Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates to a gear oil composition having a kinematic viscosity at 40° C. in the range of ?68 to ?1000 cSt when measured in accordance with ASTM D445. The gear oil composition is useful as a lubricant in a gear box, especially in a wind turbine gear box.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a catalyst formulation comprising: (a) a Zn catalyst comprising a Zn compound having alcoholate ligand(s) derived from one or more polyols, and (b) a catalyst additive comprising a metal compound (i) having alcoholate ligand(s) derived from one or monohydric alcohol wherein the metal is selected from: (I) group 2 metals, preferably Mg, Ca, Sr, and Ba, more preferably Mg, (II) Li, and (III) combinations of at least two metals selected from (I) and (II). The present invention also relates to a process for polymerizing an epoxide monomer, preferably ethylene oxide, comprising carrying out the process in the presence of the catalyst formulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel catalyst of formula (I): wherein M is selected from Zn(H), Co(II), Mn(II), Mg(II), Fe(II), Cr(III)-X or Fe(III)-X, and the use thereof in polymerising carbon dioxide and an epoxide.

Abstract: A process for the production of an olefm oxide polymerization catalyst comprising: admixing at least one alkaline earth metal, liquid ammonia, an alkylene oxide, which is optionally substituted by aromatic radicals, and an organic nitrile having at least one acidic hydrogen atom to prepare a slurry of modified alkaline earth hexammine in liquid ammonia; continuously transferring the slurry of modified alkaline earth hexammine in liquid ammonia into a stripper vessel and continuously evaporating ammonia, thereby accumulating the modified catalyst in the stripper vessel; and upon complete transfer of the slurry of modified alkaline earth hexammine into the stripper vessel, aging the modified catalyst to obtain the final olefm oxide polymerization catalyst, and a catalyst obtainable by this process.

Abstract: Provided are a salt compound, cationic polymerization initiator and cationically polymerizable composition, which have a superior acid-generating capacity and high sensitivity, and are free from coloration. The salt compound is represented by the following general Formula (1): (wherein, R01 to R05 each independently represents a group selected from a hydrogen atom, a fluorine atom and —YR group, one of the R01 to R05 being a —YR group and at least two of the R01 to R05 being fluorine atoms; Y represents an oxygen atom or a sulfur atom; R represents a C1-C4 alkyl group; Ctp+ represents a p-valent cation, the p being 1 or 2; and n represents a coefficient required for maintaining electrical neutrality).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a continuous process for manufacturing copolyether glycols with high incorporation of alkylene oxide by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran and at least one alkylene oxide in the presence of an acid catalyst, at least one compound containing reactive hydrogen atoms, and a specific diluent or solvent. More particularly, the invention relates to a diluent or solvent-assisted continuous process for manufacturing copolyether glycols with high incorporation of alkylene oxide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of oxymethylene polymers, the oxymethylene polymers obtained therefrom as well as their use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hydrotalcites as catalysts for the polymerization of unsubstituted or substituted trimethylene carbonate.

Abstract: The invention concerns a process for preparing a block or comb copolymer comprising at least one hydrophilic portion and at least two hydrophobic portions, by anionic solvent-free polymerization of a prepolymer selected from a polyethylene glycol and a polyvinyl alcohol, and of a lactone or dilactone monomer. The process is carried out in the presence of an alkaline-earth metal hydride, in an inert atmosphere, and the polymerization step is not carried out under vacuum. The invention also concerns copolymers obtained by this process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of hydrotalcites as catalysts for the polymerization of unsubstituted or substituted trimethylene carbonate.

Abstract: A cationically polymerizable composition containing a cationically polymerizable compound and a cationic polymerization initiator, wherein a total content of a cationic compound, a metal compound and a strong acid compound contained in the cationically polymerizable composition is in the range of 1 to 500 ppm by weight based on the total weight of the cationically polymerizable composition.

