Abstract: A method for producing an aromatic dianhydride includes reacting an aromatic diimide with a substituted or unsubstituted phthalic anhydride in an aqueous medium in the presence of an amine exchange catalyst to provide an aqueous reaction mixture including an N-substituted phthalimide, an aromatic tetraacid salt, and at least one of an aromatic triacid salt and an aromatic imide diacid salt. The method further includes removing the phthalimide from the aqueous reaction mixture by extracting the aqueous reaction mixture with an organic solvent in a first extractor for a first time period, at a first extraction temperature and subsequent to the first time period, extracting the aqueous reaction mixture with an organic solvent in a second extractor for a second time period, at a second extraction temperature. The aromatic tetraacid salt is converted to the corresponding aromatic dianhydride. Aromatic dianhydrides prepared according to the method are also described.

Abstract: Clonal strains of vaccinia viruses are provided. Also provided are methods of identifying and isolating attenuated and oncolytic clonal strains from virus preparations. Modified recombinant forms of the clonal strains also are provided. The clonal strains and virus preparations can be used for diagnostic and therapeutic methods, in particular for therapy and diagnosis or monitoring treatment of proliferative disorders, including neoplastic diseases, such as, but are not limited to, solid tumors and blood cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a process for the production of 4-azidosulfonylphthalic anhydride. In an embodiment, a process is provided and includes chlorinating 4-sulfophthalic acid trisodium salt (1), under solvent reaction conditions, to form a dissolved 4-chlorosulfonylphthalic anhydride (2) and an insoluble sodium chloride. The process includes first removing the insoluble sodium chloride from the dissolved 4-chlorosulfonylphthalic anhydride to form an isolated 4-chlorosulfonylphthalic anhydride. The process includes reacting, under solvent reaction conditions, the isolated 4-chlorosulfonylphthalic anhydride with sodium azide to form a dissolved 4-azidosulfonylphthalic anhydride and an insoluble sodium chloride. The process includes second removing the insoluble sodium chloride from the dissolved 4-azidosulfonylphthalic anhydride to form an isolated 4-azidosulfonylphthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A fuel nozzle for use in a turbine engine is provided. The fuel nozzle includes a fuel injector configured to discharge a flow of fuel therefrom and a premixer tube coupled in flow communication with the fuel injector. The premixer tube is configured to receive the fuel flow and a flow of air at an upstream end of the premixer tube, wherein the fuel and air are progressively mixed as the fuel and air are channeled through the length of the premixer tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include compositions and methods related to non-VSV rhabdoviruses and their use as anti-cancer therapeutics. Such rhabdoviruses possess tumor cell killing properties in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: In the production of phthalic anhydride by the oxidation of ortho-xylene with air, the ortho-xylene loading is increased without increasing the likelihood of explosion by insulating the system to avoid cold spots to keep the ortho-xylene at a temperature above its dew point; in addition the system may be electrically interconnected and grounded to reduce the risk of spark initiated explosions or deflagrations.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of on-spec phthalic anhydride by the distillative purification of crude phthalic anhydride at reduced pressure, where the crude phthalic anhydride is passed to the distillation column above a side take-off, the low-boiling components are removed at the top of the column or in the vicinity of the top of the column and the on-spec phthalic anhydride is removed from the side take-off of the column, in which a distillation column is used whose number of theoretical plates located above the supply of the crude phthalic anhydride into the distillation column is 10 to 20 and the column is operated at a reflux ratio of from 0.1 to 0.5.

Abstract: It is to provide a high purity oxydiphthalic anhydride with which, in production of a polyimide containing an oxydiphthalic anhydride, one having sufficiently high strength can be produced, and an industrially simple process for producing it. A high purity oxydiphthalic anhydride, which has a content of fine insoluble particles having a projected area diameter of from 5 to 20 ?m, of at most 3,000 particles per 1 g, and has a light transmittance at 400 nm of at least 98.5% in a light path length of 1 cm when dissolved in acetonitrile at a concentration of 4 g/L.

