Abstract: The present invention provides improved process for the sulfonation of hydroxyaromatics amenable to direct isolation of the sulfonylated hydroxyaromatics in their free-acid forms. The process allows for the recyclization of sulfuric acid and minimizes waste. The starting materials are from a renewal resource, e.g., biomass, and contain detectable 14C up to a 14C content of 0.0000000001% (one part per trillion). The products made include sulfonated catechol, disulfonated pyrogallol and sulfonated protocatechuic acid.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved process for the sulfonation of hydroxyaromatics amenable to direct isolation of the sulfonylated hydroxyaromatics in their free-acid forms. The process allows for the recyclization of sulfuric acid and minimizes waste. The starting materials are from a renewal resource, e.g., biomass, and contain detectable 14C up to a 14C content of 0.0000000001% (one part per trillion). The products made include sulfonated catechol, disulfonated pyrogallol and sulfonated protocatechuic acid.

Abstract: The present invention is a process for producing aryl-alkanes by paraffin isomerization followed by paraffin dehydrogenation and then by alkylation of an aryl compound by a lightly branched olefin. The effluent of the alkylation zone comprises paraffins that are recycled to the isomerization step or to the dehydrogenation step. This invention is also a process that that sulfonates phenyl-alkanes having lightly branched aliphatic alkyl groups that to produce modified alkylbenzene sulfonates. In addition, this invention is the compositions produced by these processes, which can be used as detergents having improved cleaning effectiveness in hard and/or cold water while also having biodegradability comparable to that of linear alkylbenzene sulfonates, as lubricants, and as lubricant additives. This invention is moreover the use of compositions produced by these processes as lubricants and lubricant additives.

Abstract: An improved process for sulphonation of organic compounds, notably hydroxybenzene and alkylbenzene compounds, comprises reacting them with sulphuric acid or oleum in the presence of an organic solvent, notably an n-alkane or a cycloalkane. Also described is a method of extracting an alkylbenzene sulphonic compound from a sulphonation reaction mixture, using an alkylbenzene extractant of lower molecular weight, for example cumene. Some of the alkylbenzene sulphonic compounds are novel.

Abstract: A process is provided for preparing specific polycarboxylic acids by oxidative cleavage of double-bond compounds with hydrogen peroxide or hydrogen peroxide donors. The polycarboxylic acids thus obtained are notable for excellent acid stability, and consequently ease of handling in aqueous solution and are useful for treating cellulosic fibers or textile or paper materials produced therefrom.

Abstract: An arrangement for a fluid distributor-contactor type reactor uses perforated plates to circulate two reactants in alternate channels defined by spaces between parallel stacked plates to perform controlled distribution and mixing simultaneously with optional indirect heat transfer. One reactant enters one set of channels that serve as reaction channels. A set of second channels interleaved with the reaction channels serve as distribution channels that also provide a heat exchange function. Finely dispersed openings in the perforated plates distribute the reactant at low concentration from the distribution channels into the reaction channels. Dispersal of the reactant through the perforations will enhance the turbulence that is primarily introduced by the corrugated plates to insure good mixing of the reactants in the reaction channels.

Abstract: A fluorided silica-alumina catalyst, particularly one with a silica:alumina ratio in the range of 1:1-9:1 containing from 1 to 6 weight percent fluoride, is particularly effective in the liquid phase alkylation of benzene by linear olefins to produce linear alkyl benzenes at temperatures no greater than 140.degree. C. These catalysts also are effective in the liquid phase alkylation of alkylatable aromatics generally with a variety of alkylating agents, including olefins, alcohols, and alkyl halides.

Abstract: Silica-aluminas having a sodium content less than about 0.1 weight percent show increased stability when used as a catalyst for the alkylation of aromatic compounds. Where such silica-aluminas are used as the catalyst in detergent alkylation their increased stability permits continuous alkylation to be performed at lower temperatures, as a result of which the detergent alkylate product shows an incrementally higher linearity. Fluorided silica-aluminas having a sodium content of under 0.05 weight percent are particularly advantageous.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel processes for the production of enhanced yields of polyalkylaromatic polysulfonic acids. More particularly, the invention pertains to processes for sulfonating polyalkylaromatic compounds employing sulfuric acid treatment and recovering the polyalkylaromatic polysulfonic acid produced thereby after formation of a three phase system by the addition of controlled amounts of water, causing the polysulfonic acid to accumulate in the bottom layer, with which it is readily separated.