Abstract: A method of forming a polyethercarbonate polyol enhances incorporation of CO2 into the polyethercarbonate polyol. The method provides a catalyst including a multimetal cyanide compound. The multimetal cyanide compound has an ordered structure defined by a cationic catalytic center and an anionic backbone with the anionic backbone spatially arranged about the cationic catalytic center. The anionic backbone is modified with a supplemental anionic spacer to affect the spatial arrangement and catalytic activity of the cationic catalytic center. The supplemental anionic spacer is incorporated into the multimetal cyanide compound to establish the general formula, M1a[M2b(CN)cMd3Xe]f, wherein M1, M2, and M3 are various metal ions and X is the supplemental anionic spacer. An H-functional initiator, an alkylene oxide, and CO2 are reacted in the presence of the modified multimetal cyanide compound to form the polyethercarbonate polyol.

Abstract: Elastomer-modified Epoxy-polysiloxane compositions of this invention are prepared by combining a silicone intermediate, with an epoxy resin, an elastomeric resinous intermediate, a polyfunctional amine, an optional organometallic catalyst, and optional fillers, pigments, and processing agents. The composition is prepared using a sufficient amount of water to promote hydrolysis of the polysiloxane and the polycondensation of the silanols produced by such hydrolysis. In its cured form, the epoxy-polysiloxane composition exists as a uniformly dispersed arrangement of linear epoxy chain fragments that are cross-linked with a continuous polysiloxane polymer chain, wherein either or both of the epoxy and/or polysiloxane polymers are elastomer modified to provide coatings and floorings having significantly improved properties of impact resistance, flexibility, crack resistance, and abrasion resistance with compared to conventional epoxy systems.

Abstract: According to a process for production of alkylene oxide polymers offered by the present invention, an alkylene oxide is subjected to a polymerization reaction under presence of a catalyst in a solvent containing an aliphatic hydrocarbon having from five to seven carbon atoms and a branched structure. The aliphatic hydrocarbon is provided preferably by 2-methyl pentane, 3-methyl pentane, 2,3-dimethyl pentane, 2,4-dimethyl pentane, etc. The alkylene oxide is provided preferably by ethylene oxides and/or propylene oxides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, which process involves: (a) combining an aqueous solution of metal salt with an aqueous solution of a metal cyanide salt and reacting these solutions; and (b) recovering the DMC catalyst from the reaction mixture, in which process the DMC catalyst is prepared in the presence of from 0.03 to 0.4 mole of alkaline metal compound, based on amount of metal salt. Further, the present invention relates to DMC catalyst obtainable by such process, to DMC catalyst prepared from a metal salt and a metal cyanide salt in which the molar ratio of metal derived from the metal salt to metal derived from the metal cyanide salt is at least 2.25 and to a process for polymerization of alkylene oxides which process involves reacting initiator with alkylene oxide in the presence of at most 15 ppm of DMC catalyst.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for the preparation of highly-branched polyols by polymerisation of glycidol in the presence of a hydrogen-active starter compound with basic catalysis, wherein glycidol is added in dilute solution and the solvent used for the dilution is continuously distilled off. The polyols thus prepared are colorless, contain as the core unit solely the starter compound used and have polydispersities of less than 1.7. The present invention also relates to polyols that comprise the reaction product of the polyols based on glycidol with one or more expoxide monomers. This invention also relates to a process for the preparation of these polyols.

Abstract: This invention relates to a catalyst for producing aliphatic polycarbonate, which is composed of a rare-earth coordination compound; an alkyl metal compound; a polyol; and a carbonate. The catalytic efficiency of the catalyst of the present invention is more than 8×104 g polymer/mol RE(RE is rare earth metal). The number average molecular weight of the polymer is higher than 30,000. The degree of carbon dioxide fixation is more than 42 wt % and the content of alternative sequence structure exceeds 97%.

Abstract: Aqueous solutions of inorganic nitrate salts are used to accelerate the gelling of epoxy gelcoat resins without adversely affecting the glass transition temperature of the finally cured gelcoat. The aqueous accelerants may be used to accelerate gelling of gelcoats that are formed during initial fabrication of composite parts. The aqueous acclerants are also useful for shortening the gel time of gelcoats that are intended for use in repairing damaged structures.