Abstract: Process for the preparation of on-spec phthalic anhydride by the distillative purification of crude phthalic anhydride at reduced pressure, where the crude phthalic anhydride is passed to the distillation column above a side take-off, the low-boiling components are removed at the top of the column or in the vicinity of the top of the column and the on-spec phthalic anhydride is removed from the side take-off of the column, in which a distillation column is used whose number of theoretical plates located above the supply of the crude phthalic anhydride into the distillation column is 10 to 20 and the column is operated at a reflux ratio of from 0.1 to 0.5.

Abstract: Process for generating a homogeneous gas mixture of o-xylene and air for the production of phthalic anhydride wherein o-xylene is completely evaporated in the absence of oxygen, superheated and then mixed with air and supplied to a phthalic anhydride reactor.

Abstract: To improve the columns used so far for producing phthalic anhydride, and to make them less expensive and easier to install, it is proposed that in the column for concentrating phthalic anhydride two distillation stages are arranged, wherein the removal of the low-boiling components of the crude phthalic anhydride by distillation is effected in the first distillation stage (2) and the separation of the high-boiling components from the pure phthalic anhydride is effected in the second distillation stage (3), both distillation stages being arranged side by side and being separated from each other by a vertical wall (4), and that the bottom (7) of the first distillation stage (2) is connected with the bottom (10) of the second distillation stage (3).

Abstract: A process for cooling a hot reaction gas, as formed, in the preparation of phthalic anhydride by oxidation of o-xylene with hot air in a reactor (213), to a predetermined inlet temperature for introduction into a separator (221), in which the separation into crude phthalic anhydride and air is then effected, is described. A simple and economical design, which can be used for comparable processes, too, of a system for cooling the hot reaction gas, which simultaneously gives rise to low maintenance costs, is obtained by locating upstream of the separator (221) a heat exchanger (227) through which a cooling medium flows, the hot reaction gas being passed through the heat exchanger (227) for interaction with the cooling medium. Especially such a system comprises in addition to a main reactor (213) a downstream reactor (241), which my have a means for intermediate cooling (243), and the gaseous cooling medium leaving the heat exchanger 227 will be fed to the main reactor (213) as reactant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the production of phthalic anhydride to a specification, using a distillative purification of crude phthalic anhydride, by introduction of crude phthalic anhydride into a distillation column, operating at reduced pressure, withdrawal of the low-boiling fraction from the head, or near the head of the column and withdrawal of the phthalic anhydride, which meets the specification, from a side-tap on the column, whilst operating the column at a reflux ratio x, with 1:1.7<x<1:3.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for removing impurities from products derived from oxidation of an ortho-dialkylaromatic compound which comprises at least one step selected from the group consisting of extraction of an aqueous solution comprising aromatic dicarboxylic acid product with an organic solvent and extraction of an organic solution comprising aromatic anhydride product with an aqueous bicarbonate solution for a time period insufficient to allow hydrolysis of anhydride to acid.

Abstract: To improve the columns used so far for producing phthalic anhydride, and to make them less expensive and easier to install, it is proposed that in the column for concentrating phthalic anhydride two distillation stages are arranged, wherein the removal of the low-boiling components of the crude phthalic anhydride by distillation is effected in the first distillation stage (2) and the separation of the high-boiling components from the pure phthalic anhydride is effected in the second distillation stage (3), both distillation stages being arranged side by side and being separated from each other by a vertical wall (4), and that the bottom (7) of the first distillation stage (2) is connected with the bottom (10) of the second distillation stage (3).

Abstract: A purification method for obtaining high-purity PMDA. The method controls temperatures of cyclone separators in a series to separate PMDA and other by-products of different sublimation temperatures. High-purity PMDA is collected in the first cyclone separator, and no other purification steps are needed.

