the following formula (1) is described: ##STR1## wherein X represents a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, or an acyl group; Y.sub.1 represents a hydrogen atom, a hydrocarbon group, a halogenated hydrocarbon group, --COR.sup.1, --OR.sup.2, --COOR.sup.3, --CN, --CONH.sub.2, --NO.sub.2, --NR.sup.4 R.sup.5, a halogen atom, --SO.sub.4 R.sup.6, or --SO.sub.3 R.sup.7, in which R.sup.11, R.sup.2, R.sup.3, R.sup.4, R.sup.5, R.sup.6, and R.sup.7 each represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group; n is an integer of 3 or more; and m is an integer of 1 to 7, provided that the plural m's of the S.sub.m 's are the same or different; the plural X's are the same or different; and the plural Y.sub.1 's are the same or different. A process for producing the cyclic phenol sulfide is also described.

Abstract: Deaggregated substituted and unsubstituted polyparaphenylenes, polyparaphenylevevinyles, polyanilines, polyazines, polythiophenes, poly-p-phenylene sulfides, polyfuranes, polypyrroles, polyselenophene, polyacetylenes formed from soluble precursors and combinations thereof and copolymers thereof and methods of fabrication are described. The deaggregated polymer molecules when subsequently doped show higher electrical conductivity. Agents such as lithium chloride, m-cresol and nonylphenol are used to deaggregate the polymer molecules. The deaggregating agents can be added prior to or during doping the molecules.

Abstract: Described is a process for preparing polyaniline polymer which includes contacting aniline monomers with (a) hydrogen peroxide, (b) at least one acid, including hydrogen chloride, hydrogen bromide, or a mixture thereof, and (c) a catalytic amount of at least one metal-containing compound or complex, under reaction conditions sufficient to form a polymerization reaction product containing a polyaniline polymer. It has been discovered that the processes described herein provide means to prepare polyaniline having a relatively high conductivity at a high degree of aniline monomer conversion using hydrogen peroxide as an oxidant.

Abstract: A method for the removal, separation, and concentration of cesium cations from a source solution which may contain larger concentrations of other alkali metal ions comprises bringing the source solution into contact with a polymeric resin containing poly(hydroxyarylene) ligands. The poly(hydroxyarylene) ligand portion(s) of the polymeric resins has affinity for cesium, thereby removing cesium from the source solution. The source solutions from which the cesium has been removed may then be treated or disposed of as desired and the cesium cations are then removed from the polymeric resin through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which these cesium cations are soluble and has greater affinity for such cations than does the poly(hydroxyarylene) ligand or protonates the ligand, thereby quantitatively stripping the completed cesium cations from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in said receiving solution.

Abstract: Polyphenylene ethers are decolorized by contact in the melt or in solution with a hydroxy compound containing either another hydroxy group or a double or aromatic bond in a specific location in the molecule. Illustrative decolorizing compounds are benzopinacol, benzoin and acetoin.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprises (a) a stereospecific, preferably fermentation derived, polyester of molecular weight Mw over 100000 consisting of repeating units of formula --O--C.sub.m H.sub.n --CO-- in which n=2m and units with m=3 and m=4 with respectively a C.sub.1 and C.sub.2 side group on the carbon atom next to oxygen in the polymer chain are copolymerised together, m being 3 in 70-95 mol percent of such units; and (b) at least one alkyl phenol in which the alkyl group preferably contains at least one tertiary carbon atom adjacent to or within 4 carbon atoms of the phenol nucleus. The alkyl phenol may be hindered and may contain a C.sub.1-6 alkoxy group para to the phenolic hydroxy group. Suitable alkyl phenols include 2-tert-butyl-4-hydroxy-anisole and alpha- or delta- tocopherol and others usable as antioxidants in foods, oils and polymer systems.

Abstract: Liquid-crystalline polymer blends comprising two or more cholesteric liquid-crystalline polymers or at least one nematic liquid-crystalline polymer and at least one cholesteric liquid-crystalline polymer.All hues can be produced specifically and in a reproducible manner by variation in the blend components and in the mixing ratio. The polymer blends are suitable as materials or as effect pigments.

Abstract: Disclosed are cosmetic melanins of different colors produced by procedures involving oxidative polymerization of monomeric precursors of melanin and/or co-monomers that enhance substantivity or adherence of the melanins to the skin and hair. Also disclosed are methods for preparing cosmetic melanins and methods for using these compositions topically to produce a natural-appearing tan and to prevent damage to skin caused by UV exposure.