Abstract: This invention relates to as process for the preparation of highly-branched polyols by polymerization of glycidol in the presence of a hydrogen-active starter compound with basic catalysis, wherein glycidol is added in dilute solution and the solvent used for the dilution is continuously distilled off. The polyols thus prepared are colorless, contain as the core unit solely the starter compound used and have polydispersities of less than 1.7.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for the preparation of a double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst, which process involves: (a) combining an aqueous solution of a metal salt with an aqueous solution of a metal cyanide salt and reacting these solutions; and (b) recovering the DMC catalyst from the reaction mixture, in which process the DMC catalyst is prepared in the presence of from 0.03 to 0.4 mole of alkaline metal compound, based on amount of metal salt. Further, the present invention relates to DMC catalyst obtainable by such process, to DMC catalyst prepared from a metal salt and a metal cyanide salt in which the molar ratio of metal derived from the metal salt to metal derived from the metal cyanide salt is at least 2.25 and to a process for polymerization of alkylene oxides which process involves reacting initiator with alkylene oxide in the presence of at most 15 ppm of DMC catalyst.

Abstract: A curable composition applied to the surface of a tendon for prestressed concrete contains at least an epoxy resin and a moisture-curing type curing agent. In the curable composition, the tensioning-permitting time L at 90° C. is at least 20 hours, and the number of days M required to cure at normal temperature is at most 1095 days. The curable composition for tendons for prestressed concrete according to the present invention permits complete prevention of corrosion without conducting injection of a grout into a sheath and can be used even when the curable composition is heated to a high temperature by heat generated upon hardening of concrete.

Abstract: Elastomer-modified Epoxy-polysiloxane compositions of this invention are prepared by combining a silicone intermediate, with an epoxy resin, an elastomeric resinous intermediate, a polyfunctional amine, an optional organometallic catalyst, and optional fillers, pigments, and processing agents. The composition is prepared using a sufficient amount of water to promote hydrolysis of the polysiloxane and the polycondensation of the silanols produced by such hydrolysis. In its cured form, the epoxy-polysiloxane composition exists as a uniformly dispersed arrangement of linear epoxy chain fragments that are cross-linked with a continuous polysiloxane polymer chain, wherein either or both of the epoxy and/or polysiloxane polymers are elastomer modified to provide coatings and floorings having significantly improved properties of impact resistance, flexibility, crack resistance, and abrasion resistance with compared to conventional epoxy systems.

Abstract: A mixture of a self-curing epoxy resin having an equivalent weight of from about 100 to about 700, a melt viscosity of from about 200 to about 2000 centipoise at 150° C. and a low temperature curing agent capable of maintaining its own domain during extrusion which is extruded as one component at a temperature below 220° F. and the extrudate is cooled and pulverized to form a low temperature curable coating powder. The powder cures at a temperature of from about 225 to about 300° F. and produces a coating having an exceptionally smooth surface with either a low or high gloss. The powder is particularly useful for coating heat sensitive substrates such as plastics, paper, cardboard and wood.

Abstract: The invention relates to double-metal cyanide (DMC) catalysts for preparing polyether polyols by the polyaddition of alkylene oxides on to starter compounds containing active hydrogen atoms, wherein the DMC catalysts are composed of: a) at least one DMC compound; b) at least one organic complexing ligand which is not a coronand; and c) at least one coronand. The DMC catalysts of the present invention have increased activity compared to known catalysts.

Abstract: A process for preparing polytetrahydrofuran, polytetrahydrofuran copolymers or diesters or monoesters of these polymers comprises polymerizing tetrahydrofuran in the presence of at least one telogen and/or comonomer over a heterogeneous catalyst comprising hectorite.

Abstract: The invention is a high molecular weight polyether polyol prepared by the reaction of one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen compounds with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst comprising calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C6-10 alkanoate in a solvent or dispersant which does not contain active hydrogen atoms. The polyether polyol prepared preferably has an equivalent weight of from about 10,000 to about 30,000, a polydispersity of 1.3 or less and a residual catalyst level of from more than 0 to about 2000 parts per million (ppm). In another embodiment the invention is a process for preparing such high molecular weight polyether polyols. The process comprises first, contacting one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen atoms with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst. The catalyst comprises calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C6-10 alkanoate in a solvent, wherein the solvent does not contain active hydrogen atoms.