Abstract: Substituted derivatives of 1,2,5-thiadiazolidin-3-one 1,1-dioxides, oligomers containing them, and methods of using them.

Abstract: The invented process produces phthalic anhydride through gas-phase catalytic oxidation of ortho-xylene and/or naphthalene with an oxygen-containing gas using one or more fixed bed reactors. In the process, the gas-phase catalytic oxidation process is performed in three or more individual catalytic layers, and the conversion rates of ortho-xylene and/or naphthalene in the individual layers are controlled within specific ranges. The process is capable of providing phthalic anhydride in a high yield, is capable of minimizing deterioration of catalysts with time, and is capable of continuously stably producing phthalic anhydride in safety, even when a high concentration material gas is fed.

Abstract: A process for recovering phthalic anhydride and maleic anhydride from a maleic anhydride-rich vapor phase oxidation product comprising the step of: contacting the vapor phase oxidation product with: (i) at least one by-product stream having a freezing point which is lower than the freezing point of pure phthalic anhydride; and/or (ii) a solvent having a boiling point in the range between about 150.degree. to 350.degree. C. and a freezing point of less than 40.degree. C.; wherein a vapor-to-liquid weight ratio in the range between about 2 to 20 is exhibited within the contacting means, thereby forming a liquid phase phthalic anhydride product having a phthalic anhydride concentration in the range between about 50-100 wt. % and a first vapor stream.

Abstract: A process for recovering phthalic anhydride as a liquid from a vapor phase oxidation product which comprises mixing the vapor phase oxidation product having a temperature in the range of about 130.degree. C. or greater with a first stream comprising maleic anhydride and/or at least one compound selected from the group consisting of: citraconic anhydride, benzoic acid and phthalic anhydride in a rectification tower such that a substantial portion of the phthalic anhydride contained within the vapor phase oxidation product transfers from the vapor phase to a liquid phase and the by-products contained in the first stream which are more volatile than phthalic anhydride transfer from the liquid phase to the vapor phase and wherein a vapor-to-liquid weight ratio in the range between about 5 to 20 is exhibited within the rectification tower, thereby forming a liquid phase phthalic anhydride product having a phthalic anhydride concentration in the range between about 50-100 wt. %, preferably 90-100 wt.

Abstract: A process for recovering phthalic anhydride as a liquid from a vapor phase oxidation product which comprises mixing the vapor phase oxidation product having a temperature of about 130.degree. C.

Abstract: A process for recovering phthalic anhydride as a liquid from a vapor phase oxidation product which comprises mixing the vapor phase oxidation product having a temperature of about 130.degree. C. or greater with a first stream comprising a solvent having a boiling point in the range between about 150.degree. to 350.degree. C. and a freezing point of less than 40.degree. C.

Abstract: There is provided a process to recover phthalic anhydride from a plastic material which contains a phthalate ester as a plasticizer comprising the steps of:(a) heating the plastic material so that the plastic material is gasified to produce a first product,(b) contacting the first product with alumina catalyst so that the product is catalytically cracked to produce a first catalytically cracked product comprising phthalic anhydride; and(c) recovering phthalic anhydride from the first catalytically cracked product.

Abstract: A process for preparing essentially pure 3-chlorophthalic anhydride from a mixture in which 3-chlorophthalic anhydride is present in addition to 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydride, which involves first distilling off a mixture of 3-chlorophthalic anhydride and 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydride, so that the obtained bottoms is essentially free of 4,5-dichlorophthalic anhydride, and then by distillation of the obtained bottoms, recovering 3-chlorophthalic anhydride in a second distillation step. The starting mixture is preferably prepared without solvent in a melt by incomplete chlorination of phthalic anhydride using FeCl.sub.3 as a catalyst.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for the recovery of airborne anhydrides such as anhydride vapor or dust wherein these airborne anhydrides are contacted with hot glycol, such as diethylene glycol, in the liquid phase to first dissolve and then react with the airborne anhydrides yielding a useable by-product, such as half-esters. In the preferred embodiment, first airborne anhydrides are introduced at the top of a venturi where the anhydrides are contacted with diethylene glycol of at least 270.degree. F. The airborne anhydrides dissolve in the glycol and then react with the glycol to form a solution of half-esters and glycol. The venturi enhances the contact between the glycol and the first airborne anhydrides, facilitating the dissolution of the anhydrides in the glycol. Second airborne anhydrides are introduced at the discharge side of the venturi such that the second airborne anhydrides dissolve in unreacted hot glycol and then react to form additional half-esters.