Abstract: Process for carrying out gas/liquid reactions at from (-50.degree.) to 300.degree. C. and from 0.1 to 100 bar by carrying out the reaction in the absence of a continuous gas phase, and, as a special case, a process for the batchwise reaction of acetylene in the liquid phase at from 0.degree. to 300.degree. C. and from 2 to 30 bar, in which acetylene is introduced a) in the absence of a continuous gas phase and b) under isobaric conditions to a degree of saturation of from 5 to 100%.

Abstract: There is provided a co-condensation product obtainable by subjecting a p-alkylphenol to reaction with formaldehyde in the presence of an alkali catalyst to prepare a resol type condensate, and subjecting the resulting resol type condensate to reaction with a m-substituted phenol such as resorcin in the presence of an acid catalyst, wherein the content of the m-substituted phenol is not higher than 4% by weight, and the content of a component having a molecular weight not higher than 1,000 excluding both the p-alkylphenol and the m-substituted phenolis at least 25% by weight based on the total weight of the co-condensation product. This co-condensation product is low in fuming and in hygroscopic properties, exhibits excellent adhesiveness in vulcanizing adhesion between rubber and a reinforcing material, and further provides a vulcanized rubber article of high hardness.

Abstract: Liquid crystalline polyesters made from hydroquinone, terephthalic acid, 2,6-naphthalene dicarboxylic acid and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid, and having a selected composition range, have melting points of about 350.degree. C. or less, good physical properties, and are readily manufactured. The polymers are useful as molding resins.

Abstract: An aromatic polyethersulphone incorporating sub-unit (1) where A is an electron withdrawing group, the designation "o,p" represents that the bond is at the ortho or para position to the A group, and X is selected from: OH; --O M where M is an organic or inorganic cation (other than hydrogen) and n is at least 1; --NR1R2 where R1 and R2 are the same or different and are selected from hydrogen and alkyl, aryl, aminoalkylene or ammonoalkylene groups; and --OR3 where R3 is an alkyl or aryl group; either as the only sub-units of the polymer or in combination with comonomer units.

Abstract: A method for making polyarylene ethers comprises the step of melt polymerizing phenolic monomers in the presence of oxygen and oxidative coupling catalysts without employing environmentally unfriendly solvents.

Abstract: The invention is a process for preparing alkylated tannin Mannich polymers by reacting a tannin Mannich condensation polymer, prepared from a condensed tannin, and amine, and formaldehyde, with an alkylating agent at a pH between 5 and 14. Optionally, the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer may be reacted further with formaldehyde to increase its viscosity.The invention further comprises a method of removing color form waste water utilizing the alkylated tannin Mannich polymer produced by the above process.

Abstract: A method for making polyarylene ethers comprising the step of melt polymerizing 2,6-disubstituted-4-alkylphenols in the presence of an oxidative coupling catalyst and in the absence of environmentally unfriendly solvents.

Abstract: A method for the removal separation, and concentration of cesium cations from a source solution which may contain larger concentrations of other alkali metal ions comprises bringing the source solution into contact with a polymeric resin containing poly(hydroxyarylene) ligands. The poly(hydroxyarylene) ligand portion(s) of the polymeric resins has affinity for cesium, thereby removing cesium from the source solution. The source solutions from which the cesium has been removed may then be treated or disposed of as desired and the cesium cations are then removed from the polymeric resin through contact with a much smaller volume of a receiving solution in which these cesium cations are soluble and has greater affinity for such cations than does the poly(hydroxyarylene) ligand or protonates the ligand, thereby quantitatively stripping the complexed cesium cations from the ligand and recovering them in concentrated form in said receiving solution.

Abstract: A copolyester consisting essentially of ethylene terephthalate units and further comprising 0.01 to 1 mole % based on the sum of the moles of total diol units and the moles of triol units of a triol unit represented by the following formula (I) and/or a triol unit represented by the following formula (II). ##STR1## wherein A is a group represented by formula --CH.sub.2 CH.sub.2 -- or formula --CH(CH.sub.3)CH.sub.2 --, B is a divalent hydrocarbon group, --CO--, --SO.sub.2 --, --0-- or a direct bond (-), and p, q, r, s, t and u are each an integer of 1 to 8. A process for producing the same and molded articles (in particular extrusion blow molded articles) therefrom. The copolyesters of the present invention are applicable to melt moldings accompanying melt extrusion, in particular extrusion blow molding, where parisons therefrom have good draw-down tendency and blow moldability.