Abstract: In a process for preparing polytetrahydrofuran, polytetrahydrofuran copolymers or diesters or monoesters thereof comprises polymerizing tetrahydrofuran in the presence of at least one telogen and/or comonomer over an acid-activated calcium montmorillonite as catalyst, the calcium montmorillonite has a BET surface area of at least 300 m2/g, an acidity of at least 0.02 mmol/g at pKa<−3 and a pore volume of at least 0.40 cm3/g for pore sizes in the range from 30 to 200 Å.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing cyclic ethers over a heterogeneous catalyst comprises using a heterogeneous catalyst comprising one or more pillared interlayered clays (PILCs).

Abstract: In a process for preparing polytetrahydrofuran, polytetrahydrofuran copolymers or diesters or monoesters thereof by polymerization of tetrahydrofuran in the presence of at least one telogen and/or comonomer over acid-activated montmorillonite catalysts, the montmorillonite catalyst after acid activation has a ratio of montmorillonite structure to the sum of muscovite and kaolin structures, determined from the intensities of the reflections at 2&thgr;=5.5° for montmorillonite, 2&thgr;=9.0° for muscovite and 2&thgr;=12.5° for kaolin measured in the X-ray powder pattern, of at least 5:1.

Abstract: The invention is a high molecular weight polyether polyol prepared by the reaction of one or more compounds having one or more active hydrogen compounds with one or more alkylene oxides in the presence of a catalyst comprising calcium having counterions of carbonate and a C6-10 alkanoate in a solvent or dispersant which does not contain active hydrogen atoms. The polyether polyol prepared preferably has an equivalent weight of from about 1000 to about 20,000, a polydispersity of about 1.3 or less and a residual catalyst level of from about 0 to about 2000 parts per million (ppm).

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds of the formulas which are useful as monomers in photopolymerizable compositions. Also disclosed are methods of polymerizing these monomers, and polymers produced thereby.

Abstract: A slurry mixture comprising a water soluble resin of the polyacrylamide cs of polymers suspended as a gel in a non-solvent to the resin, but itself water soluble, from a group consisting of (a) the glycol ether type of compounds, or (b) the Tris (tetrahydrofurfuryl) phosphate type containing the tetrahydrofurfuryl ring.

Abstract: There is provided an sealant made with an isocyanate or hydroxyl terminated prepolymer made by reacting a stoichiometric excess of an organic polyisocyanate with polyols made of at least a polyoxyalkylene polyether triol or a mixture thereof with a polyoxyalkylene polyether diol. The triol or diol has within its structure the nucleus of an initiator compound, an internal blocks of oxypropylene groups, and external blocks of oxyalkylene groups, wherein the internal blocks of oxypropylene are between said nucleus and said external blocks, said external blocks are made of oxyalkylene groups derived from a C.sub.4 or higher alkylene oxide. The amount of the internal blocks of oxypropylene groups is from 25 weight percent to 80 weight percent based on the weight of all oxyalkylene groups and initiator in the prepolymer The triol or diol has a compatibility index of 25.degree. C. or less, and may be part of a two component or a one component moisture cured sealant.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for preparing a high purity epoxy resin comprising reacting an aromatic compound containing hyroxyl or amino group with an excess amount of an epihalohydrin in the presence of hydroxides of alkali metal or alkali earth metal in one or more low-boiling aprotic cosolvents under normal or reduced pressure with dewatering to obtain a high purity epoxy resin with low level of hydrolyzable halides.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, there are provided novel compositions for attaching semiconductor devices to substrates. Invention compositions comprise liquid monomer vehicle comprising hydrophobic cyanate ester monomer(s) and epoxy monomer(s), electrically and/or thermally conductive filler, a metal catalyst, and an imidazole, preferably in the substantial absence of non-reactive diluents.

Abstract: The invention is directed toward melt-processable lactide polymer compositions, processes for manufacturing these compositions, and articles made from these compositions. The compositions include a first phase, which contains a polylactide-based polymer, and a second phase which includes elastomer. The elastomer is present in an amount sufficient to provide a polymer composition having an impact resistance of at least about 0.7 ft-lb/in. after the melt-processable polymer composition has been injection molded into bars and tested according to ASTM D256 (1993) method C. Preferably, the compositions also include a reactive compatibilizing agent. Methods of making these compositions and articles made from these compositions are also disclosed.