Abstract: In the purification of maleic anhydride obtained with an oxidation process, by means of absorption with an organic solvent and fractionation of the resulting liquid phase and purification of the crude maleic anhydride thus separated, the above purification being accomplished through two serially placed fractionating columns, the accumulation of polymerisable acrylic acid overhead the first fractionating column of the purification section, and of water as well as of maleic acid overhead the second fractionating column of the purification section, is avoided by carrying the overhead vapours of said first fractionating column to an absorption tower, preferably operating with the same absorption organic solvent used to absorb the crude maleic anhydride from the reaction mixture, and by carrying the overhead vapours of said fractionating column of said purification section to two condensers placed in series, so that the gaseous fraction, coming out of the first condenser, is fed to said second condenser.

Abstract: A process for separating phthalic anhydride from a vapor phase oxidation product by mixing and cooling the vapor phase oxidation product with recycled by-products which have freezing points lower than the freezing point of pure phthalic anhydride, thereby condensing and recovering a liquid phase phthalic anhydride product without the formation of an intermediate solid phase.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making oxydiphthalic anhydride from oxydiphthalic acid. The oxydiphthalic acid is mixed with an organic liquid that codistills with water and the resulting slurry is heated to the boiling point of the slurry to remove any water. About 1 to about 4 moles of acetic anhydride per mole of oxydiphthalic acid are added to the slurry and the slurry is heated to a temperature between 50.degree. and 160.degree. C. until the oxydiphthalic acid content thereof is less than 0.1 weight percent. The slurry is filtered and the filter cake is heated to a temperature between about 180.degree. C. and below its melting point for about 12 to about 24 hours.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of a partial oxidation product by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the improved process, the partial oxidation product is removed, carbon dioxide and excess carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as by-products, are also removed and the remaining gaseous effluent, comprised mainly of carbon monoxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor. The concentration of carbon monoxide throughout the system is maintained sufficiently high to prevent the formation of a flammable mixture in the reactor or associated equipment.

Abstract: Petrochemicals are produced by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with substantially pure oxygen in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the improved process, the principal product is removed, carbon monoxide, present in the reactor effluent as a byproduct, is oxidized to carbon dioxide and part of the gaseous effluent, comprised mainly of carbon dioxide and unreacted hydrocarbon, is recycled to the reactor. Removal of carbon monoxide from the recycle stream reduces the hazard of a fire or explosion in the reactor or associated equipment. The use of carbon dioxide as the principal diluent increases heat removal from the reactor, thereby increasing the production capacity of the reactor.

Abstract: A method for reducing the formation of dust produced by solid aromatic anhydrides, and aromatic anhydride compositions that have a reduced tendency to emit aromatic anhydride dust, are disclosed. The method comprises treating the aromatic anhydride with low levels of suitable organic compounds.

