Abstract: Ether and acetal carboxylates useful as detergent builders to replace sodium tripolyphosphate (STP) in detergent formulations are known to the art. According to the present invention, new and novel polymeric acetal carboxylates are provided which are stable under laundry use conditions, but depolymerize in acid media, making the polymer fragments more readily biodegradable in waste streams.

Abstract: Alkyl perfluoro-.omega.-fluoroformyl esters are provided which have the formula: ##STR1## wherein R is alkyl of 1-6 carbon atoms, and n is 0-6 (preferably 0). Compounds where n is 0 are prepared by contacting SO.sub.3 with a compound of the formula ROOC--CF.sub.2 --CF.sub.2 --OR.sup.1. Compounds where n is 1-6 are prepared by contacting a compound where n is 0 with hexafluoropropylene oxide.

Abstract: Organic compounds having a substituent represented by the formula ##STR1## wherein M is alkali metal or ammonium are useful complexing agents for metal and/or alkaline earth metal ions.

Abstract: An apparatus and process useful in direct fluorination of a variety of compositions, as well as the fluorinated compositions themselves. The apparatus comprises a cryogenic zone reactor, such as a packed column reactor, divided into a plurality of independently controllable cryogenic temperature zones. Means are also provided to introduce a reactant to be fluorinated as well as to introduce a mixture of fluorine gas and an inert gas. The direct fluorination process is carried out in the reactor as described above. At least the first zone of the reactor is chilled to a temperature below the freezing point of the reactant to be fluorinated. The reactant is then introduced into the reactor wherein it condenses upon a suitably provided fluorination surface, such as copper column packings. A mixture of fluorine gas and an inert gas, with the fluorine gas initially comprising a very small percentage of the mixture, but gradually increasing as fluorination proceeds, is then introduced into the reactor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for producing perfluoroether oligomers having terminal carboxylic acid groups. In this method, a polyether, such as polyethylene oxide, having a molecular weight higher than the product to be produced is fluorinated in a direct fluorination apparatus. The polyether is fragmented during fluorination and significant yields of the desired oligomer are obtained.