Abstract: A process for the continuous and discontinuous production of tetrahydrofuran polymers by homopolymerizing tetrahydrofuran or copolymerizing tetrahydrofuran with 1,2-alkylene oxides in the presence of compounds with reactive hydrogen or carboxylic acid anhydrides on an acid-treated, calcined and granulated aluminium silicate catalyst which may consist of amorphous aluminium silicate, a zeolite or kaolin. By keeping the concentration of carboxylic acid anhydride or alkylene oxide constant below 1 wt. % in the polymerization recipe throughout the polymerization it is possible to largely prevent the formation of cyclic ethers and to obtain a polymer with a very narrow molecular weight distribution. In granular form, the catalysts exhibit a hitherto unknown activity and form polymers with a very narrow molecular weight distribution and low color and acid numbers.

Abstract: Highly active double metal cyanide (DMC) complex catalysts and methods for making them are disclosed. The catalysts contain less than about 0.2 moles of metal salt per mole of DMC compound in the catalyst, and unlike other highly active DMC catalysts, are substantially crystalline. Polyether polyols made from the catalysts have low unsaturation and are useful for making many types of polyurethane products.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing oxiranes, oxetanes, oxepanes, dioxolanes, trioxanes, and tetrahydrofurans to their respective polymers by contacting them with a selected metal compound is disclosed; and also a process for depolymerizing polytetrahydrofurans to monomeric tetrahydrofurans by contacting the polymer with a selected metal compound at a temperature of about 100.degree. C. to about 250.degree. C. The catalysts may be in solution or part of a heterogeneous solid, and selected organic compounds are used as accelerators in the polymerizations. The polymeric products, some of which are novel, may be used as polyether monomers for further polymerization, as by reaction with isocyanates to produce polyurethanes, and other useful polymers. Some of the polymeric products are relatively high in molecular weight and are suitable for direct use, for instance as spandex fibers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for manufacturing a polysiloxane resin with charge transporting properties by uniformly bonding charge transporting groups in effective concentration within a polysiloxane resin. The charge transporting groups are formed in the resin by cohydrolyzing and condensing silane monomers with an aromatically substituted tertiary amine which has been modified by substitution of one or more of the aromatic rings with a hydrocarbon group containing a silyl group bearing hydrolyzable substituents. Tertiary amines have ionization potentials of 4.5 to 6.2 volts.

Abstract: A process for polymerizing oxepanes, dioxolanes, trioxanes, and tetrahydrofurans to their respective polymers by contacting them with a selected metal compound and an accelerator which is a selected vinyl ester or a selected phosphorous compound.

Abstract: A process for making an epoxide polymer comprises polymerizing an epoxide in the presence of an activated polyurethane foam-supported double metal cyanide (DMC) catalyst prepared by (a) exposing a DMC compound to an epoxide and a hydroxyl group-containing starter to activate the DMC compound, (b) isolating the activated DMC compound from the mixture, and .COPYRGT. reacting a polyol, polyisocyanate and water in the presence of a surfactant, a foaming catalyst and the activated DMC compound to produce the activated polyurethane foam-supported DMC catalyst.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substantially solventless curable resin composition, in particular for the fabrication of prepregs, which contains more than 45% by weight of substances which are solid at ambient temperature at least or at lower temperature, and which, in addition to comprising customary modifiers, comprises solid epoxy resins or a mixture of liquid and solid epoxy resins, at least one initiator which is sensitive to UV radiation for the polymerisation of the epoxy resins and has the formula I ##STR1## wherein a and b are each independently of the other 1 or 2, R.sup.1 ist a .pi.-arene, R.sup.2 is a .pi.-arene, an indenyl anion or a cyclopentadienyl anion, [X].sup..crclbar. is an anion [LQ.sub.m ].sup..crclbar.