Abstract: A system for producing phthalic anhydride by vapor phase oxidation of orthoxylene, naphthalene or the like which comprises an oxidation section, and a finishing section comprising: a means for decomposing crude phthalic anhydride liquid such that water, various other by-products and small amounts of phthalic anhydride are removed from the crude phthalic anhydride liquid as decomposer vapor; a means for venting decomposer vapor directly to a top portion of a first fractionation column; the first fractionation column being capable of distilling crude phthalic anhydride liquid received from the decomposer means for the purpose of removing light ends therefrom and which is also capable of recovering phthalic anhydride contained within vapors being vented therefrom; and a second fractionation column capable of distilling the crude phthalic anhydride liquid from the first fractionation column and removing tailings therefrom to produce substantially pure phthalic anhydride; whereby phthalic anhydride is recovered fr

Abstract: The present invention is an improvement to the conventional process for the production of phthalic anhydride. In particular, the present invention enables the crude phthalic anhydride product to be recovered in a more efficient manner.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of a petrochemical by the vapor phase reaction of a hydrocarbon with an oxygen-containing gas in the presence of a suitable catalyst to produce a flammable gaseous product stream comprising the desired petrochemical, unreacted hydrocarbon, oxygen, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide. In the improved process, a cooled or liquefied inert gas is injected as a quench fluid into the gaseous product stream exiting the hydrocarbon oxidation reactor, thereby cooling the stream to a temperature below the autoignition temperature of the flammable components of the stream, the petrochemical is recovered from the gaseous product and unreacted hydrocarbon is removed from the gaseous product and recycled to the reactor.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of purified oxydiphthalic acid from impure oxydiphthalic anhydride, by treating with a mixture of water and propionic acid or butyric acid to produce oxydiphthalic acid. The acid may be treated to reform oxydiphthalic anhydride. The most effective composition range for the acid-water mixture is from about 25% acid to 75% acid.

Abstract: A process for the production of aromatic esters or aromatic anhydrides with improved color properties is disclosed. This process comprises treating the aromatic ester or aromatic anhydride with an activated boric acid followed by fractionation.

Abstract: An improved process is provided for the production of anhydrides from hydrocarbons by reaction with an oxygen-containing gas comprising oxygen, air or a gas enriched in oxygen relative to air, in the presence of a suitable catalyst. In the process, a selective separator provides recycle of a substantial portion of the unreacted hydrocarbon as well as for a controlled amount of a gaseous flame suppressor in the system. The gaseous flame suppressor comprises a substantially unreactive hydrocarbon containing 1 to 5 carbon atoms, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen when present in the feed to the oxidation reactor. The use of air or oxygen-enriched air in the feed to the oxidation reactor is particularly advantageous from an economic view in combination with a pressure swing adsorption unit as the selective separator. The process is characterized by high selectively to the formation of the anhydride product.

Abstract: Process for the purification of organic polyanhydrides to substantially-completely remove trace metals, such as for the production of metal-free electronic grade polymers. The process comprises decyclizing in an aqueous vehicle to form the polyacid, treating with an adsorption agent, crystallizing the polyacid, filtering and reconverting to the polyanhydride which is substantially free of trace metals. The purified polyanhydride can be reacted with other metal-free monomers to form metal-free polymers having excellent insulating properties for use in electrical components.

Abstract: In accordance with the process of this invention, an improved catalyst for molecular oxidation of a hydrocarbon to form the corresponding carboxylic anhydrides is prepared by the steps of (a) forming a catalyst precursor by depositing on titanium dioxide solids in the anatase form at least a monolayer amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible to vanadium oxide upon calcining; (b) calcining the thus-formed catalyst precursor under conditions sufficient to convert the tantalum oxide source into the oxide form; (c) depositing upon the calcined catalyst precursor a catalytically effective amount of at least one vanadium oxide source which is convertible into vanadium oxide upon heating and at least one metal oxide source selected from the group consisting of oxides of Sb, Ga, Ge, In, T.sub.1, Pb, Se, Te, P and Bi, which is convertible into the corresponding metal oxide upon heating and which is reactive with V.sub.2 O.sub.