Abstract: A method for making polyarylene ethers is described and the method comprises the step of polymerizing hydroxyaromatic monomers or oligomers prepared therefrom in the presence of pyridine catalysts.

Abstract: The invention provides a solution comprising a proton-doped polyaniline in combination with a protonic acid which is a solvent thereof, and an article coated with an optically-transparent, electrically-conductive layer, formed from the solution, and comprising a proton-doped poiyaniline. The invention also provides a method for preparing a processable solution of a proton-doped polyaniline for use in the preparation of electrically-conductive and optically-transparent coatings, comprising oxidatively polymerizing aniline in the presence of a second protonic acid to yield a solid polyaniline; and dissolving the solid polyaniline in the first protonic acid.

Abstract: A bis(methoxymethyl)biphenyl having the formula (I): ##STR1## which is capable of producing by a dehalogenating coupling of a halogenated methoxymethylbenzene and which is useful as an intermediate for a phenol novolak condensate, an epoxy resin curing agent, an epoxy resin composition, or a phenol resin composition.

Abstract: The specification describes a method for preparing a phenol-modified dicyclopentadiene resin. The method comprises reacting (a) dicyclopentadiene, (b) a phenol selected from the group consisting of an alkyl phenol having the formula CH.sub.3 C.sub.n H.sub.2n C.sub.6 H.sub.4 OH, where n is from 1 to 9, and a bisphenol having the formula HOC.sub.6 H.sub.4 (CR.sub.2).sub.x C.sub.6 H.sub.4 OH, where R is independently hydrogen or a C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl group and x is from 1 to 4, or mixtures thereof; (c) a fatty acid or a derivative thereof selected from the group consisting of tall oil, a tall oil derivative, dimer fatty acid, linseed oil and mixtures thereof; and (d) an unsaturated organic diacid or an anhydride thereof, at a temperature and autogenous pressure sufficient to produce a phenol-modified dicyclopentadiene resin. The resin product exhibits improved compatibility with ink vehicles and formulations, particularly ARLO or alkyd modified inks.

Abstract: A new thermoplastic homopolymer of o-cresol which is a poly(2-methylphenylene oxide) having a high molecular weight distribution is described. The polymer is prepared using a 2 and/or 6 substituted pyridine catalyst to the molecular weight distribution. The homopolymer can be blended with other thermoplastic polymers. The homopolymer is rapidly biodegraded, particularly in soil containing soil microorganisms.

Abstract: Electrically-conductive polyaniline salts that are soluble in xylene and an emulsion-polymerization process for producing the salts is disclosed. The process comprises the steps of combining water, a water soluble organic solvent, a hydrophobic organic acid, an aniline monomer, and a radical initiator and allowing the mixture to form the electrically-conductive polyaniline salt of the acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a unique and novel way of producing carbinols such as 4-hydroxyphenylmethylcarbinol (HPMC). In this new process, a ketone such as 4-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HAP) is heated under suitable hydrogenation conditions of temperature and pressure in the presence of a suitable catalyst and a basic material, and for a sufficient period of time to form HPMC.

Abstract: A new polyhydroxystyrene having a novolak type structure which is prepared by the process which comprises the step of polymerizing a mixture of carboxylic acid and at least one substituted phenyl carbinol whose formula is: ##STR1## wherein (a) R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.20, substituted and unsubstituted phenyl, and C(O)R.sub.8 (where R.sub.8 is alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.20); (b) R.sub.2 is selected from the group consisting of H and alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.20 ; and (c) R.sub.3 -R.sub.7 are each independently selected from the group consisting of H, alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.20, OR.sub.9 (where R.sub.9 is H, alkyl C.sub.1 -C.sub.20, esters thereof, or substituted and unsubstituted phenyl), halogen, BZT, nitro, or amino, with the proviso that at least one of R.sub.3 -R.sub.7 is OR.sub.9, in the presence of a suitable catalyst for a sufficient period of time and under suitable conditions of temperature and pressure to form said polyhydroxystyrene.