Abstract: A process for producing a stable dispersion of ethylene oxide polymer which comprises contacting (a) a slurry of granular ethylene oxide polymer in a first inert normally-liquid hydrocarbon diluent, with (b) a second inert, normally-liquid organic diluent such as propylene glycol, and (c) a suspending agent, e.g., silica, (d) under agitation which is sufficient to provide intimate mixing of said ethylene oxide polymer and said suspending agent with said second diluent; and (e) recovering a stable dispersion comprising particulate ethylene oxide polymer and suspending agent in said second diluent.

Abstract: When selected silicon compounds are added to cationic polymerizations of cyclic ethers such as oxiranes and tetrahydrofurans, the rate of polymerization is often increased, and novel polyethers are produced. The polyether products are useful as monomers and macromonomers, particularly after hydrolysis of silicon containing end groups.

Abstract: Solutions of accelerator systems comprising a binary system comprisinga) 10 to 90% by weight of a salt of formula I[Me].sub.m.sup.x.sym. [R].sub.n.sup.y.crclbar. (I),wherein x and y are the respective number of charges and m and n are each a number 1, 2, 3 or 4, Me is a metal atom and R is the radical of an alcohol, phenol or thiophenol or of a carboxylic acid or thiocarboxylic acid, or10 to 90% by weight of a salt of formula II[Me.sub.1 ].sub.m.sup.x.sym. [A].sub.n.sup.y.crclbar. (II),with an organic complex former containing one or more hetero atoms having free electron pairs,wherein Me.sub.1 is a metal atom or a group of the formula N(R.sub.1).sub.4, S(R.sub.1).sub.3 or P(R.sub.1).sub.4 wherein each R.sub.1 independently of the others is hydrogen, an unsubstituted or substituted C.sub.1 -C.sub.6 alkyl or aryl radical, A is any anion and x, y, m and n are as defined above, andb) 90 to 10% by weight of an organic solvent containing at least one --OH, --OR.sub.1, --COOH, --COOR.sub.1, --COR.sub.1 or --CON(R.

Abstract: Hydroxy-functionalized polyoxybutylene ether compositions having improved thermal and oxidative stability are prepared by the polymerization of a mixture of C.sub.4 epoxides in the presence of an organic initiator containing hydroxy groups.

Abstract: The present invention has an object of producing a polyoxyalkylene compound by ring-opening polymerization of an alkylene oxide to a certain specific highly hydrophobic initiator. The present invention provides a process for producing a polyoxyalkylene compound, characterized in that the polyoxyalkylene compound is produced by ring-opening polymerization of an alkylene oxide, in the presence of a plural metal cyanide complex catalyst, with an initiator selected from an organopolysiloxane compound having an active hydrogen-containing functional group to which an alkylene oxide is reactive, and a fluorine-containing compound having such an active hydrogen-containing functional group and a fluorinated hydrocarbon group.

Abstract: Latent, heat-curable epoxy resin compositions containing metal carboxylate curing systems provide exceptional latency, particularly at elevated temperature, as well as facile curing, high T.sub.g and adhesive strength, and other attractive properties. The metal carboxylates comprise alkali metals and alkaline earth metals, aromatic and aliphatic metal carboxylates. The preferred curing systems comprise synergistic combinations of the metal carboxylates with cure modifiers.

Abstract: Initiator compositions for materials which can be polymerized cationically are described, these containingi) an anhydride of a polycarboxylic acid, a polyisocyanate, a cyclic carbonate, a lactone or a mixture of such compounds, and dissolved thereinii) at least one compound of the formula I[M.sup.+n (L).sub.x ].sup.n+ nX.sup.- (I)in which n is 2 or 3, M is a metal cation selected from the group consisting of Zn.sup.2+, Mg.sup.2+, Fe.sup.2+, Co.sup.2+, Ni.sup.2+, Cr.sup.2+, Ru.sup.2+, Mn.sup.2+, Sn.sup.2+, VO.sup.2+, Fe.sup.3+, Al.sup.3+ and Co.sup.3+, X.sup.- is an anion which is selected from the group consisting of AsF.sub.6.sup.-, SbF.sub.6.sup.-, BiF.sub.6.sup.- and derivatives derived from these anions in which a fluorine atom is replaced by hydroxyl groups, or in which up to 50% of the anions X.sup.-, based on the total amount of anions, can also be any desired anions, L is water or an organic .sigma.