Abstract: The invention solves a method and an apparatus for the separation of solids from gaseous mixtures especially the separation of phthalic anhydride after its desublimation from mixtures with vapours of sublimable substances, steam, air or inert gases, which originate at sublimation refining or at catalytic production of phthalic anhydride by air oxidation of naphthalene or o-xylene.The flakes of phthalic anhydride, which originated after the decrease of temperature in the desublimator space were agglomerated and compacted due to the increase of velocity of gaseous mixture in contracted cross-section of the separator. The formed agglomerates are separated from the gaseous mixture and collected in a receiver well. From the well the agglomerates are transported by a conveyor or they are continuously melted. The melt formed outlets through a siphon. The rest 1 to 5% of phthalic anhydride is separated from gaseous mixture in a filter from wire net and by gradual melting is introduced into the receiver well.

Abstract: A phthalic anhydride product having a particle configuration made up of a mixture of spheroids, needle-like crystals, and amorphous particles is produced by feeding molten phthalic anhydride at a temperature between 131.degree. and 155.degree. into a spray nozzle in a closed cycle congealing chamber. The molten phthalic anhydride is discharged from the spray nozzle into a co-current or counter-current flow of inert gas at a temperature between -10.degree. and 70.degree. C., in order to congeal the product, which is then removed and transferred to a hopper or other storage means. For nozzle orifices having a diameter from 1 to 4 mm, discharge pressures of between 10 and 300 pounds per square inch are employed.

Abstract: A process for the continuous isolation of phthalic anhydride and maleic anhydride from the reaction gases obtained by catalytic oxidation of o-xylene or naphthalene with air, wherein the reaction gases are treated with a hydrocarbon of boiling range from 115.degree. to 175.degree. C. as the solvent in a column, and are then treated with an organic solvent of boiling range from 180.degree. to 290.degree. C. in a second column, the phthalic anhydride and maleic anhydride being isolated from the liquid bottom product of the first column.

Abstract: A process for the recovery of five-membered ring dicarboxylic acid anhydrides from aqueous solutions of the corresponding dicarboxylic acids which entails (a) washing the aqueous solution of the dicarboxylic acid with a water-insoluble tertiary amine, and separating the resulting amine-acid salt from the water layer; and (b) adding an aromatic hydrocarbon entrainer for the water, removing the entrainer/water azeotrope by distillation and separating the five-membered ring dicarboxylic acid anhydride after phase separation; or adding an aliphatic hydrocarbon entrainer for the water, removing a ternary azeotropic mixture consisting of a hydrolytically stable anhydride, water and entrainer by distillation and separating the five-membered ring dicarboxylic acid anhydride after phase separation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for removing naphthoquinone from phthalic anhydride produced by the air oxidation of naphthalene or mixtures containing naphthalene. Specifically, crude phthalic anhydride containing naphthoquinone is treated at a temperature of 180.degree.-280.degree. C. with an unsaturated aliphatic oil produced by the polymerization of 1,3-dienes and optionally isomerized having a molecular weight of 800-5,000, and optionally in the presence of 1-40 ppm of alkali ions, relative to the crude phthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A heterogeneous process for preparing a vanadium-phosphorus-oxygen containing catalyst for use in the preparation of carboxylic anhydrides is disclosed. This process employs an activation procedure in an air-hydrocarbon atmosphere.

Abstract: A thermal process for the decarboxylation and dehydration of aromatic acid residue to convert such residue to grindable form and recover the solvent of reaction therefrom.

Abstract: A system for producing phthalic anhydride by the catalytic oxidation of naphthalene, wherein the system is characterized by reduced capital and operating costs due to lower operating pressures.

Abstract: A system for producing phthalic anhydride by the catalytic oxidation of naphthalene, wherein without creating a significant pressure drop in the system substantially all of the catalyst particles are removed from the product stream before the product stream is sent to a battery of switch condensers for recovery of the phthalic anhydride.

Abstract: A process is provided for the continuous separation of slightly volatile components from a crude phthalic acid anhydride wherein a portion of the crude phthalic acid anhydride is compressed and heated before being reintroduced into a flash evaporator.